Identifying Novel Susceptibility Loci For Osteoporosis Through Whole Genome Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,969.00
Summary
Our highly successful genome-wide studies of bone mineral density (a risk factor for osteoporosis) have highlighted 60 loci relevant to the disease. However, a substantial amount of genetic variance remains unexplained. This project will focus on less common variants that have larger effect sizes and are relevant to osteoporosis, but are not well studied by approaches such as high-density SNP arrays and genome-wide association studies.
Osteoporosis is the commonest metabolic bone disease worldwide, and costs Australia >1% of GDP. It is a strongly inherited disease. We recently completed a genome-wide association study in 2000 postmenopausal women with either very high or very low bone density, and identified many genes contributing to BMD. The current study aims to use next-generation sequencing to study these women in greater genetic depth, aiming to identify more clearly the exact genetic determinants of bone mass.
Bisphosphonate Therapy With Zoledronate Or Tenofovir Switching To Improve Low Bone Mineral Density In HIV-Infected Adults: A Strategic, Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,300.00
Summary
Most HIV+ Australians receive tenofovir, a ‘preferred’ drug in all HIV treatment guidelines, and may do for decades, as HIV therapy is lifelong and because there are very few new HIV drugs. 40% of HIV+ adults have low bone density and HIV+ adults experience more fractures. Of all HIV drugs, tenofovir causes the most bone loss. This trial compares two approaches: a drug to improve bone density and switching tenofovir to another drug. This ‘treat versus switch’ approach is a world-first for HIV.
Early Indicators Of Noise Injury: Are Decreased Auditory Processing Skills Evident In Noise-exposed Adults Prior To Diagnosis Of Hearing Loss?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,605.00
Summary
Recent research indicates that noise-exposed individuals with similar hearing thresholds to non-noise exposed counterparts are more likely to have diminished temporal and spectral auditory processing abilities. This research aims to determine the relationship between noise exposure levels and auditory processing difficulties; the influence of musical training in ameliorating these difficulties; and a neurological model of causation, operation and possible remediation of these difficulties.
Cochlear Type II Neurons In Contralateral Suppression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,434.00
Summary
Sound in one ear affects hearing in the other ear. This contralateral suppression is important for hearing attention and protection from noise damage. We will test the hypothesis that cochlear type II sensory neurons provide the sensory input for this process using models where neuronal development is altered, or the neurons are removed. The study addresses hearing disability in society, facilitating cochlear prosthesis development and the understanding of hearing loss.
Cell-specific Regulation Of The MicroRNA/RNAi Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$659,390.00
Summary
MicroRNAs are a group of molecules that are critical for controlling the activity of genes. They function in a diverse range of biological systems, such the brain and immune system. Although we know that these molecules are important, how they are made in cells is still poorly understood. Because these molecules have potential therapeutic applications, it is essential that we gain a precise understanding of their biology before we will be able to apply these to medicine.
A Novel Molecular Mechanism Controlling Myelopoiesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,439.00
Summary
The immune system is comprised of many different cell types, each with a specialised function. Many are short-lived and must be continually replenished throughout life. Abnormalities in this process underlie many human diseases, including immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and cancer. We have discovered a novel molecular mechanism that is critical for the production of immune cells. This project will investigate how this mechanism is controlled and the impacts on myelodysplastic syndromes.
The research will investigate the mechanisms by which our brains are able to listen selectively to sounds of interest in competing background noise. This will be investigated in normal hearing subjects, those with partial deafness and in profoundly deaf patients who use a cochlear implant. If deaf patients can learn to use cues to enhance detection of sounds of interest this could have an impact on the effectiveness of hearing aids and cochlear implants in noisy listening situations
MicroRNAs are a group of molecules that are critical for controlling the activity of genes. They function in a diverse range of biological systems, from early embryonic development to adult organs, such as the brain and immune system. Although we know that these molecules are important, there remain major gaps in our understanding of how they are produced. Thus, the goal of our research is to understand how cells make these molecules.
Defining The Role Of RNA Editing In Erythropoiesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$628,945.00
Summary
We are seeking to understand how red blood cells are produced. We have identified that a process called RNA editing may be important in the regulating the production of red blood cells.