Identifying Unintentional Effects Of Medication Using Statistical Genetics Analyses Of Large-scale Genetic And Genomic Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,441.00
Summary
An increasing number of studies have highlighted unknown adverse effects of medication, for example, use of statins to lower cholesterol with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The gold standard approach to confirm these effects is randomised control trials, which may not always be feasible or ethical, and are very expensive. This project aims to apply innovative statistical genetics approaches to (genetic and genomic) 'big-data' to predict unknown effects of commonly prescribed medications.
Better Statistical Methods To Discover Host Genetic Factors In Symptom Response To SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,137.00
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has infected >5 million people worldwide. While the majority of infected individuals recover within a few weeks of infection, others develop severe forms, that in some cases prove fatal. To date, the causes of differences in symptom response are unknown. In this proposal, we seek to discover genetic factors that can contribute to explaining these differences. Our findings have the potential to inform the design and analysis of clinical trials for vaccines and treatments.
New Therapeutic Approaches For Genetic Skeletal Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$961,150.00
Summary
Genetic skeletal disorders are a significant disease burden with limited therapeutic options. We will use mouse models of cartilage and bone disorders and human induced pluripotent stem cell derived bone and cartilage 'disease in a dish' models to test repurposed FDA-approved drugs and new drug candidates as novel therapeutic strategies.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a devastating consequence of a number of heart diseases. Underlying causes include inherited heart muscle problems (cardiomyopathies), with no cause found in 40%. Our study will investigate the role of 'concealed cardiomyopathy' cases, i.e. those with a SCD event with no evidence of heart disease, but carry errors in heart genes. Our findings will translate rapidly into more targeted clinical and genetic evaluation of families with the ultimate goal to prevent SCD.
ARX- A Hub Gene For A Common Biological Pathway In Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,974.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with no cure. I have identified that some people with schizophrenia show variations to a gene called ARX. This project will use preclinical mouse models to explore how variations to the Arx gene affect brain molecules, networks of cells and behavioural outcomes. This biological pathway will provide the framework for the identification of new molecules to target therapeutically to modify the biological course of schizophrenia and improve outcomes.
Advancing Equitable And Non-discriminatory Access To Health Services For First Nations Peoples: A Multidisciplinary Queensland Human Rights Act Case Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,279,602.00
Summary
The objective of this innovative study is to apply a multidisciplinary, right to health lens to critically explore & bring to light Indigenous Australians' experiences of racial discrimination in accessing equitable, quality & timely health services in urban, rural & remote locations. Research outcomes will be synthesised into a suite of project deliverables, with Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group guidance & community co-design, to advance inter-generational health justice.
Improving Understandings Of And Responses To Alcohol-related Family Violence For Aboriginal People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,294,735.00
Summary
Family violence and alcohol misuse contribute to many health and social inequities facing Aboriginal peoples. This Aboriginal-led project will investigate associations between alcohol and family violence in urban, regional and remote contexts to co-design improved interventions for Aboriginal peoples facing these issues. We will use an innovative approach combining participatory anthropological methods with network analytical techniques to address the gravity and complexity of the problem.
PRECIS: PRecision Evidence For Childhood Obesity Prevention InterventionS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,280,254.00
Summary
This project will bring together global knowledge on community-based obesity prevention to identify the most effective and equitable approaches to create healthier communities. The project will support communities to create positive actions that are tailored to their own community characteristics and resources, to prevent childhood obesity now and into the future.
AKction2: Aboriginal Kidney Care Together - Improving Outcomes Now
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,950,173.00
Summary
This project brings together Aboriginal kidney patients and families, health professionals, health services, academics and researchers. Aboriginal peoples' lived experience of kidney disease and kidney care will inform and co-create improvements in care at an interpersonal, service and systems level. Patient journey mapping, effective collaboration between patients and clinical staff, and embedding Indigenous governance mechanisms will be used to improve both clinical and cultural safety.
Leaving No-one Behind: Informing Indigenous Aged Care Policy With Big Data.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,668,851.00
Summary
Very little is known about older Indigenous people in aged care. Led by Indigenous people, this project will use a unique national dataset to answer questions on the experiences of Indigenous people in aged care, focusing on access and barriers to services and care, quality and safety of care and whether the care they receive meets their health needs. This research will inform service improvements and ensure older Indigenous people are not forgotten in much-needed aged care reforms.