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Professor Henrik Kjærulf Jensen from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital has received DKK 2.5 million for a project to study the causes of cardiac arrest and unexpected death in children and adolescents. The researchers will examine the hearts of zebra fish embryos using advanced genetic technology.
2021.01.28 |
Professor Henrik Kjærulf Jensen has received a grant of DKK 2.5 million. Photo: Tommy Foghmar
A 4-6 cm long aquarium fish can help researchers explain the genetic causes of cardiac arrest and sudden unexpected heart failure in children and young patients.
Professor and Consultant Henrik Kjærulf Jensen has received a grant of DKK 2.5 million from Novo Nordisk Foundation. Among other things, the money will finance the appointment of specialised staff and facilities for the zebra fish used in the research.
The researchers hypothesise that unknown genes may explain cardiac arrest in children and adolescents who suffer from Short-QT Syndrome (SQTS) – a hereditary heart disease, which can cause fainting, ventricular fibrillation or, in the worst case, sudden cardiac arrest.
The grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation gives the researchers the opportunity to examine the hearts of zebra fish embryos using CRISPR technology – a technique that allows researchers to cut, replace and add genes. It is hoped that the project will provide new insight into the mechanisms behind heart disease as well as new treatment options.
Professor and consultant Henrik Kjærulf Jensen
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and
Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Cardiology
Mobile no.: (+45) 4058 3417
Email: hkjensen@clin.au.dk