Quantitiative Assessment Of Solar UV Exposure For Vitamin D Synthesis In Australian Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,162,536.00
Summary
This research program will add significantly to our current scientific understanding of the dual health outcomes of UV exposure (Vitamin D and skin cancer) . This project is in line with Australia's R and D Priorities, in that it will result in direct and indirect social and economic benefits to Australia by applying the scientific knowledge gained through this research to develop public health initiatives to improve some of Australia's most significant and costly health problems.
Identification Of A Gene That Increases Risk Of MS Via A Pathway Involving UV Exposure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$111,000.00
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease of the central nervous system that affects over 10 000 Australians. It is a progressive debilitating disease that affects predominantly young adults and current therapies are expensive, only moderately effective and are associated with significant side effects. The biological processes leading to this disease are not well understood and there is a need to identify new ways of treating the disease or preventing it. One of the known factors associa ....Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease of the central nervous system that affects over 10 000 Australians. It is a progressive debilitating disease that affects predominantly young adults and current therapies are expensive, only moderately effective and are associated with significant side effects. The biological processes leading to this disease are not well understood and there is a need to identify new ways of treating the disease or preventing it. One of the known factors associated with MS is the striking association of increased MS incidence with cooler climates and reduced sun exposure. A study conduced by the Menzies Centre has recently provided evidence that increased childhood sun exposure is significantly associated with reduced risk of MS. This project aims to study those genes involved in the body's response to sun exposure as we propose that if sun exposure influences risk of MS then those genes may interact with sun exposure to modify risk of MS.Read moreRead less
There is a need for a greater understanding of the complex relationship between sun exposure and the production of Vitamin D. This study will expand on the recently-completed AusD study to examine how personal, behavioural, and environmental factors impact on intra-individual seasonality in Vitamin D production. The study findings will guide the development of specific, evidence-based public health recommendation that balance the risks and benefits of sun exposure.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is extremely common in Australia, resulting in disfiguring surgeries and deaths. Although cumulative sun exposure is important, some people are very susceptible, and we do not know why. This project hinges on the notion that skin cancer is a complex (many genes involved). We will utilize novel systems to harness this complexity to understand why some people are resistant and others very susceptible so as to design appropriate control measures and treatments.
CDK4 Activity In S/G2 Phases Influences Mitotic Fidelity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,696.00
Summary
The ultraviolet radiation component of the sunlight is a major environmental factor in the development of skin cancers, including melanomas. Over the past 10 years a genetic factors have also been identified that predispose towards developing melanoma, although the connection between ultraviolet radiation and the genetic factors has remained elusive. In this study we will investigate a cellular mechanism that potentially explains the link between sunlight exposure and one of the genetic risk fac ....The ultraviolet radiation component of the sunlight is a major environmental factor in the development of skin cancers, including melanomas. Over the past 10 years a genetic factors have also been identified that predispose towards developing melanoma, although the connection between ultraviolet radiation and the genetic factors has remained elusive. In this study we will investigate a cellular mechanism that potentially explains the link between sunlight exposure and one of the genetic risk factors. We will also examine whether targeting the pathway this genetic factor normally operates in can deliver increased therapeutic benefit to an existing chemotherapeutic treatment.Read moreRead less
Tracking Epidermal Clonal Evolution During Skin Cancer Induction And Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,168.00
Summary
Skin cancer is the most frequent form of cancer in Australia and in many parts of the world. It is strongly connected to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In this project, we will use our capacity to track individual cells, to observe the heterogeneity of tumours and the lesions that precede them. We will show the importance of this heterogeneity in tumour progression unveiling the limits of current therapies against skin cancer.
Susceptibility Of The Basal Layer Of Human Epidermis To UVA Oxidative Damage Due To Pheomelanin And Suboptimal DNA Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$559,354.00
Summary
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. It is important to understand how sunlight causes skin cancer and the wavelengths involved in order to devise effective preventative and therapeutic strategies. Our proposal is that the cells in the skin that give rise to the most common forms of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, are particularly vulnerable to UVA. We aim to study why this is the case and whether this vulnerability can be prevented.
The Role Of Past Sun Exposure, Infection History And Other Exogenous Factors In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,011.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that leads to various degrees of disability. The causes of MS are not yet known, and there is presently no cure. However, there is strong evidence that both an inherited susceptibility and environmental factors are important. This environmental case control study will be conducted in Tasmania and will run concurrent to a genetic project on MS which allows assessment of gene-environment interactions. ....Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that leads to various degrees of disability. The causes of MS are not yet known, and there is presently no cure. However, there is strong evidence that both an inherited susceptibility and environmental factors are important. This environmental case control study will be conducted in Tasmania and will run concurrent to a genetic project on MS which allows assessment of gene-environment interactions. It focuses on infections, timing of childhood infections and long term sun exposure. It has been suggested that MS may be due to an immune disturbance following viral infection and that the timing of childhood infections may be initially important. Also, in Australia, there is a sevenfold increase in MS prevalence as one moves from Queensland to Tasmania. This latitudinal gradient might be due to ultra violet radiation, through an influence on immune function. Beside those main focuses, the study will include other environmental factors like chemicals, diet and vaccinations. Hopefully this project will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of MS, which are relevant for preventative strategies and devising optimal treatment.Read moreRead less
The Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health (CRESH) aims to build an evidence base that will lead to the development of regionally appropriate public health guidelines that will balance the adverse and beneficial effects of sun exposure to optimise the health of the Australian community.