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This project aims to assess the contributions
of genes and environment to female pelvic organ prolapse and stress
incontinence of urine. A comparison of mono- and dizygotic twins is thought
to be the most suitable method to investigate heritability. It is therefore
intended to perform phenotype assessment on nulliparous female twins. Once
heritability of this trait has been demonstrated and quantified, linkage
studies will be required to determine candidate genes. A genomic screen (ABI Prism Linkage Mapping Set Version 2 (PE Applied Biosystems) with 400 markers at ~10 cM
coverage) has been performed on these twins and is available for future
linkage analysis at QIMR. In the medium term such work should result in the
identification of target genes and polymorphisms/ mutation in these genes
that would confer a heightened risk for the development of the phenotypic
abnormality. Accurate risk assessment should hopefully lead to better
targeting of preventative measures and better obstetric management, reducing
the significant morbidity and healthcare costs arising from pelvic organ
prolapse and incontinence. The Twin Adolescent (TA) Study is investigating
the "Genetics of Laterality, Health and Wellbeing, Personality, Smell
Sensitivity, Taste Sensitivity and Reading".
Professor Nick Martin, QIMR
Dr Hans Peter Dietz, MD (Heidelberg), FRANZCOG, DDU
Urogynaecology/ Research Fellow, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick NSW
Collaborators
Prof. S.K. Khoo,
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Extensive experience in the supervision of clinical research in Gynaecology.
Barton Clarke M.MSc.(Urogyn) FRCSE, FRACS,
FRCOG, FRANZCOG
Director of Urogynaecology Royal Women's Hospital,
Herston QLD
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