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)

141 - 160 of 360 works

2016

Journal Article

Alcohol exposure impairs trophoblast survival and alters subtype-specific gene expression in vitro

Kalisch-Smith, J. I., Outhwaite, J. E., Simmons, D. G., Pantaleon, M. and Moritz, K. M. (2016). Alcohol exposure impairs trophoblast survival and alters subtype-specific gene expression in vitro. Placenta, 46, 87-91. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.08.080

Alcohol exposure impairs trophoblast survival and alters subtype-specific gene expression in vitro

2016

Journal Article

A review of fundamental principles for animal models of DOHaD research: An Australian perspective

Dickinson, H., Moss, T.J., Gatford, K.L., Moritz, K.M., Akison, L., Fullston, T., Hryciw, D.H., Maloney, C.A., Morris, M.J., Wooldridge, A.L., Schjenken, J.E., Robertson, S.A., Waddell, B.J., Mark, P.J., Wyrwoll, C.S., Ellery, S.J., Thornburg, K.L., Muhlhausler, B.S. and Morrison, J.L. (2016). A review of fundamental principles for animal models of DOHaD research: An Australian perspective. Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, 7 (5), 449-472. doi: 10.1017/S2040174416000477

A review of fundamental principles for animal models of DOHaD research: An Australian perspective

2016

Journal Article

Programming of maternal and offspring disease: impact of growth restriction, fetal sex and transmission across generations

Cheong, Jean N., Wlodek, Mary E., Moritz, Karen M. and Cuffe, James S. M. (2016). Programming of maternal and offspring disease: impact of growth restriction, fetal sex and transmission across generations. Journal of Physiology, 594 (17), 4727-4740. doi: 10.1113/JP271745

Programming of maternal and offspring disease: impact of growth restriction, fetal sex and transmission across generations

2016

Journal Article

Renal nitric oxide deficiency and chronic kidney disease in young sheep born with a solitary functioning kidney

Singh, Reetu R., Easton, Lawrence K., Booth, Lindsea C., Schlaich, Markus P., Head, Geoffrey A., Moritz, Karen M. and Denton, Kate M. (2016). Renal nitric oxide deficiency and chronic kidney disease in young sheep born with a solitary functioning kidney. Scientific Reports, 6 (1) 26777, 26777. doi: 10.1038/srep26777

Renal nitric oxide deficiency and chronic kidney disease in young sheep born with a solitary functioning kidney

2016

Journal Article

The establishment of DOHaD working groups in Australia and New Zealand

Prescott, S. L., Allen, K., Armstrong, K., Collins, C., Dickinson, H., Gardiner, K., Jacka, F., Jasoni, C., Moore, T., Moritz, K. M., Muhlhausler, B., Siero, W., Sim, K., Nanan, R., Saffery, R., Singh, G., Vickers, M. H. and Craig, J. M. (2016). The establishment of DOHaD working groups in Australia and New Zealand. Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, 7 (5), 1-7. doi: 10.1017/S2040174416000167

The establishment of DOHaD working groups in Australia and New Zealand

2016

Journal Article

Maternal corticosterone exposure in the mouse programs sex-specific renal adaptations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in 6-month offspring

Cuffe, James S. M., Burgess, Danielle J., O'Sullivan, Lee, Singh, Reetu R. and Moritz, Karen M. (2016). Maternal corticosterone exposure in the mouse programs sex-specific renal adaptations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in 6-month offspring. Physiological Reports, 4 (8) e12754, e12754. doi: 10.14814/phy2.12754

Maternal corticosterone exposure in the mouse programs sex-specific renal adaptations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in 6-month offspring

2016

Conference Publication

F2 fetal nephron number and weight benefits of endurance exercise training for females born small on high fat diet

Wlodek, Mary, Richter, Viktoria, Mahizir, Dayana, Anevska, Kristina, Jefferies, Andrew J., Wadley, Glenn D., Hryciw, Deanne H. and Moritz, Karen M. (2016). F2 fetal nephron number and weight benefits of endurance exercise training for females born small on high fat diet. Annual Scientific Meeting of the Endocrine-Society-of-Australia, Adelaide Australia, Aug 23-26, 2015. HOBOKEN: WILEY.

