Alpha-2-Macroglobulin And The Transport And Uptake Of The Hormone, Hepcidin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$533,541.00
Summary
Hepcidin is a peptide hormone that is a major regulator of iron metabolism. It has been suggested that hepcidin is free in the blood. However, we recently identified that hepcidin binds with alpha-2-macroglobulin (a2-M) in the plasma and this increases the efficacy of this peptide. The demonstration that a2-M plays a role in hepcidin biology will lead to a better understanding of hepcidin physiology, the development of methods for its measurement and improved treatment of iron related diseases.
Masterminding Reproduction: Kisspeptin and RFamide-Related Peptide. There are a number of concerning trends in reproductive health. Women are reporting difficulty conceiving and maintaining pregnancies; while sperm count and quality are declining in men. More concerning is the increase in reproductive cancers. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and agonist have been used for decades to treat reproductive cancers (such as breast cancer and prostate cancer), infertility and precociou ....Masterminding Reproduction: Kisspeptin and RFamide-Related Peptide. There are a number of concerning trends in reproductive health. Women are reporting difficulty conceiving and maintaining pregnancies; while sperm count and quality are declining in men. More concerning is the increase in reproductive cancers. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and agonist have been used for decades to treat reproductive cancers (such as breast cancer and prostate cancer), infertility and precocious puberty. Kisspeptin and RF-related peptide may offer more physiological alternatives to GnRH, without detrimental side effects. We will fully explore these two newly defined and major players in reproduction and provide a physiological framework for their progression to clinical use.Read moreRead less
Do Exposures Before Conception Influence The Risk Of Asthma In Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,586.00
Summary
Asthma and poor lung function are major causes of public health issues. Emerging evidence suggests adverse exposures even before the conception of a child may cause these conditions. The proposed project is part of an international study across generations to identify these factors. This study will provide novel evidence to guide interventions and identify studies to advance this area further. These original findings will be of great importance both nationally and internationally.
Understanding And Overcoming Cardiovascular And Diabetes Inequalities In Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience the highest rates of heart disease and diabetes of all Australians. The reasons for this large disparity is not yet fully understood. I propose to investigate the patterns, causes, complications and links between heart disease and diabetes in Indigenous populations to identify better ways of managing and preventing chronic disease in high risk communities.
Young Adult Myopia: Genetic And Environmental Associations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$809,271.00
Summary
Myopia affects 80% of school leavers in the cities of East Asia, 45% of Asian Australian school leavers and is probably on the rise in European Australian adolescents. Increased levels of education and lack of time outdoors are known to increase the risk of myopia. We will examine 2,000 young adults to find the genes that interact with these risk factors. In addition to confirming when these risk factors are most important, identifying molecular pathways opens the avenue of new treatments.
Identifying Glaucoma Risk Variants In The Norfolk Island Genetic Isolate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,447.00
Summary
Primary open angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. In this project we will focus on the identification of functional genetic variants influencing development of this disorder, using a powerful whole exome sequencing approach in a large multigenerational pedigree from the Norfolk Island population isolate. The identification of genes influencing glaucoma development would provide invaluable clues to aid in defining the pathophysiology of this common disease.
One of the current challenges in public health is to translate the progress from the Human Genome Project into reduced morbidity and mortality from disease. Once genetic defects are characterised, knowledge about the variability in severity of disease in mutation carriers, is important from a public health perspective. Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) is a common genetic disorder of iron overload that results in a wide spectrum of disease, varying from non-specific symptoms to severe damage to l ....One of the current challenges in public health is to translate the progress from the Human Genome Project into reduced morbidity and mortality from disease. Once genetic defects are characterised, knowledge about the variability in severity of disease in mutation carriers, is important from a public health perspective. Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) is a common genetic disorder of iron overload that results in a wide spectrum of disease, varying from non-specific symptoms to severe damage to liver, heart, pancreas and joints from iron deposition. It is easily treatable by regular blood donation, and population-based screening for HH has therefore been advocated. In this study we aim to address gaps in the existing data on HH regarding dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to the variable clinical picture of HH. The study will be based on the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, a cohort of 31,500 men and women who have been followed for approximately 10 years. Information on dietary and lifestyle factors was collected at initial enrollment, along with a blood specimen. We will test all non-Southern European participants (31,176) for the common HH mutations in the HFE gene and then select a subgroup of 1150 people, including all people with the main genetic defect as well as a comparison group, for further clinical followup. Participants will have genetic counselling and informed consent will be obtained. Participants will complete a short questionnaire and give a blood sample for measurement of iron overload, liver function, and other relevant blood tests, then undergo a brief clinical examination. Results of all tests will be given at a followup visit by genetic counsellor or physician. This study will provide important data on natural history of HH risk factors that influence variability in clinical presentation and the association of HFE mutations with chronic diseases and all cause mortality.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0454017
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,598.00
Summary
A unique Western Australian multi-photon confocal microscope facility to support nationally prioritised biomedical, biological and materials research. Core national priority research will utilise the low dose and penetrative nature of multi-photon confocal microscopy in current research into nerve regeneration after neurotrauma, the histopathological treatment of diabetic retinopathology, and hair cell information transfer processes in auditory physiology. Other programs will study biomineralisa ....A unique Western Australian multi-photon confocal microscope facility to support nationally prioritised biomedical, biological and materials research. Core national priority research will utilise the low dose and penetrative nature of multi-photon confocal microscopy in current research into nerve regeneration after neurotrauma, the histopathological treatment of diabetic retinopathology, and hair cell information transfer processes in auditory physiology. Other programs will study biomineralisation in the superior epithelium of chiton and limpet teeth and a variety of salinity-related plant processes. In parallel, an optical development program will investigate contrast modes in other non-linear interactions. The instrument complements and will be managed with field emission SEM, TEM and a unique high-resolution scanning ion probe in a well-established regional Centre.Read moreRead less
Developmental Origins Of Adult Cardiovascular Disease: Vascular Health In The Raine Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,087,427.00
Summary
The Raine study is a unique long term experiment that has collected extensive pre-birth and childhood data in ~3000 young Australians, who are now 27 years old. We plan to measure the artery health of 1200 of these volunteers and to determine what factors, both before and after birth, influence the presence of early atherosclerosis in humans. This study will guide strategies aimed at early prevention of heart attacks and stroke in humans, by defining the major risk factors.
A Life Course Approach To Characterising And Predicting Inactivity And Sedentary Behaviour Of Young Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,006.00
Summary
Poor activity habits are expected to overtake smoking as the leading preventable cause of health burden in Australia. Poor activity habits increase the risk for a shorter life and many health problems such as heart disease, some cancers and diabetes. Young adulthood is an important time for individuals to develop their lifestyle habits. This study will provide the first detailed description of the inactivity habits of Australians in their early 20s and factors we can target before adulthood to e ....Poor activity habits are expected to overtake smoking as the leading preventable cause of health burden in Australia. Poor activity habits increase the risk for a shorter life and many health problems such as heart disease, some cancers and diabetes. Young adulthood is an important time for individuals to develop their lifestyle habits. This study will provide the first detailed description of the inactivity habits of Australians in their early 20s and factors we can target before adulthood to encourage healthy habits.Read moreRead less