Laboratory
Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease
I’m someone that has always had a desire to learn more about how the world works and to use that knowledge to help people, unconditionally. I’m currently broadening my knowledge in many different areas of medical and molecular research to aid in my future goal of multi-cellular regeneration. My current project aims to evaluate if cord blood derived-methylation biomarkers can detect organ dysfunction that may have been reprogrammed by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
This project builds on methylation signatures previously identified from cord blood samples that were collected during the landmark ‘Hyperglycaemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome’ (HAPO) study. Though ambitious, this work will attempt to simulate the late-stage GDM glycaemic and immune response conditions in human pancreatic and renal epithelial cells and profile the relative methylation and expression patterns of the signatures.
If successful and validated in subsequent follow up studies, these markers could provide clinicians both a superior tool to identify those at risk and to create action plans to prevent disease progression. Whilst there is still more to learn, this project gave me a richer understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms that underpin both metabolic and developmental disorders.
Achievements
- RMIT Travel Scholarship (2019)
