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Diseases of the 21st century are complex with environmental and genetic causes. At the interface of these is Epigenetics - factors not specified by DNA sequence that control genes. Recent data show much of the risk associated with disease is set early in life, even during the time in the womb. The MCRI CDDE laboratory has assembled teams of researchers of diverse expertise investigating epigenetics of human development and complex disease to hopefully prevent or reverse them early in life.
Early Nutrition, Epigenetics And Developmental Outcomes In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,093.00
Summary
Increasing evidence demonstrates that early nutrition, including in pregnancy, has long lasting programming effects on later health of children. Evidence implicates epigenetics (literally ‘above DNA’) in mediating these effects. The most convincing data exists for obesity and related disorders such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease. The focus of this project is on understanding how ‘epigenetic’ mechanisms are influencing the way our genes function to cause these disorders.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100099
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$154,000.00
Summary
Online dietary assessment for research: The Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall System for Australia (ASA24-Aus). Online dietary assessment for research: the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall System for Australia: This project brings together key researchers nationally in the field of nutrition and dietetics to develop a standardised, high quality, online system to assess food intake among adults across a variety of research settings and study designs. The propose ....Online dietary assessment for research: The Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall System for Australia (ASA24-Aus). Online dietary assessment for research: the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall System for Australia: This project brings together key researchers nationally in the field of nutrition and dietetics to develop a standardised, high quality, online system to assess food intake among adults across a variety of research settings and study designs. The proposed infrastructure is an Australian version of the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall (ASA24) in collaboration with the United States National Cancer Institute. The infrastructure is internationally renowned and will underpin research that builds the evidence-base for policies and programs in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Read moreRead less
Amino acids as nutrients - the molecular basis of amino acid absorption in kidney and intestine. Nutrition is a critical factor for well being and health. This is highlighted by the increase in frequency of type II diabetes and the obesity problem that all societies with a western diet face. Most studies in nutrition focus on fat and carbohydrates because of their direct involvement in obesity and diabetes. Proteins and the resulting peptides and amino acids, however, form 10-15% of our nutritio ....Amino acids as nutrients - the molecular basis of amino acid absorption in kidney and intestine. Nutrition is a critical factor for well being and health. This is highlighted by the increase in frequency of type II diabetes and the obesity problem that all societies with a western diet face. Most studies in nutrition focus on fat and carbohydrates because of their direct involvement in obesity and diabetes. Proteins and the resulting peptides and amino acids, however, form 10-15% of our nutrition. At a time where protein-rich diets are recommended to fight obesity and diabetes, it is important to understand the basis of protein absorption and metabolism. This project investigates the mechanism and mediators of amino acid absorption in kidney and intestine. Read moreRead less
Environmental Influences In The Establishment Of The Epigenetic Landscape In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$695,097.00
Summary
The DNA in each of our cells does not exist alone, it is packaged into complex structures called chromosomes, through association with many different proteins. The distribution of these proteins varies along the length of a chromosome depending on the type of cell and this phenomenon is called 'epigenetics', literally meaning 'above the DNA'. Epigenetic analysis is the study of how proteins and other molecules can change the activity of a gene without changing the DNA sequence. All of our cells ....The DNA in each of our cells does not exist alone, it is packaged into complex structures called chromosomes, through association with many different proteins. The distribution of these proteins varies along the length of a chromosome depending on the type of cell and this phenomenon is called 'epigenetics', literally meaning 'above the DNA'. Epigenetic analysis is the study of how proteins and other molecules can change the activity of a gene without changing the DNA sequence. All of our cells use epigenetic changes to help control how they grow and develop. Evidence suggests a direct link between diet and environmental influences on our epigenetic profile. Recent research has traced the origins of many of the health problems of adult life back to the earliest periods of development _ to the time spent in the womb and the first few years of life. If we are born with a low birth weight, we are more likely to get sick later in life. Overwhelming evidence exists that the environment in the womb is critical for a healthy birth weight (and health in later life) and it is thought that epigenetics may be the missing link between this environment, low birth weight, and therefore health in later life. In addition, mounting evidence supports a general link between epigenetic de-regulation and predisposition to disease. However, the timing and the overall contribution of environmental- genetic influences to the establishment of faulty epigenetic markings remain largely unknown. Twins are the best model to study this link as they share similar (but not identical environments) and some share identical genetic makeup. Using twins, Dr Jeffrey Craig and his team will investigate the factors in the prenatal environment that modify specific cells, leading to low birth weight and increase disease risk later in life. They predict that this occurs via specific changes in gene activity caused by epigenetic disruption.Read moreRead less
Food systems, urban health equity and climate stabilisation: the need for a common agenda. This research will help address two great contemporary human struggles - achieving health equity and climate stabilisation. Action concerned with economic and social policy, food systems and urban living will improve Australian and global health, and help reduce social inequity such that communities are better able both to cope with the impacts of climate change and to avert further damage to the global en ....Food systems, urban health equity and climate stabilisation: the need for a common agenda. This research will help address two great contemporary human struggles - achieving health equity and climate stabilisation. Action concerned with economic and social policy, food systems and urban living will improve Australian and global health, and help reduce social inequity such that communities are better able both to cope with the impacts of climate change and to avert further damage to the global environment. Providing an evidence base that demonstrates, for the first time, what can be done in an integrated manner, will help mobilise political and popular support for a radical break with the compartmentalised and short term approach that dominates the political agenda at state, national and global levels.Read moreRead less
Sustaining India's economic transformation: challenges, prospects and implications for Australia and the Pacific region. India's emergence from economic stagnation is beginning to have a profound impact on the world economy, including Australia. This project aims to investigate the sources of India's growth and the reforms needed to ensure that growth generates reductions in poverty and ensures equity and political stability.
The Kids in Communities Study: national investigation of community level effects on children's developmental outcomes. This project (a cross-disciplinary collaboration) will investigate community level factors influencing early childhood developmental outcomes using a mixed methods approach in up to 10 communities across Australia. This will result in a potential set of measures or indicators that reflect communities that are good for children.
Trade policy: maximising benefits for nutrition, food security, human health, and the economy. Depending on how it is done, trade can be good or bad for peoples' health and social well-being. This study will provide evidence to support the development of trade policy which combines economic as well as social and health goals. This will help improve global food security and human health, reduce poverty and support good international relations.
Cover crops that decrease phosphorus (P) transport from agricultural soils by increasing the efficiency of P fertiliser application. The aim of this project is to develop cover crop practices for the heavily fertilised potato cropping soils of the Robertson district that will minimise erosion and runoff of water potentially rich in phosphorus (P), thereby resulting in significant improvements in the environmental management of this sensitive catchment area. The cover crops will: (i) improve infi ....Cover crops that decrease phosphorus (P) transport from agricultural soils by increasing the efficiency of P fertiliser application. The aim of this project is to develop cover crop practices for the heavily fertilised potato cropping soils of the Robertson district that will minimise erosion and runoff of water potentially rich in phosphorus (P), thereby resulting in significant improvements in the environmental management of this sensitive catchment area. The cover crops will: (i) improve infiltration, decrease erosion, and off-site transport of P; (ii)increase access to accumulated soil P, making it available to a subsequent potato crop, thus decreasing the P loading of the soil; and (iii) have a biofumigation effect that will reduce the use of soil fumigants.
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