Dopamine Neuron Ontogeny: Convergent Neurobiological Pathway For Risk Factors Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,214.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is associated with changes in dopamine (a signalling molecule in the brain). These changes are present prior to psychosis, suggesting they begin early in development. Our aims are to manipulate key factors in the development of brain dopamine systems to clarify their role in psychosis and schizophrenia. This work has the potential to identify early brain changes that lead to schizophrenia, which in turn may generate better diagnoses and outcomes for people with this disorder.
High Penetrance Deleterious Mutations In Blinding Glaucoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,345,055.00
Summary
This project aims to identify the genes most commonly mutated in individuals with advanced glaucoma. Identification of such genes will lead to improved understanding of glaucoma pathogenesis, a better ability to predict risk, and the identification of drug targets for novel therapies.
Delineating The Relationship Between Iron And Peroxisomal Disorders: The Role Of The Peroxisomal Enzyme GNPAT In Iron-Overload Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,767.00
Summary
Hereditary haemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in humans, affecting 1 in 200 Australians. We have identified a change in a peroxisomal gene which may affect iron levels in humans. The prevalence of this gene change in Australian haemochromatosis patients will be examined followed by a systematic analysis of how this protein controls iron levels in the body. Our goal is to identify and diagnose genetic changes which influence iron loading in haemochromatosis patients.
SARA: Delineating Its Association With The Onset And Development Of Liver Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$865,972.00
Summary
Liver disease, a significant burden on society, affects many in the prime of their life. Scarring of the liver is a response to injury due to many factors including alcohol, viruses, obesity, and fatty-liver disease. We have identified a protein associated with liver injury. In this project we will perform a systematic analysis to understand the role of this protein in injury progression. Ultimately we intend to develop tools to prevent and treat liver injury.
Early stress experiences and stress resilience in pigs. Animal stress has substantial implications on animal productivity, health and welfare of farm animals and thus farm profitability. This project aims to examine the stress resilience in pigs. Modern pig farming is a major source of food, providing substantial nutritional, social and economic benefits in Australia and worldwide. Animal welfare is of increasing concern to the public, consumers and pork producers, and stress vulnerability is an ....Early stress experiences and stress resilience in pigs. Animal stress has substantial implications on animal productivity, health and welfare of farm animals and thus farm profitability. This project aims to examine the stress resilience in pigs. Modern pig farming is a major source of food, providing substantial nutritional, social and economic benefits in Australia and worldwide. Animal welfare is of increasing concern to the public, consumers and pork producers, and stress vulnerability is an animal health and production problem in the life of the commercial pig. This project will generate new knowledge on early life management to endow stress resilience in pigs, with expected benefits for animal welfare, farm productivity and profitability.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160101470
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Improving poultry health and performance through microbiota manipulations. The project aims to develop methods to modulate microbiota to improve poultry health and productivity and reduce the need for antibiotics. Probiotic administration is currently the only way in agriculture to restore imbalanced intestinal microbiota. Recent research shows that intestinal microbiota resist all new-coming bacteria and remove them from the intestinal environment. The initial inoculum at the time of birth shap ....Improving poultry health and performance through microbiota manipulations. The project aims to develop methods to modulate microbiota to improve poultry health and productivity and reduce the need for antibiotics. Probiotic administration is currently the only way in agriculture to restore imbalanced intestinal microbiota. Recent research shows that intestinal microbiota resist all new-coming bacteria and remove them from the intestinal environment. The initial inoculum at the time of birth shapes the gut microbiota for life and has the strongest influence on development of the immune system. Accordingly, at-hatch administration of proven beneficial strains to poultry is likely to ensure permanent colonisation with beneficial bacteria. This process would improve both the productivity and health of poultry and other agricultural animals.Read moreRead less
Targeting TGF-beta proteins to control animal reproduction. This project aims to develop a suite of novel biologics to control fertility in female mammals. This project expects to demonstrate that targeting a single class of ovarian proteins will enhance or inhibit egg production. The expected outcomes of this project are to (1) transform the breeding of livestock animals, which should provide significant benefits to the agricultural industry, through increased herd/flock sizes, and (2) provide ....Targeting TGF-beta proteins to control animal reproduction. This project aims to develop a suite of novel biologics to control fertility in female mammals. This project expects to demonstrate that targeting a single class of ovarian proteins will enhance or inhibit egg production. The expected outcomes of this project are to (1) transform the breeding of livestock animals, which should provide significant benefits to the agricultural industry, through increased herd/flock sizes, and (2) provide a non-surgical method of contraception in companion/feral species, which should address the large unmet need for fertility control in these animals.
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How to make antibiotics in pig feed redundant, naturally. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major issue in human and veterinary medicine being partially caused by the use of in-feed antimicrobials in farm animals. This project aims to completely eliminate antimicrobials from piglet feeds. The key differential approach is based on helping the physiology of the animal rather than testing interventions against bacteria. The project will consist of developing a novel nutritional strategy of natu ....How to make antibiotics in pig feed redundant, naturally. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major issue in human and veterinary medicine being partially caused by the use of in-feed antimicrobials in farm animals. This project aims to completely eliminate antimicrobials from piglet feeds. The key differential approach is based on helping the physiology of the animal rather than testing interventions against bacteria. The project will consist of developing a novel nutritional strategy of naturally (through maternal conditioning) boosting the natural appetite and the capacity to digest in piglets early in life. The anticipated outcome is that the new peri-natal program will result in minimal bacterial proliferation and diarrhoea thus, negating the need for in-feed antimicrobials in piglets. Read moreRead less
Antiparastic agents to safeguard Australian livestock. This project will develop new and improved agrochemicals that can be used to treat highly multi-drug resistant parasites that infect Australian livestock, safeguarding animal health and welfare, and improving the economic viability and prosperity of the Australian livestock industry.