March of Dimes funded Research in Indiana
04-Feb-08 |
Below is a listing of researchers in Indiana who are receiving research grants from the March of Dimes Foundation as part of its national research program.
Kathleen Elizabeth Bethin, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Indiana University
702 Barnhill Dr.
Riley Hospital, RI 5960
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Title: Genetic Analysis of Normal and Abnormal Labor
Purpose: To identify genes that play a role in initiating labor at term, in order to begin to understand which of these genes may function abnormally and contribute to preterm labor. About 12 percent of all babies in this country are born prematurely, putting them at increased risk of death and lasting disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and mental retardation.
Goal: Develop drug treatments that are more effective at preventing or delaying preterm labor than currently available medications, which generally delay birth for no more than a few days.
Rebecca J. Chan, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Scientist
Department of Pediatrics
Dept. of Medical & Molecular Genetics
Indiana University School of Medicine
Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric
1044 W. Walnut Street, Room 408
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Title: A Shp-2 Mutation in Mice Causing Hematologic Abnormalities Similar to Noonan Syndrome Patients
Purpose: To learn how a gene mutation that appears to play a role in Noonan syndrome may cause the blood abnormalities associated with the condition. Noonan syndrome occurs in about one in 2,000 births, and variably includes blood abnormalities such as newborn leukemia, as well as heart defects and facial abnormalities, mental retardation and other problems.
Goal: Develop drug treatment for newborn leukemia and other aspects of Noonan syndrome.
Xin Zhang, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Medical and Molecular
Indiana University School of Medicine
975 W. Walnut St., IB 244
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Title: The Role of Glycoprotein Synthetic Gene NDST1 in Lens Development
Purpose: To study the role of a gene (NDS1) in development of the lens of the eye, and learn how abnormalities in this gene can cause congenital cataracts (clouding of the lens) and underdeveloped or absent lenses.
Goal: Develop therapies to prevent loss of vision and blindness in newborns. |
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