Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) For Juvenile-onset Myopia And Its Component Measures To Identify Molecular Pathways To Prevent Myopia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,364.00
Summary
We will examine 2,000 young adults from the Western Australian Raine Cohort at the Lions Eye Institute / University of Western Australia. Ocular data will be collected relating to myopia (short-sightedness) and will be combined with extensive previous childhood and genetic research data collected on the Cohort, to investigate the genetic and environmental factors predisposing to myopia. This will assist in understanding the factors leading to myopia.
Characterisation Of Eurl, A Novel Gene Implicated In The Etiology Of Abnormal Brain Development And Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,541.00
Summary
Intellectual disability affects around one per cent of Australians, and can arise from genetic abnormalities during fetal life, such as through abnormal regulation of gene expression. We have identified a novel gene, known as eurl, which controls brain assembly as well as the ability of neurons to form functional connections within the brain. We will investigate how this novel gene controls brain development, and characterise eurl as a potential therapeutic target for learning and memory.
High Penetrance Deleterious Mutations In Blinding Glaucoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,345,055.00
Summary
This project aims to identify the genes most commonly mutated in individuals with advanced glaucoma. Identification of such genes will lead to improved understanding of glaucoma pathogenesis, a better ability to predict risk, and the identification of drug targets for novel therapies.
Genomic Approaches To Understand And Control The Emergence Of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus Faecium (VREfm) In Australia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$756,163.00
Summary
VRE is a serious hospital superbug that has been increasing in many major hospitals around Australia, while at the same time MRSA (Golden Staph) infections have been decreasing. This project will find out why VRE is increasing by examining what happens to patients at a major Australian hospital from their time of admission to the onset of infection with VRE. At the end of the project we will have the first real understanding of how VRE is transmitted so we can develop effective infection control ....VRE is a serious hospital superbug that has been increasing in many major hospitals around Australia, while at the same time MRSA (Golden Staph) infections have been decreasing. This project will find out why VRE is increasing by examining what happens to patients at a major Australian hospital from their time of admission to the onset of infection with VRE. At the end of the project we will have the first real understanding of how VRE is transmitted so we can develop effective infection control measures.Read moreRead less
The Persisting Vascular Effects Of Activation Of The Renin-Angiotensin System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$628,456.00
Summary
Heart attacks and strokes are the major cause of death and disability in Australians. Heart disease is widely viewed to be the legacy of our diet and lifestyle, and even that of our parents. We propose to explore in detail the molecular mechanism of how this imprinting comes about and identify new targets to prevent, retard or reverse heart disease.
High-Throughput Discovery Of Synergistic Drug Combinations For Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,526,568.00
Summary
Treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic bowel cancer remain poor, with most tumours developing resistance within 24 months. A key problem is that cancers are genetically diverse, with some cells inevitably resistant to any given treatment. This study aims to discover effective drug combinations targeting distinct essential tumour cell functions through robotics-based pairwise testing of known drugs on bowel cancer cell lines representing the genetic diversity of the disease.
Structural And Functional Characterisation Of The Oncogene P-Rex1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,447.00
Summary
The spread of cancer to other parts of the body (metastasis) is a major cause of mortality. The characterisation of proteins that regulate metastasis is therefore a priority. P-Rex1 plays a crucial role in promoting metastasis in breast and other cancers. We will determine the structural basis of P-Rex1 activity, and investigate how its dysregulation promotes aberrant cell growth. This study will provide the knowledge to build future drug development programs targeting P-Rex1 in cancer.
Molecular Characterisation Of Early Precursor Lesions Of A Novel Ñserrated Pathwayî Of Colorectal Cancer Using Gene Expression And Proteomics.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,338.00
Summary
In Australia, CRC is the second highest cause of all cancer-related deaths. If detected early, CRC has a high success rate of cure, but a percentage of precursor lesions escape detection and show aggressive clinical behaviour to progress to CRC. These are difficult to diagnosis with existing technologies. We aim to understand the biology behind sessile serrated adenoma pathways and hence enhance early detection, diagnosis and treatments strategies.
Methylation-sensitive T Cell Genes And Childhood Food Allergy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,232.00
Summary
Australia has the highest reported prevalence food allergy in the world. Despite this, little is known about how allergy develops. Mounting evidence implicates environmentally induced disruption of the genetic blueprint via a process known as epigenetics. We are combining the strengths of food challenge proven food allergy with assessment of immune functioning & cutting edge genomics, to extensively characterise the pathways leading to food allergy in children.
Next Generation Cybernetics: Long Term Carbon Fibre Dual Stimulation / Recording Electrode Arrays For Closed Loop Neural Implants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$679,670.00
Summary
Electrodes implanted in the brain have enormous potential for treating a range of conditions from epilepsy to control of prosthetics for patients with limb loss. Currently, the electrodes used in such system fail rapidly because they are rejected by the body. We aim to use diamond with ultra-fine carbon fibre electrodes to make arrays that are invisible to the human immune system. Such arrays will function for the lifetime of the patient without needing replacement.