Trevor Mori is a Senior Principal Research Fellow in the Medical School at the University of Western Australia. He was awarded a First Class Honours in 1980 and a PhD with Distinction in 1985, both from The University of Western Australia. He has held a National Health & Medical Council of Australia (NHMRC) Senior Research Fellowship since 2008.

RESEARCH

(i)    A major focus of Trevor’s research has been to examine the interaction of omega-3 fatty acids with other diet and lifestyle modalities using controlled intervention trials, in healthy volunteers, as well as “higher-risk” populations such as those with diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, renal impairment, hyperlipidaemia and polycystic ovary syndrome. His studies examining the independent effects of individual omega-3 fatty acids in humans were the first to demonstrate differences in the biological actions of these fatty acids on CVD risk factors. These studies examined effects on blood pressure and vascular function, serum lipids and lipoproteins, fatty acid incorporation, mitogenic growth factors, adipokines, thrombotic and fibrinolytic factors, platelet aggregation and function, and leukocyte function.

(ii)   Trevor’s research examining lipid oxidation in relation to CVD has developed assays using gas chromatography mass spectrometry for the analysis of isoprostanes, neuroprostanes, phytoprostanes and isofurans, which are the most reliable markers of oxidative stress. These assays are unique in Australia and have resulted in many collaborations nationally and internationally.

(iii)  More recent research has focused on the study of novel mediators generated from the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These metabolites termed resolvins, protectins and maresins demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory actions. Trevor’s laboratory has established assays for the analysis of these metabolites using liquid chromatography-triple quad mass spectrometry (LCMS) which are unique in Australia.

(iv)  Trevor leads the Cardiovascular Programme of the Raine Study: an ongoing longitudinal study involving 2,868 children studied from pregnancy to the current cohort assessment at 30 years of age.

Other research interests include vitamin metabolism, eicosanoids and control mechanisms in blood pressure regulation.

RESEARCH SUPPORT

Trevor has held ongoing project grants from the NHMRC since 1989. Other research has been supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia, National Institutes of Health (USA), Australian Research Council, WA Health Promotion Foundation, Fisheries Research & Development Corporation, Dairy Innovation Australia, Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, Royal Perth Hospital Research Foundation, Cancer Council of Australia, as well as industry. As Chief Investigator he has attracted >$17.9M funding since 1998 (>$10.6M from the NHMRC).