Research summary
Prof. Kovacic is among the world’s leading authorities on PHACTR1, with his studies demonstrating the key role of this gene in multiple vascular diseases including fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Due to its profound complexity, prior research efforts have struggled to understand this critical gene. In response, Prof. Kovacic has set about to systematically understand PHACTR1 and wishes to establish a cutting-edge program of research in NSW to finally understand its causative mechanisms. He has created unique mouse models where the entire PHACTR1 gene is deleted. Partnering with an Australian company (Ozgene), this important resource is now validated ready for immediate transfer to NSW and the VCCRI to facilitate these studies.
What does the research aim to do and how?
There is an acute need for novel molecular & genetic insights about CAD and other vascular disorders. It is expected this proposal will provide important and novel insights on this critical gene and its vascular disease pathogenesis, and provide additional opportunities to translate these findings into a large animal model and develop new clinical therapeutics.
Published: 23 March 2020.