Optimising Temporal Genomic Surveillance Of Salmonella Infections In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,447.00
Summary
Salmonella is a leading cause of the food-borne disease – salmonellosis. It is responsible for considerable morbidity and has an enormous economic cost. Molecular typing is the key to rapidly identify and control outbreaks. This project will optimise the use of whole genome sequencing for outbreak investigation and long term epidemiology. A surveillance system that integrates genome sequence and epidemiological data will be highly significant for outbreak investigation and disease prevention.
An Investigation Into The Role Of 3’UTR Dynamics In Breast Cancer Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,444.00
Summary
Basic research has brought many improvements to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. An exception are the triple negative breast cancers. No targeted therapies yet exist, and thus a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy is the only option. For 2/3rds of women this works well and survivor rates are high, but the prognosis is poor for those that do not respond. This research aims to reveal therapeutic opportunities to block the potential of such tumours to spread.
Molecular Epidemiology And High Resolution Surveillance Of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Typhimurium In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,180.00
Summary
Salmonella typhimurium is a leading cause of the food-borne disease – salmonellosis. It is responsible for considerable morbidity and has an enormous economic cost. Molecular typing is the key to rapidly identify and control outbreaks. This project will employ next generation sequencing technology to develop a new molecular typing scheme. A surveillance system that integrates molecular typing data and epidemiological data will be developed for outbreak investigation and disease prevention.
Investigating The Aetiopathogenic Role Of Autoantibodies Against The M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor In Patients With First Episode Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$830,986.00
Summary
Previously we have found that a proportion of patients with schizophrenia have elevated levels of antibodies that target one of the neurotransmitter receptors, the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, and that those patients who have the highest levels of antibodies tend to have more severe manifestations of some of the symptoms of schizophrenia. In this project, we will try to confirm this relationship, and also investigate further how this antibodies might be able to worsen specific symptoms.
Tissue Specific T Cells Mediate Drug Hypersensitivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,253,980.00
Summary
T cells are immune cells that create dangerous and fatal drug allergies affecting the skin. An individual’s genetic makeup only partially explains predisposition to these reactions, we believe the missing link is contained in immune signatures specific to the skin. We aim to identify drug-specific T cells in the skin and develop a sensitive test to screen for rare, dangerous T cells in the blood. This will enable prediction and prevention of severe drug allergy and development of safer drugs.
Comparative Analysis Of Human And Kangaroo Leishmania: Defining Human Pathogenicity Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,334.00
Summary
Leishmaniasis is a global infectious disease affecting millions and killing thousands each year. This project will utilise the recent discovery in Australia of a related pathogen to identify novel parasite genes and pathways involved in virulence in humans. The latest techniques in comparative genomics and molecular biology will identify the genes that cause human disease . Appropriate genes will then be used to develope a novel vaccine using the Australian parasite.
Circulating Tumour DNA To Monitor Treatment Response And Resistance In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,950.00
Summary
Many cancers shed small amounts of DNA (ctDNA) into the patient’s bloodstream and recent advances in genomic technologies now allow levels of ctDNA to be accurately measured in the blood. Changes in ctDNA levels have potential to be used as specific markers of disease progression and/or response to cancer therapy. This project will evaluate if ctDNA can be used to monitor treatment responses and individualise treatment decisions in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Circulating Tumour DNA As A Noninvasive Biomarker In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,299,114.00
Summary
The expanding repertoire of treatment options in melanoma is bringing into focus the need for improved ways to accurately monitor treatment responses and guide treatment decisions. Many cancers shed small amounts of DNA (ctDNA) into the bloodstream and changes in ctDNA levels have potential to be used as specific markers of response to cancer therapy. This project will evaluate if ctDNA can be used as a form of ‘liquid biopsy’ to guide treatment decisions in patients with melanoma.
Hype Or Hope? Platelet-Rich Plasma As A Symptom- And DisEaSe-modifying Treatment FOR Knee OstEoarthritis - The RESTORE Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,400,359.00
Summary
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health problem worldwide with no cure. Thus safe and effective treatments that reduce symptoms and slow structural disease progression are needed. This clinical trial aims to test the effects of injections of platelet-rich plasma (a blood product) into the knee on pain and joint structure in 288 people with knee OA. The results will provide high quality evidence to determine whether platelet rich plasma should be used to treat knee OA.
Prenatal And Early Postnatal Risk Factors For Autism Spectrum Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$706,595.00
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a debilitating developmental disorder affecting around 1% of Australians. We will examine ASD-like traits in twin children, adults followed since early gestation, and siblings of children with ASD, to test the theories that ASD is associated with enhanced levels of prenatal testosterone and early brain overgrowth. We hope to identify early biological markers for ASD, which may promote earlier identification and intervention of affected children.