Cancer is still a major cause of mortality in adults and children. Several lines of evidence suggest that some childhood cancers may arise due to factors, which interfere with the normal process of early development in embryonal tissues. The nature of the molecular factors which derail normal embryogenesis, their mechanism and timing, is vital information for efforts to generate novel pharmaceuticals. Moreover, factors which are necessary for tumour initiation, might be very good targets for a c ....Cancer is still a major cause of mortality in adults and children. Several lines of evidence suggest that some childhood cancers may arise due to factors, which interfere with the normal process of early development in embryonal tissues. The nature of the molecular factors which derail normal embryogenesis, their mechanism and timing, is vital information for efforts to generate novel pharmaceuticals. Moreover, factors which are necessary for tumour initiation, might be very good targets for a cancer prevention strategy. If entirely successful, our experiments will show that the MYCN oncoprotein is a key factor in the very earliest stages of neuroblastoma tumour formation, we will define the mechanism of the MYCN effect on the normal process of neural crest development, and, we will provide a basis for future cancer prevention strategies in children with this disease.Read moreRead less
Birth defects can have devastating consequences for individuals and their families, and improving our ability to diagnose and screen for these disorders has implications for treatment and reproductive options. We are using the mouse as a model to discover genes important in a new class of birth defects caused by dysfunction of a hair-like cellular projection known as the cilium.
The Contribution Of Maternal Obesity And Gestational Weight Gain To Preschool Child Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,213.00
Summary
Obesity affects more than 43 million children 0-5 years world-wide, and 21% of Australian children 2-3 years of age. The intra-uterine environment plays a key role in the development of later health and disease, representing a critical period in the subsequent programming of obesity. We will evaluate health outcomes (including growth/adiposity) for infants at 3 years, whose mother’s participated in a randomised trial evaluating an antenatal dietary intervention to limit gestational weight gain.
Understanding And Improving Treatment Of Premature Infants To Improve Long Term Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
The last 2 decades heralded many important advances in the care of preterm infants but important gaps in our knowledge remain. Studies undertaken in the preclinical and clinical settings during this Fellowship will enhance understanding of the complex nature of disease in preterm infants. Further, we will develop and evaluate new treatments that enhance growth and development of the premature baby to optimise their long term intellectual, physical, emotional and social outcomes.
Quantifying The Role Of Epigenetic Factors In Neurocognitive Outcomes: A Twin Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,516,790.00
Summary
We aim to identify the environmental factors in early life that contribute towards an individual brain development using MRI brain scans and related psychological skills measured in late childhood. We are using twins to better understand differences in their early life environments independent of genetics.
Limbic Maturational Changes In Adolescence And Young Adulthood (LIMCA) - A Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,897.00
Summary
Structural and cognitive changes of the limbic regions have been linked to number psychiatric disorders. A thorough understanding of the dynamics of healthy maturation of these brain areas with age is necessary. The main aim of this research is to longitudinally study and model the neuro-developmental changes of the limbic region during adolescence and young adulthood. These will provide an invaluable template in identifying deviant patterns of limbic development in children with neuropsychiatri ....Structural and cognitive changes of the limbic regions have been linked to number psychiatric disorders. A thorough understanding of the dynamics of healthy maturation of these brain areas with age is necessary. The main aim of this research is to longitudinally study and model the neuro-developmental changes of the limbic region during adolescence and young adulthood. These will provide an invaluable template in identifying deviant patterns of limbic development in children with neuropsychiatric disorders.Read moreRead less