Searching for genes influencing reading ability using multivariate genomic linkage analysis and allelic association analysis. Following from the replicated linkages of reading disability to loci on chromosomes 6 & 18, this study examines linkage of these same regions to a range of reading measures in an unselected sample of twins and siblings. Preliminary univariate linkage scans of two neuropsychological reading indices suggest linkage to loci on two chromosomes. Our next step is to include rea ....Searching for genes influencing reading ability using multivariate genomic linkage analysis and allelic association analysis. Following from the replicated linkages of reading disability to loci on chromosomes 6 & 18, this study examines linkage of these same regions to a range of reading measures in an unselected sample of twins and siblings. Preliminary univariate linkage scans of two neuropsychological reading indices suggest linkage to loci on two chromosomes. Our next step is to include reading measures of orthographic skill and phonological decoding in a multivariate linkage analysis with the other reading indices and with measures of IQ and academic achievement. Multivariate linkage increases the power of detecting quantitative traits and assists in defining the phenotype related to the locus. We then aim to identify the functional gene through allelic association analysis. Identification of QTLs for reading ability may lead to practical outcomes such as the behavioural and biomedical management of reading deficits, which may then benefit areas such as scholastic achievement.Read moreRead less
Locating genes for elementary and complex cognitive abilities using genetic linkage and association analysis. This study aims to identify genes influencing cognitive ability by using multiple measures of cognition in combination with genetic linkage and association analyses. Multiple measures can increase the statistical power of finding a gene and provide a more comprehensive framework for charting the functional role of genes. The outcome of locating genes for cognition will provide insight i ....Locating genes for elementary and complex cognitive abilities using genetic linkage and association analysis. This study aims to identify genes influencing cognitive ability by using multiple measures of cognition in combination with genetic linkage and association analyses. Multiple measures can increase the statistical power of finding a gene and provide a more comprehensive framework for charting the functional role of genes. The outcome of locating genes for cognition will provide insight into biological functions of the brain which affect human intellect, and will have downstream practical applications which could include better educational, behavioural and biomedical management of learning and memory disorders, and of other intellectual disabilities.Read moreRead less
Quantitative and Molecular Genetic Analysis of Cognition. This study attempts to unravel the pathways through which genes may exert their influence on cognitive processes by identifying some of the genes associated with normal variation in cognitive ability. Using the cognitive phenotypes we have collected, both linkage and association analysis will be used to find QTLs (locations on the chromosomes at which specific genes contribute to a quantitative trait) associated with processing speed and ....Quantitative and Molecular Genetic Analysis of Cognition. This study attempts to unravel the pathways through which genes may exert their influence on cognitive processes by identifying some of the genes associated with normal variation in cognitive ability. Using the cognitive phenotypes we have collected, both linkage and association analysis will be used to find QTLs (locations on the chromosomes at which specific genes contribute to a quantitative trait) associated with processing speed and other specific abilities. The research will enhance our understanding of the biological mechanisms influencing brain function and paves the way for the genetic dissection of the brain.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100894
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,140.00
Summary
Nanolamps: unlocking targeted gene silencing in deep tissue with nanoparticle-based light sources. In order to better understand the function of genes, this project will develop a new method of tightly targeted gene silencing deep inside of the body by nanoscale light sources. This will shed new light on the nervous system and, in the first instance, help to elucidate the role of the PACAP neurons in blood pressure regulation.
