Leading research receives facilities upgrade
USQ's internationally renowned research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is set to expand following an upgrade to research facilities at the Toowoomba campus.
The University's Muscle Research Lab in C Block recently received a $100,000 upgrade, funded from the Faculty of Sciences and internal research monies.
USQ researcher and world-leading expert in DMD, Associate Professor Andrew Hoey, said the upgrade allows for dedicated space for specialist equipment.
"The research lab includes equipment for measuring the heart and muscles involved with breathing, posture and movement, measurements on heart and muscle cells and experiments to measure the functions of genes and the proteins they produce," Associate Professor Hoey said.
"This expansion caters for the growth of the research team, which has occurred over the last few years as a result of receiving several large international research grants."
Associate Professor Hoey said the team is currently exploring three main areas of research.
"The team is looking at the mechanisms that regulates the amount of calcium in heart cells as this controls the strength of the heart, but if too high can cause damage to heart cells," Associate Professor Hoey said.
"Secondly, we are testing new drugs that prevent scar tissue forming in the heart as this scarring causes rhythm disturbances and impaired contractility of the heart.
"Finally, we are investigating the changes in skeletal muscles and seeking to develop new treatment to improve muscle strength," he said.
DMD is a debilitating and fatal disease which affects one male child in 3500. It is present in all cultures and races, and because the DMD gene is found on the X chromosome, the disorder only affects boys.
"Boys with DMD typically have a progressive loss of muscle function which affects all muscles of the body. Those most affected include the diaphragm, which is required for breathing, and those involved in walking and maintaining an upright position," Associate Professor Hoey said.
"The boys are often confined to a wheelchair before their teenage years and most die in their late teens or early twenties. The heart, also a muscle, becomes more severely affected later in life. The primary causes of death are respiratory failure and heart failure."
Construction of the upgrade commenced at the end of March and has taken two months to complete. Finishing touches have been added to the laboratory and use commenced this week.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Associate Professor Andrew Hoey and Faculty of Sciences Manager, Harry Spencer, will show Dean of Sciences, Professor Bill MacGillivary the facilities (C206) for the first time on Thursday, 29 June from 1.30pm – 2pm.
Media Contact: Fiona Taylor, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4117 or +61 423 808 462
Alternative contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092