Genetic Associations Of Early Retinal Pathologic Phenotypes: Data Pooling And Meta-analyses Of Multiple Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$736,481.00
Summary
We aim to use data already collected from multiple population-based studies to investigate the likely pathogeneses of early retinal phenotypes that are either markers for cardiovascular risk or precursors of a blinding condition. Understanding if there are genetic susceptibilities for these phenotypes, and if so, how they together with environmental exposures jointly influence the occurrence of the diseases may be key to reduce the burden from cardiovascular disease and blindness.
Combating Infectious Diseases: Eco-Epidemiology, Disease Mapping, And Travel Medicine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
Infectious disease outbreaks are driven by complex interactions between humans, animals, vectors, and the environment. Globally, outbreaks have been increasing in frequency and magnitude, e.g. Ebola and SARS. There is an urgent need to improve public health intelligence by accurately identifying the causes, timing, and hotspots. This project will develop advanced modelling strategies for improving our understanding of outbreaks, and optimise public health interventions to protect human health.
Grant Montgomery is a genetic epidemiologist with a special interest in the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of common diseases. His work is focussed primarily on endometriosis and melanoma.
I am an epidemiologist investigating: 1) the frequency, pathogenesis, risk factors and impacts of common age-related eye disease, particularly focused on the four leading causes of blindness: age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy; 2) the potential for screening and clinical diagnostic value of retinal imaging and retinal vascular signs as predictors of major systemic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Novel Retinal Architectural Vascular Signs And Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease: The AusDiab Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,254.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are major health problems. Identifying 'people at risk' is critical to design preventative strategies. We have developed new computer software to measure detailed characteristics of retinal vessels. By appling this system to predict CVD or diabetes in the AusDiab Study we aim to find 'the best combination of risk factors' to predict CVD and diabetes. This will open up the possibility of new risk assessment using a simple 'eye scan.'
Solving the puzzle of complex disease - genes and their interactions with the environment. Many human diseases are caused by the interplay of genetic predisposition (nature) and the environment (nurture); but their causes remain a mystery, since much past research has focused on these aspects in isolation. This project will aim to better understand these complex diseases using a multi-factorial approach that brings both nature and nurture together.