Interrogation Of Two Novel Genetic Susceptibility Loci For Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$840,615.00
Summary
This proposal, from the Australia and New Zealand multiple sclerosis (MS) Genetics Consortium, aims to interrogate two new genes that it recently identified as predisposing for the development of MS. Both of the genes underlying these findings are also associated with risk of developing other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Graves' disease.
Climate Change And Rural Communities: Integrated Study Of Physical And Social Impacts, Health Risks And Adaptive Options
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,599.00
Summary
Rural Australia has begun to experience climate change impacts - which will increase in future. Losses in farm yields, water supplies, property, community morale and family incomes have diverse health effects. We will study the separate and joint effects of climate change and associated extreme events (e.g., bushfires) on selected health outcomes. Using integrative methods, we will clarify the main influences on health risks, their future projections, and how best to intervene to lessen risks.
Macrophage-regulated Tissue Remodelling In Endometrial Receptivity For Embryo Implantation And Pregnancy Success
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,779.00
Summary
Infertility and recurrent miscarriage affect 60-80 million couples globally, including 15% of couples in Australia. Moreover, 1 in 6 pregnancies is affected by pre-eclampsia, low birth weight or preterm labour. Infertility and other pathologies in pregnancy often result from failure of the maternal tissues to adequately support embryo implantation and development of the placenta, leading to insufficient nutritional support of the developing fetus. We have discovered in mice that disruption in th ....Infertility and recurrent miscarriage affect 60-80 million couples globally, including 15% of couples in Australia. Moreover, 1 in 6 pregnancies is affected by pre-eclampsia, low birth weight or preterm labour. Infertility and other pathologies in pregnancy often result from failure of the maternal tissues to adequately support embryo implantation and development of the placenta, leading to insufficient nutritional support of the developing fetus. We have discovered in mice that disruption in the populations of immune cells called macrophages within the uterine endometrial lining can reduce the receptivity of the endometrum to embryo implantation, and can lead to fetal growth retardation and impaired health after birth. The purpose of this project is to delineate the precise functions of macrophages in interacting with other cells in the endometrium to facilitate attachment of the embryo, its invasion into maternal tissues, and its access to an adequate blood supply as the placenta develops during early pregnancy. We will employ state of the art experimental strategies including genetic models to deplete endometrial macrophage populations in mice, and will then study the implications for changes in endometrial tissue structure and function. Furthermore we will investigate the long term consequences of early macrophage perturbations for the fetus and neonate after birth. This study will improve our understanding of how determinants of macrophage function such as infection and inflammatory conditions, male factors, nutrition and stress can impair fertility and compromise optimal pregnancy outcome in humans.Read moreRead less
Neurobiological Causes Of Overeating In A Rodent Model - Hedonic Versus Homeostatic Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,215.00
Summary
Unlimited access to palatable high fat foods, in conjunction with a sedentary life style, has led to increased obesity. Exactly what mechanisms drive over consumption of energy rich foods and override mechanisms that normally regulate body weight? This project will examine feeding behaviour in rats fed palatable high fat diet, to examine when and how they eat. The contribution of brain chemicals implicated in addiction to this eating, and the impact of withdrawal of food will be examined.
Molecular Identification Of Causative Genetic And Epigenetic Alterations That Induce And Promote Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,821.00
Summary
The majority of mouse models currently employed to study colorectal cancer have two failings. The first is that they tend to focus on small intestinal cancers rather than colorectal cancers. It is important to note that small intestinal cancers are in the minority of gastrointestinal cancers in humans. The second problem is that the genetic lesions introduced into mice are mostly in all cells throughout development. This is a poor representation of the random nature of genetic changes that under ....The majority of mouse models currently employed to study colorectal cancer have two failings. The first is that they tend to focus on small intestinal cancers rather than colorectal cancers. It is important to note that small intestinal cancers are in the minority of gastrointestinal cancers in humans. The second problem is that the genetic lesions introduced into mice are mostly in all cells throughout development. This is a poor representation of the random nature of genetic changes that underpin the probable cause of colon cancer. We therefore propose to genetically engineer unique mouse models that focus on colon cancer to most closely replicate the situation in human disease. These models will then be available to others and us to develop and test therapies to prevent and-or treat colorectal cancer that will ultimately be used in patients.Read moreRead less