Genetics Of DNA Methylation And Its Role In Disease Susecptibility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
DNA methylation is a chemical modification to DNA that sits on the interface of an individual's genetics and environment, which is critical for regulating many cellular processes. There is increasing evidence for a major role of variation in DNA methylation in development of disease and it provides a potential therapeutic target. This research will fill fundamental gaps in our knowledge of the genetic and environmental control of differences in levels of DNA methylation in the population.
Control Of Genome Regulation And Its Role In Human Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Changes in DNA can lead to differences in susceptibility to developing many diseases. The most common mechanism by which this occurs is through changing when and in which tissues disease-relevant genes get translated into proteins. My research focuses on understanding how DNA changes result in altered gene expression and how this can affect disease susceptibility. This work requires the use of high performance computing and statistical analysis of large genome-scale datasets.
Defining The Role Of Genetic Variants In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Copy Number Variants And Epigenetic Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,625.00
Summary
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease associated with increased risk of mortality, severely impacting the quality of life for those affected. A large number of genes have been implicated in SLE susceptibility, however we know little of the genetic mechanisms proceeding disease onset. This project uses state of the art technology to define the role of genetic variants in SLE susceptibility and identify their importance across patients of different ethnic backgrounds.
Using Methods In Genetic Epidemiology To Elucidate The Relationship Between Viral Infection And Risk Of Autoimmune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,446.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's natural defense mechanisms attack healthy tissues by mistake. It has long been thought that viral infections might play a role in triggering autoimmune disease. Our study aims to find genes that influence the body's response to viral infection and subsequently whether the same genes are involved in autoimmune disease pathology. If the same genes are important in both situations then this will provide evidence that viruses trigger autoimmune disease.
Dissecting Genetic Variation For Human Complex Diseases And Traits
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$135,821.00
Summary
Understanding the pattern of inheritance for human common diseases such as cancers, obesity, diabetes and mental illness, is of key importance for disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. In this project, we will develop statistical methods and software tools to analyse DNA and clinical data to better understand the genetic basis of human common diseases and to predict a person�s risk of developing disease.
Defining The Role Of Genomic Structural Variations In Hypertension And Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$379,597.00
Summary
High blood pressure is caused by a variety of inherited alterations (mutations) in the letters our DNA and lifestyle. The aim of this project is to investigate gains and losses of large portions of DNA sequences consisting of between ten thousand and over a million letters (known as Copy Number Variation). We will compare the DNA of subjects who have high blood pressure with subjects who are normal. This discovery of changes may help diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
P.gingivalis GroEL And HSP60 Specific T Cells In Periodontal And Cardiovascular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$619,500.00
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death in adults in most developed and many developing countries. In recent years there has been accumulating evidence that chronic infections such as Helicobacter pylori and Chlamydia pneumoniae are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic infections with over one million Australians at risk of losing their teeth. Poor dental health and in particular chronic periodontitis is ....Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death in adults in most developed and many developing countries. In recent years there has been accumulating evidence that chronic infections such as Helicobacter pylori and Chlamydia pneumoniae are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic infections with over one million Australians at risk of losing their teeth. Poor dental health and in particular chronic periodontitis is now consistently being associated with a number of other diseases and conditions including cardiovascular disease. In some studies the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is stronger than that for other risk factors such as smoking and high cholesterol. Periodontitis results from the inflammatory response to dental plaque. One of the major pathogens identified in dental plaque is P.gingivalis. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are expressed by cells on exposure to various forms of stress including temperature and injury. They participate in physiological processes such as the assembly, transport and protection of proteins from breakdown. There is a remarkable conservation in the structure of heat shock genes and HSP across species. Many pathogens including P.gingivalis bear antigens that are similar to human HSPand cross reactivity during infection may result in disease such as atherosclerosis. This study aims to test the hypothesis that cross reactivity between the bacterial antigens and HSP may explain the mechanism of the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. This would have a significant impact on the treatment of both periodontal and cardiovascular disease.Read moreRead less