F2 fetal nephron number and weight benefits of endurance exercise training for females born small on high fat diet

2016

Conference Publication

Periconceptional alcohol exposure - uterine and blastocyst contributions to offspring health

Moritz, Karen (2016). Periconceptional alcohol exposure - uterine and blastocyst contributions to offspring health. Annual Scientific Meeting of the Endocrine-Society-of-Australia, Adelaide Australia, Aug 23-26, 2015. HOBOKEN: WILEY.

Periconceptional alcohol exposure - uterine and blastocyst contributions to offspring health

2016

Journal Article

The role of maternal nutrition, metabolic function and the placenta in developmental programming of renal dysfunction

Richter, V. F. I., Briffa, J. F., Moritz, K. M., Wlodek, M. E. and Hryciw, D. H. (2016). The role of maternal nutrition, metabolic function and the placenta in developmental programming of renal dysfunction. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 43 (1), 135-141. doi: 10.1111/1440-1681.12505

The role of maternal nutrition, metabolic function and the placenta in developmental programming of renal dysfunction

2016

Book Chapter

The developmental origins of renal dysfunction

Cuffe, James S. M., Walton, Sarah L. and Moritz, Karen M. (2016). The developmental origins of renal dysfunction. The epigenome and developmental origins of health and disease. (pp. 291-314) edited by Cheryl S. Rosenfeld. London, United Kingdom: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-801383-0.00015-3

The developmental origins of renal dysfunction

2016

Book Chapter

The effect of the in utero environment on nephrogenesis and renal function

Moritz, Karen M. (2016). The effect of the in utero environment on nephrogenesis and renal function. Kidney development, disease, repair and regeneration. (pp. 177-190) edited by Melissa H. Little. London, United Kingdom: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-800102-8.00015-1

The effect of the in utero environment on nephrogenesis and renal function

2016

Conference Publication

Maternal Dexamethasone Exposure in the Mouse Causes Sex Specific Alterations in the Pattern of Glucocorticoid Receptor Isoform Expression

Cuffe, James, Saif, Zarqa, Moritz, Karen and Clifton, Vicki (2016). Maternal Dexamethasone Exposure in the Mouse Causes Sex Specific Alterations in the Pattern of Glucocorticoid Receptor Isoform Expression. Meeting of the International-Federation-of-Placenta-Associations (IFPA) - Placenta-Back to the Basics, Portland OR United States, 13-16 September 2016. United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.06.186

Maternal Dexamethasone Exposure in the Mouse Causes Sex Specific Alterations in the Pattern of Glucocorticoid Receptor Isoform Expression

2015

Journal Article

Response to letters regarding article, "Renal dysfunction is associated with a reduced contribution of nitric oxide and enhanced vasoconstriction after a congenital renal mass reduction in sheep"

Denton, Kate M., Lankadeva, Yugeesh R., Singh, Reetu R., Parkington, Helena C., Tare, Marianne and Moritz, Karen M. (2015). Response to letters regarding article, "Renal dysfunction is associated with a reduced contribution of nitric oxide and enhanced vasoconstriction after a congenital renal mass reduction in sheep". Circulation, 132 (15), E195-E195. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.016790

Response to letters regarding article, "Renal dysfunction is associated with a reduced contribution of nitric oxide and enhanced vasoconstriction after a congenital renal mass reduction in sheep"

2015

Conference Publication

Benefits of Exercise Training in Pregnancy for Females Born Small On High Fat Diet

Wlodek, Mary E., Mahizir, Dayana, Anevska, Kristina, Jefferies, Andrew, Wadley, Glenn, Hryciw, Deanne and Moritz, Karen (2015). Benefits of Exercise Training in Pregnancy for Females Born Small On High Fat Diet. LONDON: W B SAUNDERS CO LTD. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.07.215