Functionally characterizing mammalian microRNAs and mRNA interactions controlling cell division. This project addresses some of the most burning issues in molecular biology and genetic research, and the results will be widely applicable to a broad range of fields, including biotechnology, animal breeding, agricultural production, genetic engineering, medical science, and computational biology. By understanding the regulatory potential of microRNA molecules, we will understand more about species ....Functionally characterizing mammalian microRNAs and mRNA interactions controlling cell division. This project addresses some of the most burning issues in molecular biology and genetic research, and the results will be widely applicable to a broad range of fields, including biotechnology, animal breeding, agricultural production, genetic engineering, medical science, and computational biology. By understanding the regulatory potential of microRNA molecules, we will understand more about species diversity, regulatory networks, and plant and animal development. The early adoption of multi-gigabase next-generation sequencing technology in Australia provides rare and exciting opportunity to lead the world in genome-scale research, and to ensure that Australia has the necessary skill base to remain internationally competitive in this field.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775726
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,270.00
Summary
Australian Mirror of the UCSC Genome Database and Browser. Modern medical, biological, agricultural, and environmental research and industries are being transformed by access to genomic information that details the DNA sequence of various species, as well as of different strains and individuals within populations. This information is being generated at an exponentially increasing speed, and requires large computational resources. This facility will provide Australian researchers, R&D organizati ....Australian Mirror of the UCSC Genome Database and Browser. Modern medical, biological, agricultural, and environmental research and industries are being transformed by access to genomic information that details the DNA sequence of various species, as well as of different strains and individuals within populations. This information is being generated at an exponentially increasing speed, and requires large computational resources. This facility will provide Australian researchers, R&D organizations and industry with state-of-the-art genomic data storage and analysis capability, which will permit both public and proprietary access, and accelerate Australian research and development in genetic medicine, pharmaceuticals, animal breeding and biodiversity.Read moreRead less
Manipulation of transcription factors that control plant architecture. This project will provide fundamental knowledge about how plant body plans are constructed and elaborated. In particular this proposal could influence agriculture in two manners. First, we will examine the ability to control infestations of parasitic plants in the field using the expression of small RNA molecules and second, we will determine whether manipulation of expression of specific transcription factors can alter the ....Manipulation of transcription factors that control plant architecture. This project will provide fundamental knowledge about how plant body plans are constructed and elaborated. In particular this proposal could influence agriculture in two manners. First, we will examine the ability to control infestations of parasitic plants in the field using the expression of small RNA molecules and second, we will determine whether manipulation of expression of specific transcription factors can alter the characteristics of secondary growth plants.Read moreRead less
Inter-kingdom signalling in animal health and disease. This project aims to understand how animals can control their bacterial associates. Animals evolved in a world dominated by bacteria, and intimately associated microbes affect the development, health and disease of all animals – from corals to man. To date, animal-microbe interactions have been studied nearly exclusively in terms of how bacteria affect animals. the researchers have discovered that the coral Acropora can control its associate ....Inter-kingdom signalling in animal health and disease. This project aims to understand how animals can control their bacterial associates. Animals evolved in a world dominated by bacteria, and intimately associated microbes affect the development, health and disease of all animals – from corals to man. To date, animal-microbe interactions have been studied nearly exclusively in terms of how bacteria affect animals. the researchers have discovered that the coral Acropora can control its associated bacteria. Understanding how a simple animal manipulates its microbial associates should have implications for coral disease and resilience and for health and disease across the animal kingdom.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354500
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
ARC Research Network in Microarray Technology. The primary aim of this proposal is to transform the premier genomic technology into a standard research tool; microarrays are now a priority for anyone studying the genetics underlying key biological processes. A principal challenge for the Australian research community is to capture all aspects of microarray technology and make them readily available. We will address these needs by developing a network to:
-establish regular research meetings,
- ....ARC Research Network in Microarray Technology. The primary aim of this proposal is to transform the premier genomic technology into a standard research tool; microarrays are now a priority for anyone studying the genetics underlying key biological processes. A principal challenge for the Australian research community is to capture all aspects of microarray technology and make them readily available. We will address these needs by developing a network to:
-establish regular research meetings,
-facilitate training in array methodologies and bioinformatics,
-co-ordinate innovation of technologies,-provide centralised data warehousing,
-provide access to automated high-level gene annotation,
-provide data mining tools,
-set standards for data management and exchangeRead moreRead less
A paradigm of genomic discovery - an investigation of the allelic architecture of height. Understanding the complexities of the human body from its DNA sequence has proven difficult. Genomic discovery is best developed using stable, easily measurable and highly heritable characteristics such as height. By taking advantage of 2 large population surveys of adult and adolescent stature we shall apply modern molecular techniques and statistical strategies to identify and characterise the exact chang ....A paradigm of genomic discovery - an investigation of the allelic architecture of height. Understanding the complexities of the human body from its DNA sequence has proven difficult. Genomic discovery is best developed using stable, easily measurable and highly heritable characteristics such as height. By taking advantage of 2 large population surveys of adult and adolescent stature we shall apply modern molecular techniques and statistical strategies to identify and characterise the exact changes in DNA that determine height. This work builds on substantial preliminary leads from unique resources and complementary expertise in the scientific specialties. The results from this work will inform other genomic research and provide information about growth and bone biology.Read moreRead less