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
The Role Of Duffy And PF4 In The Platelet Killing Of Malaria Parasites.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,045.00
Summary
Platelets in the blood can kill the Plasmodium parasite, which lives inside red blood cells and causes malaria. Platelets bind parasite-infected red cells and release a molecule that is toxic to the parasite. This project will study why a red cell molecule called Duffy is also needed for this function of platelets. Most Africans carry a gene for Duffy that stops its expression in red cells, and may therefore be more susceptible to malaria because their platelets cannot kill the malaria parasite.
Exploiting SNP Data In Epidemiology And Genetics Through Multivariate Analysis Of Complex Traits
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,981.00
Summary
There is overlap in risk factors across multiple diseases, and some of that overlap is due to genetic factors. The availability of genome-wide DNA data on tens of thousands of patients for multiple diseases and healthy controls allows new questions to be asked and answered. For example, what is the overlap due to genes in disease risk for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis? This project will develop and statistical genetic methodology to answer such questions and apply those methods to ....There is overlap in risk factors across multiple diseases, and some of that overlap is due to genetic factors. The availability of genome-wide DNA data on tens of thousands of patients for multiple diseases and healthy controls allows new questions to be asked and answered. For example, what is the overlap due to genes in disease risk for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis? This project will develop and statistical genetic methodology to answer such questions and apply those methods to a range of important diseases.Read moreRead less
This study is aimed at identifying genetic variants that influence susceptibility to migraine. We plan to use DNA samples already collected from families with multiple migraine affected individuals and sequence a region on the X chromosome that has previously been identified as harbouring a migraine susceptibility gene. This project will identify gene(s) that contain variants contributing to migraine.
Clinical Classification Of Regulatory Variants In Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,966.00
Summary
Variations in our genes can confer a risk of diseases including breast cancer. Determining the clinical significance of these variations is a major and increasing challenge for genetic counselors and clinicians. This project will evaluate the clinical significance of variants in the control regions of breast cancer susceptibility genes. This research will inform the development of guidelines for interpreting such variants in a clinical setting.
Functional Analysis Of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Regions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$790,588.00
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 genes, suggesting that regulatory DNA sequences are responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these DNA sequences. Understanding how sequences variations in these regions contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.
Vulnerability Markers In The Association Between Cannabis And Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$515,764.00
Summary
Understanding the conditions that confer vulnerability to the triggering of schizophrenia by cannabis use is key to preventing transition to psychosis in up to 14% of cases. This project will examine the long- and short-term effects of different cannabis compounds on specific vulnerability markers of brain chemical abnormalities in cannabis users from the general community.
Neuroanatomical Correlates Of Susceptibility In A Model Of Genetic Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,275.00
Summary
Genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) is the most common form of epilepsy, but our understanding of the pathogenesis, in particular anatomical effects of genetic mutations, is incomplete. This project represents the first quantitative study of anatomical changes caused by a human GGE mutation. Pilot data show that the fundamental wiring of the cortex is different in GGE brains with obvious implications for epileptogenesis. This study is expected to inspire improved treatment and diagnosis.
Identification Of Novel Genes Predisposing To Familial Colorectal Cancer By Full Exome Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$158,188.00
Summary
A third of people who develop bowel cancer have a family history of the condition. Currently, we only understand the genes involved in a small number of these families. This proposal will use new genetic techniques to look for gene faults in the remaining families by sequencing all an individual’s genes simultaneously. By identifying new genes, we can accurately assess family members’ bowel cancer risk, effectively target surveillance and help reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer.
Post-GWAS Functional Characterisation Of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Loci
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,632.00
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 genes, suggesting that regulatory DNA sequences are responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these DNA sequences. Understanding how sequences variations in these regions contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.