PhD Confirmation of Candidature, Paris Papagianis, 8 February: "Human Amnion Epithelial Cells Therapy for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia"

All staff and students are invited to Paris Papagianis' Confirmation of Candidature on 8 February at 10.30am, TRF seminar room 1.

Synopsis: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a potentially fatal chronic lung disease that represents the principal cause of morbidity in infants born before 28 weeks of gestation. Survivors of BPD suffer higher-than-normal rates of chronic respiratory illness and adverse neurological outcomes. Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) show promise in mitigating the pathological processes associated with BPD development. Long-term mechanical ventilation of preterm lambs causes lung injury and alterations in lung development consistent with the pathology of BPD. The only preclinical intensive care research unit in the southern hemisphere was recently established for long-term care of preterm lambs, which allows us to manage lambs for a period of weeks, in a way that mimics human neonatal care. We are now in a unique position to perform definitive preclinical studies required to demonstrate efficacy of hAECs to treat and prevent BPD, and to inform design of future RCTs.

Supervisors: Ass/Prof Tim Moss, Prof Jane Pillow, Dr. Graeme Polglase 

SAC/Panel chair: Prof Michael Hickey

Two independent assessors: Megan Wallace, Flora Wong

ALL WELCOME