Colon cancer causes about 4,000 deaths per year in Australia. A better understanding of the biology of colon cancer will lead to new therapeutics that will aim to overcome the treatment resistance. This project is focused on understanding how a novel protein SLIRP regulates colon cancer growth, and will investigate the mechanisms for its protective effects on the disease. If successful, these studies could provide the foundation for targeting SLIRP for therapeutics.
Investigation Into Host Susceptibility And Immune Responses In Young Children With Acute Wheezing Due To Human Rhinovirus Group C Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,711.00
Summary
We recently made the surprising discovery that a new viral group, human rhinovirus group C (HRV-C), causes the majority of acute asthma in children. We also found that it causes half of the acute wheezing attacks in younger children, and is the only respiratory virus associated with allergy. So, HRV-C may be the key to the relationship between allergy and asthma. The planned project will focus on whether young children who wheeze with HRV-C have related defects in their immune system.
CAGE: Consortium For The Architecture Of Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,080.00
Summary
This research project is about understanding why some people are most susceptible to disease than others, by identifying genetic factors that influence the expression of genes that are important in disease. We will work with leaders in the field in Europe and the USA in an international research consortium to find genetic variants with an effect on gene expression and to link those genetic factors to disease. The project will provide new understanding about the biological basis of common disease ....This research project is about understanding why some people are most susceptible to disease than others, by identifying genetic factors that influence the expression of genes that are important in disease. We will work with leaders in the field in Europe and the USA in an international research consortium to find genetic variants with an effect on gene expression and to link those genetic factors to disease. The project will provide new understanding about the biological basis of common diseases.Read moreRead less
Computational And Statistical Methods For The Analysis Of RNA-Seq Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,545.00
Summary
New sequencing technologies provide medical researchers with ultra high-resolution tools for measuring gene activity in healthy and diseased cells. These instruments generate unprecedented volumes of data that requires careful analysis to maximize the biological insight learned from each experiment. Our research will develop new tools for analyzing, interpreting and making medical discoveries from this rapidly emerging technology, for the benefit of Australian biomedical researchers.
Improving Outcomes For Women Diagnosed With Mucinous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,238.00
Summary
Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) is different from other ovarian cancers but few studies have characterized the genetic changes specific to this subtype. It is often confused with metastases from other organs and does not respond well to standard ovarian cancer therapies. If MOC is more similar to mucinous cancers from other organs than other ovarian cancers, it may be better treated with chemotherapeutics that show success with other mucinous tumours.
Haplotype Variation At The Dopamine Transporter Gene (SLC6A3): Effects On Function, Endo-phenotypes, Cognition And ADHD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,894.00
Summary
We will investigate variation in the dopamine transporter gene. Variation in this gene will be characterised to a deeper level than has been previously possible using the latest sequencing technology, its biological function will be investigated using biochemical and neuroimaging methods directly in human subjects, and its effects on a clinically important cognitive measure and a common psychiatric condition (attention deficit/hyperactive disorder) will we determined.
Microtubule Cytoskeleton In Tumourigenesis And Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,885.00
Summary
Over one million cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year worldwide, making this the leading cause of cancer death. Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for more than 80% of lung cancer cases. We have identified a protein called ?III-tubulin that is often highly expressed in aggressive and drug resistant NSCLC, and is involved in tumour formation. We will examine how ?III-tubulin is working and identify ways to target this protein to stop tumour growth.
Identifying Key Players In The Spread Of Antimicrobial Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$817,448.00
Summary
Antibiotic drugs are essential to treat bacterial infections. However some bacteria have genes that allow them to resist certain drugs, which can be transferred among bacteria to create 'superbugs' that can resist nearly all the drugs we have. This project investigates the transfer of drug resistance genes between Gram negative bacteria (common agents of food poisoning, hospital infection, UTI, etc) and aims to identify the bacteria and genes most important in the spread of superbugs in Australi ....Antibiotic drugs are essential to treat bacterial infections. However some bacteria have genes that allow them to resist certain drugs, which can be transferred among bacteria to create 'superbugs' that can resist nearly all the drugs we have. This project investigates the transfer of drug resistance genes between Gram negative bacteria (common agents of food poisoning, hospital infection, UTI, etc) and aims to identify the bacteria and genes most important in the spread of superbugs in Australia.Read moreRead less
Role In Disease Of A Novel Epigenetic Regulator Associated With The Hypervirulent Neisseria Meningitidis Clonal Complex 41/44
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,249.00
Summary
Neisseria meningitis is a major cause of meningococcal septicaemia and meningitis worldwide. We have identified a phase variable DNA methyltransferase present in disease isolates, some of which have caused meningococcal epidemics. This methyltransferase is involved in the regulation of proteins involved in infection and disease processes. We will investigate whether this regulation increases the ability of the bacteria to adapt to changing host environments and cause disease.
Gene Discovery In Large Multiplex Families With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$879,279.00
Summary
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood with lifelong impact. ASD are characterised by deficits in communication, language development and restricted behaviours or interests. ASD have a genetic basis likely due to multiple genes but the cause is not known in more than 75% of cases. This project will discover genes associated with ASD by studying large families in which several children have ASD and identify new targets for treatment.