Epigenomic Profiling At Single Nucleotide Resolution In Development And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$364,324.00
Summary
Epigenetics literally means 'above DNA' and refers to genetic marks that control how genes are turned on and off. The first part of this project will examine these marks on a whole genome level in normal human white blood cell development. This will identify new genomic regions involved in immunity. In the second part of the project the same technology will be applied to study paediatric cancer in Australia. This has the potential to identify new diagnostic marks and targets for treatment.
The aim of my research is to investigate the role that physical activity and sedentary behaviour (too much sitting) play in the development of cancer. My research will increase our understanding of how physical activity and sedentary behaviour influence cancer, and may lead to new strategies for cancer prevention.
Examining The Importance Of DNA Damage Repair For Oocyte Quality, Female Fertility And Offspring Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
As women age, the quality of their eggs decline and their chance of having a healthy baby plummets. The accumulation of DNA damage within the egg, and the reduced ability to repair this damage, may be one cause of compromised reproductive success in older women. This project will investigate the ability of eggs to repair DNA damage during maternal aging and will explore the importance of DNA repair to fertility and the transmission of high quality genetic material to their offspring.
Genome-wide Association Study For Genes That Determine Environmental Sensitivity In Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
There are many known lifestyle and environmental influences for the development of cardiovascular disease. But are there genes that control how susceptible an individual is to these environmental influences? Discovery of such genes could have far greater implications for the prevention and treatment of disease than genes which simply affect levels of the trait. This project will identify genes that affect the environmental susceptibility for cardiovascular disease risk factors.