Benefits of Exercise Training in Pregnancy for Females Born Small On High Fat Diet

2015

Journal Article

Maternal obesity in females born small: Pregnancy complications and offspring disease risk

Mahizir, Dayana, Briffa, Jessica F., Hryciw, Deanna H., Wadley, Glenn D., Moritz, Karen M. and Wlodek, Mary E. (2015). Maternal obesity in females born small: Pregnancy complications and offspring disease risk. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 60 (1), 8-17. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201500289

Maternal obesity in females born small: Pregnancy complications and offspring disease risk

2015

Journal Article

Maternal hypomagnesemia causes placental abnormalities and fetal and postnatal mortality

Schlegel, R. N., Cuffe, J. S. M., Moritz, K. M. and Paravicini, T. M. (2015). Maternal hypomagnesemia causes placental abnormalities and fetal and postnatal mortality. Placenta, 36 (7), 750-758. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.03.011

Maternal hypomagnesemia causes placental abnormalities and fetal and postnatal mortality

2015

Journal Article

Excess prenatal corticosterone exposure results in albuminuria, sex-specific hypotension and altered heart rate responses to restraint stress in aged adult mice

O'Sullivan, Lee, Cuffe, James S. M., Koning, Anselm, Singh, Reetu R., Paravicini, Tamara M. and Moritz, Karen M. (2015). Excess prenatal corticosterone exposure results in albuminuria, sex-specific hypotension and altered heart rate responses to restraint stress in aged adult mice. American Journal of Physiology: Renal Physiology, 308 (10), F1065-F1073. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00676.2014

Excess prenatal corticosterone exposure results in albuminuria, sex-specific hypotension and altered heart rate responses to restraint stress in aged adult mice

2015

Journal Article

Renal developmental defects resulting from in utero hypoxia are associated with suppression of ureteric β-catenin signaling

Wilkinson, Lorine J., Neal, Calida S., Singh, Reetu R., Sparrow, Duncan B., Kurniawan, Nyoman D., Ju, Adler, Grieve, Stuart M., Dunwoodie, Sally L., Moritz, Karen M. and Little, Melissa H. (2015). Renal developmental defects resulting from in utero hypoxia are associated with suppression of ureteric β-catenin signaling. Kidney International, 87 (5), 975-983. doi: 10.1038/ki.2014.394

Renal developmental defects resulting from in utero hypoxia are associated with suppression of ureteric β-catenin signaling

2015

Journal Article

Reduced sensitivity of the renal vasculature to angiotensin II in young rats: the role of the angiotensin type 2 receptor (vol 76, pg 448, 2014)

Brown, Russell D., Hilliard, Lucinda M., Mirabito, Katrina M., Wirth, Laura C., Moritz, Karen M., Evans, Roger G. and Denton, Kate M. (2015). Reduced sensitivity of the renal vasculature to angiotensin II in young rats: the role of the angiotensin type 2 receptor (vol 76, pg 448, 2014). Pediatric Research, 77 (4), 606-606.

Reduced sensitivity of the renal vasculature to angiotensin II in young rats: the role of the angiotensin type 2 receptor (vol 76, pg 448, 2014)

2015

Journal Article

Maternal alcohol intake around the time of conception causes glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity in rat offspring, which is exacerbated by a postnatal high-fat diet

Gårdebjer, Emelie M., Anderson, Stephen T., Pantaleon, Marie, Wlodek, Mary E. and Moritz, Karen M. (2015). Maternal alcohol intake around the time of conception causes glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity in rat offspring, which is exacerbated by a postnatal high-fat diet. Faseb Journal, 29 (7), 2690-2701. doi: 10.1096/fj.14-268979

Maternal alcohol intake around the time of conception causes glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity in rat offspring, which is exacerbated by a postnatal high-fat diet

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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