This program of research is firmly focussed on the basic mechanisms involved in normal functioning of cells and tissues, followed by a step by step process to understand the abnormal or the diseased. The disease states we are investigating involve the blood and blood vessels, and when there is malfunction it may contribute to conditions as diverse as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, inflammation and cancer. The program thus addresses the fundamentals of diseases which are responsible for most deaths ....This program of research is firmly focussed on the basic mechanisms involved in normal functioning of cells and tissues, followed by a step by step process to understand the abnormal or the diseased. The disease states we are investigating involve the blood and blood vessels, and when there is malfunction it may contribute to conditions as diverse as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, inflammation and cancer. The program thus addresses the fundamentals of diseases which are responsible for most deaths in our society. We will use technology which is proven to provide precise information, the molecular and biochemical processes responsible for cell function (or malfunction). However in each individual project there will be a clear path to a clinical use, diagnostic or therapeutic. Indeed in a number of the components of the program there are already potential treatments and diagnostics in development and trial.Read moreRead less
The Chief Investigators have worked as a team for 20 years as part of a successful NHMRC Program Grant that was renewed on three successive occasions and subsequently under a NHMRC Block Grant to QIMR. Their combined expertise covers the whole spectrum from the bedside to the bench with respect to clinical studies and fundamental molecular studies of iron homeostasis. The common theme of iron homeostasis and iron overload pervades virtually all the research of the team. The team�s research has l ....The Chief Investigators have worked as a team for 20 years as part of a successful NHMRC Program Grant that was renewed on three successive occasions and subsequently under a NHMRC Block Grant to QIMR. Their combined expertise covers the whole spectrum from the bedside to the bench with respect to clinical studies and fundamental molecular studies of iron homeostasis. The common theme of iron homeostasis and iron overload pervades virtually all the research of the team. The team�s research has led to fundamental observations of iron regulation and homeostasis and the development of guidelines for the management of, and screening for, haemochromatosis, recognized as the most common inherited disorder of Caucasian populations. The proposed research encompasses molecular studies aimed at deciphering the mechanisms of iron absorption and transport; how these processes are regulated; and clinical studies on patients diagnosed with haemochromatosis. The findings are particularly pertinent to the diagnosis, management and prevention of clinical haemochromatosis.Read moreRead less
Epilepsy: Molecular Basis And Mechanisms In The Era Of Functional Genomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$12,062,533.00
Summary
The team comprises of neurologists with a special interest in epilepsy (both adult and child) molecular geneticists, physiologists and brain imaging specialists. The team leads the world in the discovery of the genetic causes of epilepsy and epilepsy associated with intellectual disability. The team will continue to identify the genes underlying epilepsy, and study how genetic variations result in the development of seizures and will continue to develop advanced imaging techniques for these stud ....The team comprises of neurologists with a special interest in epilepsy (both adult and child) molecular geneticists, physiologists and brain imaging specialists. The team leads the world in the discovery of the genetic causes of epilepsy and epilepsy associated with intellectual disability. The team will continue to identify the genes underlying epilepsy, and study how genetic variations result in the development of seizures and will continue to develop advanced imaging techniques for these studies. This will include extensive laboratory studies, including the development of mice with the exact mutations that we find in the human condition. Stateof-the-art imaging techniques with magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography are used in human subjects to further understand the effects of the mutations on the structure and function of the brain. This will allow deep understanding of how seizures develop and may lead to new diagnostic methods and treatments. The laboratory and clinical aspects of the research are tightly integrated in this internationally leading collaborative program.Read moreRead less
Molecular Markers Of Phenotype, Therapeutic Responsiveness And Prognosis In Human Cancers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$11,762,117.00
Summary
This proposal aims to identify molecular markers that can be used to classify subtypes of particular cancers according to their prognosis and response to therapy. This will optimise selection of patients for the most appropriate treatment and lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.