Professor Karen Moritz
Professor

Karen Moritz

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 65305

Background

Prof Karen Moritz is internationally renowned for her work in understanding how early life perturbations contribute to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular, renal and metabolic disease in adulthood. Over the last 5-7 years, her research has focused on determining how prenatal alcohol can result in “developmental programming” of disease. Her research has identified critical windows of susceptibility to alcohol, including the period around conception and prior to implantation. In addition, her work has identified the placenta as playing a key role in the sex-specific offspring outcomes following maternal perturbations. Her research spans both preclinical and clinical domains, highlighted by her appointment as the Director of the Child Health Research Centre in 2016.

Current projects are:

  • Periconceptional alcohol exposure: Programming long-term health in offspring (with Dr Lisa Akison and Dr James Cuffe)

  • Emerging therapies for diabetes and complications: Effects on metabolic, cardiovascular and renal function (with Dr Linda Gallo)

  • Effect of prenatal insults on the developing placenta (with Dr Marloes Nitert Dekker, Prof Vicki Clifton [Mater], Dr David Simmons and Dr James Cuffe)

  • Effect of prenatal insults on the developing kidney and implications for adult disease (with Dr Peter Trnka [QLD Children's Hospital])

  • Impact of maternal cannabis and alcohol around conception on development and long-term health of offspring (with Dr David Simmons and Dr Lisa Akison)

Prof Moritz maintains a strong commitment to teaching of students, including lectures and research student supervision in undergraduate programs, supervision of Honours students and supervision of higher degree research students.

Availability

Professor Karen Moritz is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Clinical sciences Zoology

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Melbourne

Search Professor Karen Moritz’s works on UQ eSpace

360 works between 1990 and 2025
All (360) Journal Article (253) Book Chapter (5) Conference Publication (99) Book (1) Other Outputs (2)

321 - 340 of 360 works

2002

Journal Article

Fetal Uninephrectomy Leads to Postnatal Hypertension and Compromised Renal Function

Moritz, Karen M., Wintour, E. Marelyn and Dodic, Miodrag (2002). Fetal Uninephrectomy Leads to Postnatal Hypertension and Compromised Renal Function. Hypertension, 39 (6), 1071-1076. doi: 10.1161/01.HYP.0000019131.77075.54

Fetal Uninephrectomy Leads to Postnatal Hypertension and Compromised Renal Function

2002

Journal Article

Effect of early glucocorticoid treatment on MR and GR in late gestation ovine kidney

Hantzis, Vicky, Albinston, Anthony, Matsacos, Duana, Wintour, E. Marelyn, Peers, Arianne, Koukoulas, Irene, Myles, Kathy, Moritz, Karen and Dodic, Miodrag (2002). Effect of early glucocorticoid treatment on MR and GR in late gestation ovine kidney. Kidney International, 61 (2), 405-413. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2002.00157.x

Effect of early glucocorticoid treatment on MR and GR in late gestation ovine kidney

2002

Journal Article

Maternal Glucocorticoid Treatment Programs Alterations in the Renin-Angiotensin System of the Ovine Fetal Kidney

Moritz, K. M., Johnson, K., Douglas-Renton, R., Wintour, E. M. and Dodic, M. (2002). Maternal Glucocorticoid Treatment Programs Alterations in the Renin-Angiotensin System of the Ovine Fetal Kidney. Endocrinology, 143 (11), 4455-4463. doi: 10.1210/en.2002-220534

Maternal Glucocorticoid Treatment Programs Alterations in the Renin-Angiotensin System of the Ovine Fetal Kidney

2002

Journal Article

Programming effects of short prenatal exposure to cortisol

Dodici, Miodrag, Hantzis, Vicky, Duncan, Jhodie, Rees, Sandra, Koukoulas, Irene, Johnson, Kelli, Wintour, E Marelyn and Moritz, Karen (2002). Programming effects of short prenatal exposure to cortisol. Faseb Journal, 16 (9), 1017-1026. doi: 10.1096/fj.01-1045com

Programming effects of short prenatal exposure to cortisol

2001

Journal Article

Impaired cardiac functional reserve and left ventricular hypertrophy in adult sheep after prenatal dexamethasone exposure

Dodic, M, Samuel, C, Moritz, K, Wintour, EM, Morgan, J, Grigg, L and Wong, J (2001). Impaired cardiac functional reserve and left ventricular hypertrophy in adult sheep after prenatal dexamethasone exposure. Circulation Research, 89 (7), 623-629. doi: 10.1161/hh1901.097086

Impaired cardiac functional reserve and left ventricular hypertrophy in adult sheep after prenatal dexamethasone exposure

2001

Journal Article

Angiotensin-(1-7) in the ovine fetus

Moritz, KM, Campbell, DJ and Wintour, EM (2001). Angiotensin-(1-7) in the ovine fetus. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 280 (2), R404-R409.

