CCRG's David McGiffin explains mitochondrial transplant and improving the function of donor hearts

CCRG's Professor David McGiffin has been awarded one of 15 Biomedical Vanguard Research Grants from the #HeartFoundation to further our research into mitochondrial transplantation to improve donor heart function. A sincere thank you to the Heart Foundation and their generous donors for supporting this research. Heart transplantation is a life-saving treatment for end-stage heart failure, but due to shortage of donor hearts, many patients die waiting for a transplant. Currently, donor hearts are preserved by static cold storage (ice slush), which causes additional cardiac damage, and increases the risk of post-transplant graft failure. For this, researchers are exploring approaches to protect and restore the function of donor hearts. The mitochondrion is the energy powerhouse of the cell, and recent studies have shown that ischemia can cause mitochondrial damage which can impair post-transplant heart function. Thus, replenishing the myocardium with healthy mitochondria could improve heart function. In this study, we propose to introduce mitochondrial transplantation immediately before will generate proof-of-concept evidence to demonstrate the potential of mitochondrial transplantation to improve donor heart function, ultimately saving more lives. transplanting hearts to recipients, in order to enhance heart function and reduce graft failure. The study will generate proof-of-concept evidence to demonstrate the potential of mitochondrial transplantation to improve donor heart function, ultimately saving more lives. "This project involves the application of some very unique biology to help us better understand ways to reduce or prevent mitochondrial damage during heart transplantation. I can assure you that when we step into the CCRG laboratories to test these new techniques, it is likely that we will be able to demonstrate the efficacy of #MitochondrialTransplantation. "I know that these grants don’t just happen, that underpinning this funding are very generous donors. So, on behalf of the entire CCRG team, I want to thank you so much for your support, when we step into the labs you have my word that we will do our very very best to deserve the donations that you have been so so generous with," said Prof McGiffin. Established in 2004, the #CriticalCareResearchGroup is a world leader in critical care research and biomedical engineering, developing technologies that improve outcomes for critically ill patients. With a highly-skilled team of international researchers and a collaborative approach to medical advancements, our aim is to increase understanding of the many issues that face critically ill patients and find new or improved treatment methods for hard-to-treat diseases. This research aims to increase survival rates and improve the quality of life for patients with life-threatening conditions. Discover more ccrg.org.au. #ResearchSavesLives