Plenary: Paul Korner Awardee Lecture, Prof Brian Morris, University of Sydney, Kuakini Medical Center (Honolulu) and University of Hawaii
| Wednesday, November 27, 2024 |
| 5:05 PM - 5:25 PM |
| Blackwattle Bay Room 1 & 2, Level R |
Overview
Paul Korner Senior Scientist Award Lecture
Speaker
Professor Emeritus Brian Morris
Scientist
University of Sydney + Kuakini Medical Center (Honolulu) + University of Hawaii
Paul Korner Senior Scientist Award Lecture
Abstract:
Background and Aim: To provide a brief overview of my research in the hypertension field that led to this award.
Methods: Key research advances by the presenter and his team relevant to hypertension were summarized briefly.
Results: My research began 53 years ago with the discovery of prorenin. During my PhD, I demonstrated angiotensinogen in the kidney, so providing the first real evidence for the existence of an intrarenal renin-angiotensin system. After postdoctoral studies in the US, I started my own Lab at University of Sydney in 1978. Here, my team and I then elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of renin. Using the new recombinant DNA technology, we isolated mouse renin cDNA and used it as a probe to isolate and sequence mouse and human renin genes. We then elucidated key mechanisms of transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of renin expression. In the mid-1980s we conducted the first molecular genetic studies in the hypertension field. Numerous candidate gene and genome-wide association studies followed. Success was enhanced by using subjects having parents of similar blood pressure status to boost biological power. Insights into interpretation of data such as “survivor bias” (my term) also helped arrive at accurate conclusions. Early genome-wide linkage studies were also performed to identify hypertension genes. My team conducted transcriptome-wide studies, identifying mRNAs that differ in expression in rodent models and human hypertension. Differential expression of microRNAs in human kidneys led to the identification of a microRNA (miR-181a) that downregulates human renin mRNA. In a mouse model of neurogenic hypertension sympathetically mediated reduction in miR-181a was found to be responsible for elevation in renin and thereby blood pressure. These novel findings may have relevance to the contribution of an intrarenal renin-angiotensin system to hypertension. In my “retirement” I became involved in studies of the Honolulu Heart Program cohort’s 60-year longitudinal follow-up study to identify genes for longevity. Recently, this has led to discovery of genes with “resilience” variants that protect against the adverse effect of hypertension on lifespan. As a result, individuals with these variants live as long as normotensive individuals.
Conclusions: I sincerely thank Hypertension Australia for this award.
Methods: Key research advances by the presenter and his team relevant to hypertension were summarized briefly.
Results: My research began 53 years ago with the discovery of prorenin. During my PhD, I demonstrated angiotensinogen in the kidney, so providing the first real evidence for the existence of an intrarenal renin-angiotensin system. After postdoctoral studies in the US, I started my own Lab at University of Sydney in 1978. Here, my team and I then elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of renin. Using the new recombinant DNA technology, we isolated mouse renin cDNA and used it as a probe to isolate and sequence mouse and human renin genes. We then elucidated key mechanisms of transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of renin expression. In the mid-1980s we conducted the first molecular genetic studies in the hypertension field. Numerous candidate gene and genome-wide association studies followed. Success was enhanced by using subjects having parents of similar blood pressure status to boost biological power. Insights into interpretation of data such as “survivor bias” (my term) also helped arrive at accurate conclusions. Early genome-wide linkage studies were also performed to identify hypertension genes. My team conducted transcriptome-wide studies, identifying mRNAs that differ in expression in rodent models and human hypertension. Differential expression of microRNAs in human kidneys led to the identification of a microRNA (miR-181a) that downregulates human renin mRNA. In a mouse model of neurogenic hypertension sympathetically mediated reduction in miR-181a was found to be responsible for elevation in renin and thereby blood pressure. These novel findings may have relevance to the contribution of an intrarenal renin-angiotensin system to hypertension. In my “retirement” I became involved in studies of the Honolulu Heart Program cohort’s 60-year longitudinal follow-up study to identify genes for longevity. Recently, this has led to discovery of genes with “resilience” variants that protect against the adverse effect of hypertension on lifespan. As a result, individuals with these variants live as long as normotensive individuals.
Conclusions: I sincerely thank Hypertension Australia for this award.
Biography
Professor Brian Morris, Professor Emeritus at the University of Sydney, has been a leading figure in hypertension research for forty-six years. He graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1972 and earned his PhD from Monash University at Prince Henry’s Hospital. Following postdoctoral studies in the USA as a C.J. Matin Fellow, Brian established his own laboratory at the University of Sydney in 1978, where he has conducted groundbreaking research ever since.
In 1993, Brian was awarded a Doctor of Science by the University of Sydney in recognition of his significant contributions to the field. His pioneering research in hypertension, which began in 1970, has been supported by numerous prestigious grants from the NHMRC, ARC, the Heart Foundation, and more recently, an NIH Centre of Excellence Grant.
Brian’s exemplary contributions to cardiovascular science have been widely recognised. In 2014, he received the Irvine Page Alva Bradley Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Heart Association’s Council on Hypertension. Four years later, he was honored as a Member of the Order of Australia for his outstanding research and impact on hypertension.
With over 450 publications to his name, Brian has been a constant presence at scientific meetings, where he has shared his insights and findings. His dedication to the field extends beyond his research; he has also served the High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia on its Executive Committee for three consecutive six-year terms.
Brian Morris’s career stands as a testament to his commitment to advancing our understanding of hypertension and improving cardiovascular health.