Angiotensin-(1-7) in the ovine fetus

2001

Conference Publication

Organs/systems potentially involved in one model of programmed hypertension in sheep

Dodic, M, Baird, R, Hantzis, V, Koukoulas, I, Moritz, K, Peers, A and Wintour, EM (2001). Organs/systems potentially involved in one model of programmed hypertension in sheep. 11th International Congress of Endocrinology, Sydney Australia, Oct 29-Nov 02, 2000. CARLTON: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING ASIA. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1681.2001.03556.x

Organs/systems potentially involved in one model of programmed hypertension in sheep

2000

Journal Article

Angiotensin II infusion to the midgestation ovine fetus: effects on the fetal kidney

Moritz, K, Koukoulas, I, Albiston, A and Wintour, EM (2000). Angiotensin II infusion to the midgestation ovine fetus: effects on the fetal kidney. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 279 (4), R1290-R1297.

Angiotensin II infusion to the midgestation ovine fetus: effects on the fetal kidney

2000

Conference Publication

Ontogeny of two aquaporins in ovine placenta and fetal membranes

Wintour, EM, Koukoulas, I, Johnston, H, Baird, R and Moritz, K (2000). Ontogeny of two aquaporins in ovine placenta and fetal membranes. NEW YORK: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS.

Ontogeny of two aquaporins in ovine placenta and fetal membranes

1999

Journal Article

Aldosterone secretion by the mid-gestation ovine fetus: Role of the AT2 receptor

Moritz, KM, Boon, WC and Wintour, EM (1999). Aldosterone secretion by the mid-gestation ovine fetus: Role of the AT2 receptor. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 157 (1-2), 153-160. doi: 10.1016/S0303-7207(99)00148-3

Aldosterone secretion by the mid-gestation ovine fetus: Role of the AT2 receptor

1999

Journal Article

Ontogeny and regulation of the AT1 and AT2 receptors in the ovine fetal adrenal gland

Wintour, EM, Moritz, K, Butkus, A, Baird, R, Albiston, A and Tenis, N (1999). Ontogeny and regulation of the AT1 and AT2 receptors in the ovine fetal adrenal gland. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 157 (1-2), 161-170. doi: 10.1016/S0303-7207(99)00149-5

Ontogeny and regulation of the AT1 and AT2 receptors in the ovine fetal adrenal gland

1999

Journal Article

Ovine aquaporin-2: cDNA cloning, ontogeny and control of renal gene expression

Butkus, A, Earnest, L, Jeyaseelan, K, Moritz, K, Johnston, H, Tenis, N and Wintour, EM (1999). Ovine aquaporin-2: cDNA cloning, ontogeny and control of renal gene expression. Pediatric Nephrology, 13 (5), 379-390. doi: 10.1007/s004670050627

Ovine aquaporin-2: cDNA cloning, ontogeny and control of renal gene expression

1999

Journal Article

Functional development of the meso- and metanephros

Moritz, KM and Wintour, EM (1999). Functional development of the meso- and metanephros. Pediatric Nephrology, 13 (2), 171-178. doi: 10.1007/s004670050587

Functional development of the meso- and metanephros

1999

Journal Article

Foetal fluid balance and hormone status following nephrectomy in the foetal sheep

Moritz, KM, Macris, M, Talbo, G and Wintour, EM (1999). Foetal fluid balance and hormone status following nephrectomy in the foetal sheep. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 26 (11), 857-864. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1681.1999.03155.x

Foetal fluid balance and hormone status following nephrectomy in the foetal sheep

1998

Journal Article

Fluid abnormalities occur in the chronically cannulated mid-gestation but not late gestation ovine fetus

Dodic, M, Tangalakis, K, Moritz, K, McFarlane, A and Wintour, EM (1998). Fluid abnormalities occur in the chronically cannulated mid-gestation but not late gestation ovine fetus. Pediatric Research, 44 (6), 894-899. doi: 10.1203/00006450-199812000-00012

Fluid abnormalities occur in the chronically cannulated mid-gestation but not late gestation ovine fetus

1998

Journal Article

The renin-angiotensin system and the development of the kidney and adrenal in sheep

Wintour, EM, Alcorn, D, Albiston, A, Boon, WC, Butkus, A, Earnest, L, Moritz, K and Shandley, L (1998). The renin-angiotensin system and the development of the kidney and adrenal in sheep. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 25, S97-S100. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.1998.tb02309.x

The renin-angiotensin system and the development of the kidney and adrenal in sheep

1998

Journal Article

Regulation and function of steroid production by mid gestation ovine fetal adrenal cortex in vivo.

