The Role Of The Mammalian Grainyhead-like Gene Family In Neural Tube Closure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,541.00
Summary
Failure of the skin to close over the brain and spinal cord during human development results in the devastating congenital birth defects anencephaly and spina bifida, known collectively as the neural tube defects. These are the second most common congenital birth defects affecting 1:1000 pregnancies. Anencephaly is not compatible with life and affected babies die at birth. In contrast children with spina bifida survive, but suffer from limb paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, learning diff ....Failure of the skin to close over the brain and spinal cord during human development results in the devastating congenital birth defects anencephaly and spina bifida, known collectively as the neural tube defects. These are the second most common congenital birth defects affecting 1:1000 pregnancies. Anencephaly is not compatible with life and affected babies die at birth. In contrast children with spina bifida survive, but suffer from limb paralysis, bowel and bladder dysfunction, learning difficulties and psycho-social disturbances. Our laboratories have identified a family of genes essential for the colsure of the neural tube in mammals. The aim of this proposal is to understand the mechanisms of action with a view to developing new therapeutics that mey be used preventatively in these conditions. We also hope that these studies may facilitate the development of a genetic test to screen couples at risk.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Biology Of Pregnancy To Prevent Morbidity And Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,746.00
Summary
Progress in the care of the unborn baby, and thus optimisation of life-long health, will only come with a greater understanding of the fundamental processes that underlie pregnancy. My research is aimed at saving babies lives and reducing the long-term burdens (health, emotional and economic) of major perinatal conditions. I am uniquely placed to carry out this research, using the research tools I have developed to deliver real outcomes that will change clinical practice
I am a developmental lung physiologist who specialises in understanding the factors regulating normal and abnormal lung development as well as the physiological transformation of the lung into an efficient gas-exchange organ at birth.
Birth is one of the greatest physiological challenges that we will ever experience and so it is not surprising that it is a period of high risk of death. Despite the risk, our understanding of how infants transition from fetal to newborn life is limited. My research is focused on improving our understanding of how infants make the transition at birth so that we can reduce the risks for these most vulnerable of humans. In particular, I want to improve outcomes for infants born very premature.
Improving The Neonatal Transition In Infants With A Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,644.00
Summary
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a common congenital abnormality and occurs when the diaphragm fails to separate the abdominal and thoracic compartments before birth. This prevents the lung from growing properly and so at birth, the lung is unable to take over the role of gas exchange without considerable assistance. As a result, these infants are at high risk of death or significant disability and this application is focused on improving care and reducing morbidity in these infants.
Facilitating The Increase In Pulmonary Blood Flow At Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,729.00
Summary
Pulmonary hypertension in newborn infants is a significant problem that is very difficult to treat because we do not understand how blood flow through the lungs increases at birth. We have recently shown that currently believed mechanisms controlling blood flow at birth are incorrect and additional factors exist. Our experiments will determine factors that affect blood flow through the lungs at birth. This information will be used to improve the care of newborns with pulmonary hypertension.
Carbon Dioxide As A Treatment For Seizures In The Newborn
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,389.00
Summary
This study aims to introduce a simple and effective treatment to prevent brain damage from seizures in babies using CO2. Neonatal seizures remain a major clinical problem worldwide and are associated with poor brain outcomes and significant risk of death. Recent trials in human adult epileptics show rapid and effective seizure suppression following the use of CO2. This therapy will significantly impact long-term outcomes for affected babies and reduce the burden of care for families and society.
An Integrated Approach To Inotropic Support In Preterm Neonates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,449.00
Summary
Poor cardiovascular function in preterm babies can lead to inadequate blood flow to the brain and brain injury. Current treatments to improve heart function are often ineffective. This study will examine the effects of treatment on different parts of the cardiovascular system, and how these effects interact. It will identify reasons for the lack of effectiveness and provide insight which will help to design better treatments for preterm babies.
Improving The Fetal To Neonatal Transition In Compromised Newborns; Towards Better Outcomes For Babies Born Too Soon Or With Under-developed Lungs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The birth of a compromised infant affects 13 million pregnancies worldwide annually and is the greatest cause of neonatal death, disability and chronic disease. I will identify mechanisms to greatly improve the fetal to neonatal transition in premature babies and babies with under-developed lungs. This research is urgently required to provide the necessary evidence to target interventions in the delivery room to reduce the short- and long-term burden of disease in compromised newborns.
Optimising Non-invasive Ventilation At Birth For Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,912.00
Summary
Infants born very premature require respiratory support at birth to make the transition to newborn life. As these infants are very immature and prone to injury, modern respiratory care strategies utilise the least invasive approaches mainly applied using a facemask. However, we have discovered that the larynx is closed at birth and thereby prevents air from entering the lung. This application is focussed on optimising the efficiency of facemask ventilation at birth and stimulating breathing.