I am an epidemiologist using high quality data collections and novel methods to generate new knowledge that will help reduce the impact or prevalence of birth defects and related disability.
Nigel G Laing, NH&MRC Principal Research Fellowship: Neurogenetics – Gene Discovery, Pathobiology, Novel Therapeutics, Novel Diagnostics And Translation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$880,454.00
Summary
My Fellowship will expand my work identifying diseases genes for genetic muscle and nerve diseases by using new technologies that allow discovery of human disease genes which could not be found before. In addition, since we now have proof from mouse studies that heart actin is a target for therapy for the group of diseases that we discovered caused by mutations in the muscle actin protein, we shall take further steps towards making this therapy a reality for patients.
There are new genetic technologies on the horizon that will influence decision-making about testing in pregnancy for fetal abnormality and also create a greater need for communication of important genetic information in families. Two areas of my research will focus on these issues. I will also examine how the interaction between genes and the environment during pregnancy, specifically in relation to alcohol use and assisted reproduction, impacts on offspring health and development
Developmental Programming: Mechanisms And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,501.00
Summary
Disturbances during pregnancy can impact on developmental processes and result in increased risk of disease in later life. This project will examine the impact of perturbations such as maternal stress or alcohol consumption on the development of the placenta and fetal kidney. By gaining an understanding of how these organs are affected by prenatal insults, we are likely to be able to develop more effective intervention strategies to ensure all babies receive a healthy start to life.
Associate Professor Kate Denton is an internationally recognised cardiovascular researcher. A focus of Dr Denton’s research is to find out why women do not respond to current treatments as well as men, and how factors in pregnancy (nutrition, stress, alcohol) drive the development of cardiovascular disease in offspring. Dr Denton is also leading research to understand why a new high blood pressure treatment (blocking nerves to the kidney) is proving more effective than expected.
Prof Trevor Mori has held an NH&MRC Research Fellowship during 2008-2012. This grant will enable him to continue his research program into 2013-2017. Prof Mori is a biomedical research scientist. His research examines the role of diet and lifestyle on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. He also leads the cardiometabolic team examining risk factors in the Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Study.