Primary Cardiac Hypertrophy - A Functional Genetic Approach To Investigate Cellular Mechanisms Of Metabolic Remodelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,692.00
Summary
Population studies have recently shown that enlargement of the heart, even when blood pressure is normal, is a risk factor which can lead to cardiovascular complications. Very little is known about the alterations in heart cell structure and function which occur in cardiac enlargement not complicated by high blood pressure. It is possible that specific metabolic abnormalities underlie this condition. The goal of this study is to use a newly developed genetically manipulated experimental animal m ....Population studies have recently shown that enlargement of the heart, even when blood pressure is normal, is a risk factor which can lead to cardiovascular complications. Very little is known about the alterations in heart cell structure and function which occur in cardiac enlargement not complicated by high blood pressure. It is possible that specific metabolic abnormalities underlie this condition. The goal of this study is to use a newly developed genetically manipulated experimental animal model to study the function of single heart cells. In this model one of the glucose transporters has been deleted. Our goal is to compare heart function in this genetic model with heart function in diabetes. Cells are isolated from hearts using enzyme treatments and investigated microscopically to determine if there are subcellular structural alterations. Functional studies are performed on individual viable cells using a combination of electrical recording techniques and fluorescence imaging methods. The experimental aim is to assess whether there is disruption of sodium, calcium or pH regulation associated with cardiac enlargement associated with metabolic abnormalities. This research will assist in identifying appropriate therapeutic strategies for intervention in the treatment or prevention of conditions associated with cardiac enlargement.Read moreRead less
Novel Fluorogenic Probes For The Selective Detection Of Pathogenic Bacteria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,489.00
Summary
Current methods for the detection of multi-resistant organisms either require expensive instrumentation and expert analysts or are simple, but require 24-48 hours for bacterial identification. The ideal surveillance method would be cost effective, rapid, reliable, and simple to perform. This project aims to prepare a range of fluorescent substrates for incorporation into growth media which will then be evaluated for the specific identification of individual multi-resistant organisms, e.g. MRSA.