Moritz, KM, Butkus, A, McFarlane, AC, Albiston, A, Salenmi, R and Wintour, EM (1998). Regulation and function of steroid production by mid gestation ovine fetal adrenal cortex in vivo.. Endocrine Research, 24 (3-4), 937-941.

Regulation and function of steroid production by mid gestation ovine fetal adrenal cortex in vivo.

1997

Journal Article

Developmental regulation of erythropoietin and erythropoiesis

Moritz, KM, Lim, GB and Wintour, EM (1997). Developmental regulation of erythropoietin and erythropoiesis. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 273 (6), R1829-R1844.

Developmental regulation of erythropoietin and erythropoiesis

1997

Journal Article

Ontogeny of angiotensin II receptors, types 1 and 2, in ovine mesonephros and metanephros

Butkus, A, Albiston, A, Alcorn, D, Giles, M, McCausland, J, Moritz, K, Zhuo, JL and Wintour, EM (1997). Ontogeny of angiotensin II receptors, types 1 and 2, in ovine mesonephros and metanephros. Kidney International, 52 (3), 628-636. doi: 10.1038/ki.1997.376

Ontogeny of angiotensin II receptors, types 1 and 2, in ovine mesonephros and metanephros

1997

Conference Publication

Expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in the adult and developing sheep kidney

Butkus, A, Alcorn, D, Earnest, L, Moritz, K, Giles, M and Wintour, EM (1997). Expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in the adult and developing sheep kidney. doi: 10.1016/S0248-4900(97)83384-9

Expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in the adult and developing sheep kidney

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Understanding how binge drinking affects kidney development (NHMRC 2023 Ideas Grant administed by Monash)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Expansion of FASD Diagnostic Services in Southern Queensland with Support for regional and remote settings
    Drug and Alcohol Program
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    A tiered approach to the diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in remote Indigenous primary care settings (NHMRC Partnership Project administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    Gene Expression to Predict Long-Term Outcome in Infants After Heart Surgery
    MRFF Accelerated Research - Congenital Heart Disease administered by AusIndustry
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    Host Gene Expression Signatures to Diagnose Sepsis in Children
    MRFF Genomics Health Futures Mission, Project Grant administered by AusIndustry
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2020 - 2024
    The Drug and Alcohol Program: Review and Dissemination of the Australian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Diagnostic Tool GO2647
    Commonwealth Department of Health
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Vevo 3100 Imaging System for ultrahigh resolution and frame rate echocardiographic assessment of small animals.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    The Best I can Be: Screening and assessing for FASD in the foster care system
    Key Assets the Children's Services Provider (Australia) Limited
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Sakzewski Core Translational Research Group
    The Children's Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Chronic health outcomes following early life exposure to alcohol
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Diagnostic Services and Models of Care (Led by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Sakzewski Core Translational Research Group
    The Children's Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2015
    A state-of-the-art spinning disc confocal microscope for high speed imaging of live cells and super resolution microscopy
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2020
    NHMRC Research Fellowship: Developmental programming: mechanisms and interventions
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Mitochondrial analysis suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Establishment of an Integrated Facility for Single Cell Analysis
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Mechanisms and consequences of renal denervation in chronic kidney disease (NHMRC Project Grant administered by Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute)
    Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Periconceptional alcohol exposure: effects on the embryo and fetus and disease risk in adulthood
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Consequences of elevated maternal glucocorticoids for early childhood renal development and function (NHMRC Project administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Establishment of Integrated Small Animal Metabolic and Physiology Assessment Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Examining vascular structure and function using pressurised myography
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Placental clock gene expression in the Spiny Mouse
    UWA-UQ Bilateral Research Collaboration Award
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Stress-induced disease risk for pregnant mothers born small (NHMRC project lead by University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Modelling the regulation of nephron number by the renal stem cell niche
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Real time regional tissue analysis suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    ResTeach 2011 0.2 FTE School of Biomedical Sciences
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    The role of hypoxia in the developmental programming of the kidney
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Establishment of a digital Scanscope system for virtual microscopy
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    In Situ Hybridization Suite for Biomedical Science Researchers
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2014
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    How do prenatal perturbations influence kidney development and result in adult onset diseases
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009
    "Real Time PCR Facility for Biomedical Researchers"
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Does moderate prenatal alcohol exposure cause metabolic disease
    Diabetes Australia Research Trust
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Poor kidney development resulting in kidney disease and high blood pressure
    National Heart Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Quantitative Histological Core Facility
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Karen Moritz is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Advancing facial dysmorphology diagnostic practices for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lisa Akison, Dr Natasha Reid

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Delphi Study of Pregnancy Alcohol Risk Perceptions: Application for Health Educational Resources

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Natasha Reid

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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