Project 1. Should we worry about prion associated heart disease?
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Head of Laboratory
Associate Professor Vicki Lawson+61 3 8344 4049
Project Details
Case reports have described prion associated cardiomyopathy and case control studies support the premise that heart disease is both a cause and consequence of prion disease. These clinical observations are supported by our preliminary observations in mouse models of prion disease. In this study we will establish whether we should worry about prion associated heart disease by modelling the risk of prion disease transmission from prion affected hearts and establishing the relationship between prion infection, enlarged hearts and clinical signs of heart disease.
Researchers
Connor Daymond, Research Project Student
Laura Ellett, PhD Student
Natalia Fortunado de Miranda, PhD Student
Yong Koo, MBiomed
Shana Portelli, PhD Student
Collaborators
Professor David Finkelstein, Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne
Professor John Furness, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne
Dr Julie McAuley, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne
Research Opportunities
This research project is available to Honours students to join as part of their thesis.
Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.