Sino-Australian neurogenetics initiative. This project will undertake large population studies to identify genes that are associated with motor neuron disease, schizophrenia and intracranial haemorrhage. The project will determine genetic markers, aid development of diagnostic tools and identify new therapeutic targets for these common heritable neurological diseases.
The role of short tandem repeat DNA variation in the evolution of human psychological diversity. The proposed work addresses fundamental questions about human nature. It ties together the evolutionary processes that have shaped us as a species with the way our genes influence: our personalities, the way we think and how we behave. It introduces a novel approach to addressing questions about the role of genetics in human variation that will contribute substantially to the way we understand, perce ....The role of short tandem repeat DNA variation in the evolution of human psychological diversity. The proposed work addresses fundamental questions about human nature. It ties together the evolutionary processes that have shaped us as a species with the way our genes influence: our personalities, the way we think and how we behave. It introduces a novel approach to addressing questions about the role of genetics in human variation that will contribute substantially to the way we understand, perceive and manage important aspects of human diversity.Read moreRead less
Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying migraine and endometriosis via genetic dissection. The research aims to identify genetic variants underlying migraine and endometriosis susceptibility. Advances in the genetics of these common and painful disorders, including identification of genetic biomarkers (genetic variations that can predict disease susceptibility, disease outcome, or treatment response), will offer better rationales for scientific enquiry, helping the discovery of new treat ....Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying migraine and endometriosis via genetic dissection. The research aims to identify genetic variants underlying migraine and endometriosis susceptibility. Advances in the genetics of these common and painful disorders, including identification of genetic biomarkers (genetic variations that can predict disease susceptibility, disease outcome, or treatment response), will offer better rationales for scientific enquiry, helping the discovery of new treatment pathways and improve predictions of drug efficacy and safety. Thus providing improved treatment strategies for the individual sufferer and reduce the direct medical and indirect economic costs to individual sufferers as well as to the general community.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100894
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,140.00
Summary
Nanolamps: unlocking targeted gene silencing in deep tissue with nanoparticle-based light sources. In order to better understand the function of genes, this project will develop a new method of tightly targeted gene silencing deep inside of the body by nanoscale light sources. This will shed new light on the nervous system and, in the first instance, help to elucidate the role of the PACAP neurons in blood pressure regulation.
Genetics of longevity and the delay of post-reproductive senescence. Ageing of the population in the coming decades will cause an increasing health care burden. Diseases of ageing such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, Parkinson's and a range of cancers, as well as impairments of ageing such as reduced mobility and cognitive ability are all caused or exacerbated by oxidative stress. With some exceptions, current medical practices focus on surgical repair or drug therapy to alleviate symptoms of ag ....Genetics of longevity and the delay of post-reproductive senescence. Ageing of the population in the coming decades will cause an increasing health care burden. Diseases of ageing such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, Parkinson's and a range of cancers, as well as impairments of ageing such as reduced mobility and cognitive ability are all caused or exacerbated by oxidative stress. With some exceptions, current medical practices focus on surgical repair or drug therapy to alleviate symptoms of ageing rather than addressing the physiological causes of ageing itself. Our project will provide understanding of natural systems that prevent age-related senescence due to oxidative stress. The goal is to identify novel and natural ways to maximise the fitness, well-being and self-sufficiency of people as they age.Read moreRead less
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development - Grant ID: DI0560757
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$160,896.00
Summary
Identification and Characterisation of Genes involved in the Copper Regulation of the Human Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid-Beta Precursor Protein (APP) Gene. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the ageing population. This research project aims to identify and characterise new genes involved in the copper regulation of the Alzheimer's disease gene. This may lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets and clinical intervention strategies as well as early diagnost ....Identification and Characterisation of Genes involved in the Copper Regulation of the Human Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid-Beta Precursor Protein (APP) Gene. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the ageing population. This research project aims to identify and characterise new genes involved in the copper regulation of the Alzheimer's disease gene. This may lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets and clinical intervention strategies as well as early diagnostic procedures in preventative healthcare for the treatment of AD. The benefits would affect the international community as a whole, potentially minimising the socio-economic costs arising from the predicted world-wide increase in AD in the ageing population.Read moreRead less
Identification of genes regulating breast cancer progression and metastasis. Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women in Australia. Although the treatments have improved over the last thirty years, many women still die from relapse of the disease. Our goal is to identify genes involved in the regulation of breast cancer progression and metastasis. This may lead to the discovery of druggable molecules for better targeted therapies for patients.
Differentiation of effector and tissue regulatory T cells . Regulatory T cells (Tregs) populate almost every organ of the body and play a central role in preventing inflammation and maintaining health. To exercise these functions, Tregs undergo a developmental program, the details of which are poorly known. This project will utilize newly developed biological tools and state-of-the-art technology to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern Treg development and function. The project will gene ....Differentiation of effector and tissue regulatory T cells . Regulatory T cells (Tregs) populate almost every organ of the body and play a central role in preventing inflammation and maintaining health. To exercise these functions, Tregs undergo a developmental program, the details of which are poorly known. This project will utilize newly developed biological tools and state-of-the-art technology to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern Treg development and function. The project will generate basic scientific knowledge and new intellectual property that will afford new opportunities for research and development. The outcomes of this project will help to devise strategies to treat diseases such as autoimmunity, cancer and metabolic syndrome, and will thus benefit veterinary and human health.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
Australian Heritage: constructing the first Aboriginal reference genome. This project aims to use DNA sequencing technologies to generate the first complete and accurate Aboriginal genomes, along with maps of genomic variation around Australia. It will combine a range of advanced analytical methods to integrate past and present indigenous genetic diversity from human populations around the world into a new pan-human reference genome. This project will lead to a step change in our understanding o ....Australian Heritage: constructing the first Aboriginal reference genome. This project aims to use DNA sequencing technologies to generate the first complete and accurate Aboriginal genomes, along with maps of genomic variation around Australia. It will combine a range of advanced analytical methods to integrate past and present indigenous genetic diversity from human populations around the world into a new pan-human reference genome. This project will lead to a step change in our understanding of global human genomic variants and provide a range of new targets relevant to medical biology, while significantly improving our knowledge of human genetic history and its consequences in the modern day.Read moreRead less