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Multivariate Whole Genome Estimation And Prediction Analysis Of Genomics Data Applied To Psychiatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$639,582.00
Summary
We have made major contributions to the development of statistical methods applied to data from the international Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Major new data sets will soon become available, with immense sample sizes (100,000s) and more extensive clinical and environmental data. We will develop and apply novel statistical analyses of these data, to answer fundamental questions about the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and the interplay of genetic and environmental risk factors.
Inflammatory Cytokines As Risk Factors For The Development Of Both Depression And Osteoporosis In Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,091.00
Summary
Both depression and osteoporosis impose a substantial public health burden on society and there is now research to suggest that these conditions are related. This study will examine a potential common mechanism, systemic inflammation, which may underlie both diseases. It will focus on markers of systemic inflammation, examine their association to both depression and bone fragility and determine what role they play in explaining the relationship between the disorders.
This project maps and manipulates the brainstem mechanisms causing expression of fear. It does so using brain cell type and brain circuit specific mechanisms.
Defining The Function Of Two Discrete Precursor Cell Populations In The Adult Hippocampus: Potential For The Treatment Of Cognitive And Mood Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,985.00
Summary
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis plays a crucial role in fundamental cognitive processes such as learning and memory formation and mood regulation. Our laboratory has identified two discrete pools of quiescent stem and precursor cells in the adult hippocampus that can be activated by distinct mechanisms. This study will examine the functional properties of new neurons generated from these discrete pools and their role in improving behavioural outcomes associated with cognition and mood regulation
Clinical And Neurobiological Predictors Of Onset Of Major Mental Disorders (mania, Psychosis, Severe Depression), And Associated Functional Impairment, In Adolescent And Young Adult Twins: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,356,103.00
Summary
The Brisbane Twin Study is a prospective twin study tracking the real-time developmental trajectories of the onset of anxiety, mood, psychotic or substance misuse disorders through adolescence and young adulthood. This unique study has now reached the point where reassessment (after 20 years) can be performed. We will now determine the extent to which outcomes are predicted by neurobiological and genetic markers. This information is critical to prevention or early intervention strategies.
A Breakdown Of Cortical Homeostasis In Depression: A Focus On The Anterior Cingulate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,629.00
Summary
Major depressive disorders affect 20% of the Australian population. Some symptoms of major depressive disorders arise because of a dysfunction of the human brain, particularly the cortex. Our studies show there are biochemical changes in the anterior cingulate cortex in people with mood disorders. We will now extend our studies to show there is a breakdown in the balance between neurotransmitter and neuroinflammation pathways in the anterior cingulate cortex in major depressive disorders.
Epigenetic Impacts Of Paternal Experience On Offspring Anxiety And Cognition: Molecular Mediators And Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$681,162.00
Summary
Stress and physical activity are two of the major lifestyle factors impacting on human health, including brain disorders. We have recently discovered that stress and exercise in male mice can impact the phenotype of offspring. We will study molecules in the sperm of these fathers, and in the brains of offspring to understand the mechanisms involved. There is evidence that lifestyle factors in men prior to conception impact on their children and this research has major public health implications.
Rumination And Deficits In The Recall Of Positive Autobiographical Memories In Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,295.00
Summary
The prevalence of depression is increasing and risk of recurrence exceeds 80%. The social and economic burden of depression highlight the urgent need to advance understanding of the habits of thought and memory that keep people feeling depressed, so that psychologists can treat depression more effectively. This project will explain why depressed people feel worse when they recall happy memories. The outcomes will extend theory and guide the improvement of treatments for this condition.
In men, oestrogen may be important for strong bones and maintaining a healthy weight. Men with prostate cancer are given medical castration treatment to decrease testosterone, because testosterone is required for prostate cancer growth. Because oestrogen is derived from testosterone, they also have very low oestrogen levels. We want to conduct a trial in these men to find out whether giving back oestrogen will prevent bone loss and weight gain, among other health benefits.
Fear Relapse: Neural Substrates Underlying Its Inhibition And Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,476.00
Summary
Exposure-based therapies are effective for anxiety disorders such as post traumatic stress, but two challenges remain: 1) patients that have learned to inhibit their fear are likely to relapse, requiring further therapy; 2) many drop out of therapy since it is aversive and anxiety provoking. We use an animal model to: 1) identify the neural substrates underlying fear inhibition; and 2) determine the conditions that prevent relapse and encourage participation in treatment.