Genetic Control Of Susceptibility To Autoimmune Gastritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$346,945.00
Summary
Autoimmune gastritis is caused by the immune system targeting and destroying the stomach lining. We have developed a mouse model of the causes of gastritis and mapped the two major genes that can control susceptibility. This project involves the final stages of identifying these genes and determining how they cause disease.
I am a clinician-scientist and endocrinologist most interested in clinical problems associated with bone, in particular the highly heritable disease of osteoporosis. I hope by studying genetic determinants of bone mass to determine the key genes involved, with the long term aim of informing the development of novel therapies for this common, painful and disabling disease.
At least 6 young Australians are diagnosed each day with type 1 diabetes. This Program aims to change the way type 1 diabetes is managed by proactively treating its underlying mechanisms. We will develop safer and more effective immune therapies, develop islet transplantation, look for better markers of disease, and identify ways to preserve insulin-producing cells. The Program aims to propel type 1 diabetes research forward to reach the goals of prevention and cure.
Osteoarthritis is the major cause of disability in elderly Australians. It is a disease of unknown aetiology that results in deterioration of the structure and function of articular cartilage. Current treatment is palliative or involves joint replacement, which is very costly. No preventive strategies are currently available. These facts have led to 2000-2010 being labelled the Bone and Joint decade. Studies have consistently indicated a higher risk of this disease in families. This study will e ....Osteoarthritis is the major cause of disability in elderly Australians. It is a disease of unknown aetiology that results in deterioration of the structure and function of articular cartilage. Current treatment is palliative or involves joint replacement, which is very costly. No preventive strategies are currently available. These facts have led to 2000-2010 being labelled the Bone and Joint decade. Studies have consistently indicated a higher risk of this disease in families. This study will examine for novel genes for this condition in a large family study involving over 500 subjects. Identification of susceptibility or severity genes in OA is of marked importance as it is likely to lead to a better understanding of the biochemical basis of these disorders, and translate to rational therapeutic strategies and preventative strategies in at-risk individuals in the longer term.Read moreRead less
I am an Opthalmologist specialising in the treatment of glaucoma and genetic eye diseases. I am trained in Molecular Genetics and researching the genetic causes of eye diseases, and how understanding the basis of disease will lead to improved outcomes.
Disease Registry Based Approaches To Determining Molecular Risk Factors For Glaucoma Blindness, And Applying Them In Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,355.00
Summary
The Practitioner-Fellow has drawn together very large cohorts of patients from Australia, New Zealand and now internationally who have lost vision from Glaucoma and complications of Diabetes to determine the contributing factors. He has successfully identified major clinical and genetic risk factors for these diseases, and is now applying the knowledge to patients in early stages of disease, so that earlier and more aggressive treatment high risk individuals can lead to improved outcomes.