Mechanisms And Patterns Of Post-Transcriptional Gene Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Genetic information resides in the DNA of our genome; however, to use this information it must be transcribed into chemically related RNA molecules, collectively known as the transcriptome. While different body cells carry the same genome, they differ widely in their transcriptome composition. To understand how cells properly utilise their transcriptomes we will characterise the marks and binding partners found on RNA in the context of cardiac and cancer biology.
Mechanisms Of Gene Regulation - Structure, Function And Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
The human genome contains at least 20000 genes. The activity of these genes must be tightly controlled throughout an individual’s life and problems with the regulation of genes lie at the heart of many common and serious diseases, including most forms of cancer. My program of research is focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying gene regulation and on the design of new reagents that could be used to manipulate the activity of genes that behave aberrantly in disease states.
Using cutting edge sequencing and genotyping technology, genes causing common and rare human diseases will be identified, and genetic methods developed to diagnose genetic diseases in both antenatal and postnatal life. Treatments for common rheumatic diseases affecting tens of thousands of Australians will be developed informed by these genetic findings.
Solving The Causes Of And Development Of New Therapies For Ankylosing Spondylitis And Related Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a highly heritable and common form of arthritis affecting primarily the spine and pelvis, and is the 2nd most common form of arthritis worldwide (~0.55%). In this fellowship I will extend my world-leading program of AS research by increasing understanding of its basic causes through research into its genetic and environmental triggers, and from this develop new treatments for this and related diseases such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Using Twin And Family Studies To Make Genomics Relevant To Population Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
This Fellowship will make major impacts on health by building on decades of research creating large studies of families, and in particular twins. One aim is to produce a simple web-based tool for women to accurately know their risk of breast cancer based on family history, mammography and genetic markers. This could transform breast and genetic screening across the world. Another is to develop new ways of analysing twin data which resolve which risk factors are causal and relevant to prevention.
Innovative Health Programs To Reduce Inequality In Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
As part of his Senior NHMRC Fellowship, Prof Simon Stewart, a world-renowned health services researcher, will lead an internationally linked team of researchers from a broad range of health disciplines to undertake a program of research designed to improve the lives of those most vulnerable to heart disease and poor health outcomes. His program of research will focus on Indigenous Australians, patients with complex forms of heart disease and urban African communities in economic transition.
Understanding The Shared Determinants And Causal Pathways Of Early Life Infection, Inflammation And Atherosclerosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,803.00
Summary
Infection is the commonest reason for childhood hospitalisation, but it is unknown why infection is much more severe in some children. The long-term effects of infection on the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, is also unknown. This research investigates these important questions with the aim of developing better prediction and prevention of severe infection and reducing its impact on adult cardiovascular disease.