Molecular Cardiology Centenary Institute

Molecular Cardiology is the study of genetic heart disorders. Our major goal is to reduce human disease through the integration of basic science research and clinical cardiology.

Our research is focused on understanding the clinical and genetic basis of inherited heart disease. We use a range of approaches including human gene discovery studies, basic cellular systems, animal models of human disease, and population-based psychosocial and public health studies.

Our research involves state-of-the-art approaches including whole exome sequencing, mRNA and microRNA profiling, and RNASeq. Most importantly, we have the key clinical resources, including well phenotyped individual patients and families, which form the basis of all our genetic studies.

To get to this point, we have developed cohorts and national registries of patients and families with inherited heart diseases. We also utilise the latest in genetic technology in order to form the basis of our novel gene discovery studies.

Around 30,000 Australians die every year from sudden cardiac death. Around four young Australians, under the age of 35, die every week from sudden cardiac death.

We know that there are around 40 cardiovascular conditions caused by underlying genetic faults. We all have around 22,000 genes, but a fault in just one can result in a life threatening heart condition.

We can already see our research directly reducing sudden cardiac death in our communities. Our new gene discoveries are being used as improved diagnostic tools, we are rolling out implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy and we are actively involved in improving public health measures.

Our research is about saving lives, sudden death prevention, and improved diagnosis and management of patients and families with genetic heart diseases.

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MBBS PhD MPH FRACP FCSANZ FAHA FHRS

Current AppointmentsHead, Molecular Cardiology Program, Centenary Institute, SydneyProfessor of Medicine, University of SydneyCardiologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), SydneyNHMRC Practitioner Fellow

Qualifications1984-1989 MBBS at University of Sydney1996 FRACP (Cardiology)1999 PhD in Molecular Cardiology, University of Sydney2005 FCSANZ (Fellow of Cardiac Society of Australia & NZ)2009 FAHA (Fellow of American Heart Association)2013 FHRS (Fellow of Heart Rhythm Society USA)2014 MPH at University of Sydney

Prof Semsarian is a cardiologist with a specific research focus in the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease. He trained at the University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. A focus area of his research is in the investigation and prevention of sudden cardiac death in the young, particularly amongst children and young adults. Prof Semsarian has an established research program at the Centenary Institute which is at the interface of basic science, clinical research and public health, with the ultimate goal to prevent the complications of genetic heart diseases in our community. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications, in the highest-ranking cardiovascular and general medical journals. He is also been the primary supervisor of over 30 PhD, honours, and medical honours students since 2003, and is an active member of the mentoring program at the University of Sydney.

As a clinician scientist, understanding the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease has been the cornerstone of my research endeavours. Using an integrated translational approach in human families, murine models, and cell culture systems, my research has elucidated the genetic causes of cardiomyopathies and sudden death, identified key signaling pathways involved in development of disease, and provided a platform for this knowledge to be directly translated to cardiovascular medicine by improved diagnostic and risk stratification strategies. My research has led to the reduction of both mortality and morbidity in families with genetic heart diseases.

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We are focused on understanding the clinical, genetic and psychological aspects of genetic heart diseases and working out ways to improve the care of these families.

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Molecular Cardiology Centenary Institute