Exploring The Function Of Breast Cancer-Associated Variants In Long Non-Coding RNAs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,585.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Several of these regions do not contain any known protein coding genes, suggesting that non-protein coding genes could be responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these non-coding genes. Understanding how sequences variations in these novel genes contribute to breast cancer will provide novel a ....Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Several of these regions do not contain any known protein coding genes, suggesting that non-protein coding genes could be responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these non-coding genes. Understanding how sequences variations in these novel genes contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.Read moreRead less
Translation Of Glaucoma Blindness Genes To Improve Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$856,795.00
Summary
Glaucoma is a common cause of irreversible blindness. It is currently difficult to predict which patients with the earliest signs of glaucoma will develop blinding stages of the disease. This study will investigate how genes and eye measurements can be used to predict the risk of developing severe glaucoma in people with early signs of disease. This will ensure that high risk individuals can access treatment early, while those at low risk can be spared unnecessary treatment and seen less often.
Identification And Function Of Genes That Increase Risk For Endometriosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,180,912.00
Summary
Endometriosis is a common disease that affects 7% of reproductive age women in Australia, resulting in pelvic pain, subfertility and painful periods. We have undertaken genetic studies that identified a number of candidate genes that show strong evidence for increasing a woman’s risk of having endometriosis. We now seek funding to investigate the functional roles that these endometriosis susceptibility genes play within the uterus, with the goal of identifying new treatments for endometriosis.
Identification And Characterisation Of A Novel Genetic Signature At The 5p15 Region Associated With Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,974.00
Summary
We have recently replicated the genetic association of a region (5p15) with the risk of prostate cancer in Australian men. We now seek to identify the precise genetic variant behind this association, and the functional role of these novel gene/s and variants in disease pathology. Our results will provide a foundation for the development of sensitive and readily applicable lab-based screening tools to be used clinically and will also provide impetus for drug-targeted research by furthering our un ....We have recently replicated the genetic association of a region (5p15) with the risk of prostate cancer in Australian men. We now seek to identify the precise genetic variant behind this association, and the functional role of these novel gene/s and variants in disease pathology. Our results will provide a foundation for the development of sensitive and readily applicable lab-based screening tools to be used clinically and will also provide impetus for drug-targeted research by furthering our understanding on this multifactorial disease.Read moreRead less
Gene Tests For Predicting Risk Of Developing Glaucoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$956,020.00
Summary
Glaucoma is a common cause of blindness. It is currently difficult to predict which patients with the earliest signs of glaucoma will go on to develop the blinding stages of the disease. This study will investigate how genes and othe eye measurements can be used to predict risk of developing glaucoma in people with early signs of disease.
Identifying Novel Long-noncoding RNAs Involved In The Development Of Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$785,204.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these non-coding genes that are modulate breast cancer risk. Understanding how sequences variations that alter these novel genes contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.
Activation Of TERT Gene Expression In Breast Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$693,440.00
Summary
A key step in the development of most cancers is the switching on of an enzyme, telomerase, that allows cancer cells to keep growing without limit. We will study the molecular details of this step using new techniques for functional analyses of the genome in human breast cells grown in the laboratory. Blocking telomerase has great potential for cancer treatment, so analysing how this enzyme gets switched on may identify new strategies for achieving this for breast cancer - and other cancers.
Advanced Whole-genome Approaches For Causative Variant Detection And Individual Risk Prediction Of Complex Traits In Human Populations.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,014.00
Summary
The genomics era has demonstrated the true complexity of complex genetic traits, but brings promise for personalised genomic medicine in which diagnosis and treatment are tailored to individuals based on profiles recorded in their genome. This project aims to develop advanced statistical methods to better detect causative variants and to better predict an individual’s risk of disease. Our methods may lead to predictions of risk of disease for individuals that have clinical utility.
Identification Of Target Genes At Breast Cancer-risk Loci With Potential For Drug Repositioning
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$757,478.00
Summary
Genome wide association studies have been extremely successful at identifying regions of the genome associated with breast cancer risk. However, to fully translate this information to prevention and treatment of breast cancer, we need to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for increasing breast cancer susceptibility, and the genes that are involved.
Risk prediction models incorporating multiple risk factors (including genetic markers) are a recognised method to identify individuals at high risk of developing breast or colorectal cancer, but it is uncertain which model(s) currently perform best in a population setting. We aim to compare the predictive ability of each available model. Knowing which model performs best will facilitate early diagnosis, reduce overall costs by better targeting interventions and improve cancer survival.