Linking mutant zebrafish phenotypes with their underlying genetic lesions. Zebrafish mutants have been generated with many interesting abnormalities, but to understand these abnormalities, the defective genes must be identified by positional cloning. We seek to identify the defective genes underpinning four mutants. Mutant #562 develops a normal nervous system which then undergoes rapid degeneration. The mutant flotte lotte has abnormal gut development. Two mutants with defective early blood for ....Linking mutant zebrafish phenotypes with their underlying genetic lesions. Zebrafish mutants have been generated with many interesting abnormalities, but to understand these abnormalities, the defective genes must be identified by positional cloning. We seek to identify the defective genes underpinning four mutants. Mutant #562 develops a normal nervous system which then undergoes rapid degeneration. The mutant flotte lotte has abnormal gut development. Two mutants with defective early blood formation will be studied. We will establish techniques for several steps that will be useful for all zebrafish mapping projects. We expect the genetic characterization of these mutants to provide new insights into nerve cell survival, gut development, and blood formation.Read moreRead less
Head and face development: dissecting tissue-specific gene function. The outcome of our investigation of the early development will inform us of the ways and means for the embryo to assemble the essential building blocks of the body, and insights into the developmental origin of birth defects. This knowledge will benefit the biomedical research community, the education sector and the general public by enabling the formulation of new hypotheses, enriching the curriculum, and providing an evidenc ....Head and face development: dissecting tissue-specific gene function. The outcome of our investigation of the early development will inform us of the ways and means for the embryo to assemble the essential building blocks of the body, and insights into the developmental origin of birth defects. This knowledge will benefit the biomedical research community, the education sector and the general public by enabling the formulation of new hypotheses, enriching the curriculum, and providing an evidence-based understanding of the genetic basis of congenital malformations for delivering informative counselling. The technical expertise gained from this project will enhance the nation's research capability through the sharing of skills and knowledge with other research teams in the academia and the industry. Read moreRead less
Molecular control of embryonic patterning: The function of Rhou gene in mediating response to WNT signalling. The scientific knowledge gained from this investigation of the early development of embryos will inform us of how the essential building blocks of the body are assembled, and provide insights into the genetic and developmental causes of birth defects. This will benefit the health professionals, the research community, the education sector and the general public, by underpinning the form ....Molecular control of embryonic patterning: The function of Rhou gene in mediating response to WNT signalling. The scientific knowledge gained from this investigation of the early development of embryos will inform us of how the essential building blocks of the body are assembled, and provide insights into the genetic and developmental causes of birth defects. This will benefit the health professionals, the research community, the education sector and the general public, by underpinning the formulation of new research hypotheses, enriching the curriculum and the provision of informed counselling. The embryological expertise developed for this project will enhance the nation's research capability through the sharing of skills and knowledge with a national network of academic and industrial research teams. Read moreRead less
Identification of the targets of a novel metalloproteinase inhibitor used for the treatment of human head lice. Human head lice are difficult to control. This project examines a new type of ovicidal treatment that prevents louse eggs from hatching. The goal is to understand precisely how this treatment is ovicidal, so that even more effective products might be designed. Beyond the benefits of providing a safe and reliable treatment option for a troublesome pest, the development of this product ....Identification of the targets of a novel metalloproteinase inhibitor used for the treatment of human head lice. Human head lice are difficult to control. This project examines a new type of ovicidal treatment that prevents louse eggs from hatching. The goal is to understand precisely how this treatment is ovicidal, so that even more effective products might be designed. Beyond the benefits of providing a safe and reliable treatment option for a troublesome pest, the development of this product will be a significant step forward for the Australian pharmaceutical industry.Read moreRead less
A knockout approach to identifying genes involved in epidermal development and homeostasis. These studies will identify new genes which play a role in the development or maintenance of the skin, some of which may subsequently be shown to play a role in disease. The project capitalises on an investment of tens of millions of dollars by the Wellcome Trust in generating a significant cohort of knockout mice. Our involvement in this international initiative will ensure Australia's participation in ....A knockout approach to identifying genes involved in epidermal development and homeostasis. These studies will identify new genes which play a role in the development or maintenance of the skin, some of which may subsequently be shown to play a role in disease. The project capitalises on an investment of tens of millions of dollars by the Wellcome Trust in generating a significant cohort of knockout mice. Our involvement in this international initiative will ensure Australia's participation in a project at the forefront of mouse genetics, using cutting edge infrastructure and technologies to provide insights into the complement of genes involved in skin biology. Models of interest will be repatriated to Australia for further study capitalising on existing infrastructure provided through the NCRIS funding program. Read moreRead less
Molecular pathways controlling light-regulated development in legumes. Legumes are widely grown as forage and grain crops and make a substantial contribution to the Australian economy. Light is an important determinant of plant architecture and productivity and we need to know more about how development is regulated by light in this important plant group. The natural light environment faced by plants is complex and varies with crop density, season and time of day. Understanding the interaction o ....Molecular pathways controlling light-regulated development in legumes. Legumes are widely grown as forage and grain crops and make a substantial contribution to the Australian economy. Light is an important determinant of plant architecture and productivity and we need to know more about how development is regulated by light in this important plant group. The natural light environment faced by plants is complex and varies with crop density, season and time of day. Understanding the interaction of photoreceptors and plant hormones in the control of growth is vital for manipulating crops to meet changing agronomic requirements. Training of students in state-of-the art techniques and the generation of new germplasm for use by other researchers and plant breeders will be other significant outcomes of the project.Read moreRead less
The role of epigenetics in the early gestational programming of adult phenotype by ethanol. The concept of foetal programming is changing the way we think about the aetiology of complex disease in adults. Our studies would emphasise that adverse events during pregnancy can have long-term health implications, with concomitant social and economic consequences. In America, the prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome is comparable with rates for Down syndrome. The Aboriginal community in Australia ....The role of epigenetics in the early gestational programming of adult phenotype by ethanol. The concept of foetal programming is changing the way we think about the aetiology of complex disease in adults. Our studies would emphasise that adverse events during pregnancy can have long-term health implications, with concomitant social and economic consequences. In America, the prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome is comparable with rates for Down syndrome. The Aboriginal community in Australia has been identified as a high-risk group. The knowledge gained from this project could aid in the development of screening strategies to predict the likelihood of disease developing later in life, providing an opportunity for presymptomatic healthcare.Read moreRead less
QTL Linkage Analysis For Complex Human Traits In Twin Families
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,000,000.00
Summary
This project will focus on finding genes for common human diseases. Now that the human genome has been sequenced, the race is on to find out what the estimated 38,000 human genes do and which ones are associated with which diseases. Scattered throughout the genome are small variations in DNA sequence, some of which increase the odds of disease while others are protective.
Epigenetic Hyperglycemic Cell Memory Causes Vascular Complications In Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,140.00
Summary
This project seeks to identify how epigenetic change in response to hyperglycemia can cause vascular complications of diabetes, and how this contributes to “hyperglycemic memory”; a phenomena where cells may undergo gene modifications which increase risk to further complications later in a patients life. These studies are the first of their kind and will characterize the types of epigenetic change that can cause human disease.