A Novel Gene Family Implicated In Neural Crest And Craniofacial Malformation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$695,016.00
Summary
We have identified a new type of receptor that when defective causes facial clefting in animal models. We are using our unique laboratory and clinical resources to understand how these birth defects occur and to investigate the molecular signalling events that are controlled by this olfactory receptor. These studies will pave the way to designing pharmaceuticals that may eventually ameliorate or even stop this major group of birth defects.
Multipotent Stem Cells Derived From Postimplantation Mouse Embryos: Evaluation Of Germ Layer Differentiation Potential
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$788,818.00
Summary
This study of the properties of cells that can differentiate into specific lineages provides useful insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms for the specification of these progenitors from the pluripotent stem cells. The procurement of tissue-specific precursor cells that are capable of self-renewing and population expansion is a critical pre-requisite for achieving directed differentiation of stem cells into therapeutically useful cells for tissue replacement and regeneration.
Each year approximately 24,000 Australian children are born too early. A new international study led by Western Australian researchers is studying the role that genetics play in preterm birth. This study will evaluate the genomes of 10,000 women of which 2,000 come from Western Australia. It is anticipated that this study will advance our knowledge about the genetic basis of preterm birth and assist in providing customised clinical care to those at highest risk.
Premature babies often need assistance to breathe but this can injure the lung and lead to abnormal lung development and long-term lung disease. We have recently identified 3 factors that we believe are fundamental to initiating this abnormal lung development. We will demonstrate that these 3 factors mediate abnormal lung development following lung injury at birth. This information can then be used to reduce the incidence and severity of chronic lung disease of the newborn.
Identifying Strategies To Improve Perinatal Outcomes After Assisted Conception
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$724,799.00
Summary
Around 20% of young women express concern with being able to conceive, 16% experience clinical infertility, and ~8% use invasive therapies for which there can be limited safety data. We, and others, have reported adverse events for mother and child after infertility treatment, including neonatal death and birth defects. This project will provide urgently needed, robust evidence to guide patient and clinical decision making so as to optimise health of mother and baby.
Mobilisation Of Endogenous Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells For Growth Plate Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,251.00
Summary
Growth plate cartilage is responsible for bone growth in children. Its injury is common and is often repaired undesirably by bony tissue which causes significant bone growth defects. This project will develop a biological treatment through mobilising endogenous progenitor cells to enhance growth plate regeneration and prevent bone growth defects, which will allow patients to avoid highly invasive/costly corrective surgeries.
Defining The Role Of IGF-1 As A Novel Angiocrine Factor In The Development And Treament Of Common Craniofacial Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,848.00
Summary
1 in 1000 children are born with a small jaw, which requires invasive surgery for treatment. We identified that defects in blood vessel development in the jaw underlie some cases of these craniofacial defects. We found that factors secreted from the major artery in the jaw can promote jaw growth, and our research proposal aims to identify what exactly these factors are. These factors have the potential to be used to therapeutically treat children with a small jaw to help it grow correctly.
Impact Of Extreme Prematurity Or Extreme Low Birthweight On Young Adult Health And Well-Being: The Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) 1991-92 Longitudinal Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$725,496.00
Summary
Significant advances in medical care have increased survival of the tiniest and most premature babies. Those who have benefited from modern medicine are now in their mid-20s. We know they have more problems in childhood and adolescence compared with those born full term. However, we know little about their health problems in adulthood. This study will inform us of adult health problems in this vulnerable group and provide vital information about the best care for this increasing group of adults.
Pre-clinical Validation Of A Novel Implant For Bone Tissue Engineering
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,767.00
Summary
The aim of this grant to was examine a new method for manufacturing implants to improve repair of critical bone defects. It involves new technology for the manufacture of porous scaffolds and testing their delivery in a biological, bone repair setting.
Optimising Bone Regeneration Using Advanced Design And Fabrication Technologies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$916,671.00
Summary
The aging population has produced a rapidly increasing demand for synthetic implants that can regenerate lost or diseased bone. This project will produce an implant that represents a viable alternative to bone autografts and allografts with broad applications for the repair of large or challenging bone defects. Such an achievement will have significant healthcare benefits by reducing patient morbidity and recovery time, and improving long-term outcomes.