Every 24-36 hours in the UK a child is born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. This condition is almost as common as cystic fibrosis. Many of these babies die due to inadequate lung growth before birth. Edwin Jesudason is investigating how to improve lung growth before birth by exploiting novel features of pulmonary development.
“We’ve shown that rhythmic contractions of the muscle surrounding fetal airways helps guide normal lung development,” explains Mr Jesudason. “Using medicines to manipulate this activity in culture systems, we aim ultimately to rescue lung growth before birth for affected babies.”
The Foundation supports the National Clinician Scientist Scheme which provides flexibility for talented doctors to combine the best available clinical and research training here and abroad. Mr Jesudason plans to work in paediatric surgical centres in North America and Europe before securing a senior academic surgical post in the UK.
“This fellowship has placed me in a superb position to combine both clinical surgery and cutting-edge research. Such opportunities aren’t otherwise readily available,” says Mr Jesudason. “The fellowship is enabling me to develop as an independent investigator with new collaborative and supervisory roles. Moreover, the award has stimulated the whole department. We have attracted funding for more research fellows and developed valuable partnerships with other laboratories.”
Edwin is one of our Leadership Fellows. As part of this prestigious scheme, Edwin will receive intensive one to one coaching sessions and support through learning sets and masterclasses to enable him to maximise his leadership potential.
03 November 2003