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Dr Sharon J Flecknoe
Research Officer
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BSc (Biomedical) (Hons) Monash 1998
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PhD Monash
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| Email: |
sharon.flecknoe@med.monash.edu.au |
| Phone: |
+61 3 9905 9564 |
| Fax: |
+61 3 9905 2547 |
| Mail: |
Department of Physiology |
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Building 13f |
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Monash University |
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Victoria 3800 |
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Australia |
Research Interests and Expertise
Fetal Lung Development and Preterm Birth
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Up to 10% of babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation). Many of these babies have difficulty breathing because their lungs are not sufficiently mature. Dr Flecknoe’s research focuses on identifying mechanisms that regulate lung maturation (in particular, alveolar epithelial cell differentiation) during fetal life and after adverse fetal/neonatal events.
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Alveolar epithelial cell differentiation
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| Efficient lung function after birth is dependent on the presence of type-I and type-II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), however, many preterm babies are born before these cells have matured. Type-I AECs provide a narrow barrier for gas exchange whereas type-II AECs produce pulmonary surfactant which prevents the lung from collapsing after breathing out. Dr Flecknoe’s research focuses on the factors which regulate AEC development in an attempt to identify how maturation of these cells can be accelerated. |
Ventilation-induced lung injury
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| Owing to the immature nature of preterm lungs, many preterm infants have difficulty breathing and must be mechanically ventilated to keep them alive. However, mechanical ventilation can injure the lung and result in long term respiratory complications. Dr Flecknoe works as part of a larger group to identify factors associated with ventilation-induced lung injury and the resulting airway and alveolar epithelial cell damage. |
Research Funding
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Dr Flecknoe is a Principal Investigator on an NHMRC Program Grant
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Current Research Grants
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| 2006-2010 |
Novel strategies for improving respiratory support and outcomes for very preterm babies |
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Harding, Morley, Hooper, Davis and Cole |
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National Health and Medical Research Council |
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$8.3 million |
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