Down syndrome (DS) individuals have 3 copies of chromosome 21. I am proposing to do my PhD to investigate the role of a gene existing on chromosome 21 called Intersectin 1. This gene, when over-expressed might be responsible for manifestation of intellectual impairment in Down syndrome. I will be examining the consequence of altered/over-expression of this gene in receptor trafficking, cell signalling and histology of the brain to identify the differences between affected individuals and the nor ....Down syndrome (DS) individuals have 3 copies of chromosome 21. I am proposing to do my PhD to investigate the role of a gene existing on chromosome 21 called Intersectin 1. This gene, when over-expressed might be responsible for manifestation of intellectual impairment in Down syndrome. I will be examining the consequence of altered/over-expression of this gene in receptor trafficking, cell signalling and histology of the brain to identify the differences between affected individuals and the normal population.Read moreRead less
Identifying Neuroanatomical Sub-phenotypes Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,129.00
Summary
The clinical presentation of schizophrenia is varied across individuals, and has arguably hindered efforts to determine its cause/s. This project seeks to address this issue by investigating biological commonality in patients, to identify subgroups of schizophrenia patients with similar brain abnormalities, with the overall aim to examine cognitive and clinical characteristics and candidate genetic markers in association with biologically derived subtypes of schizophrenia.
Growth factors are essential molecules for normal brain development. Variations in the amount of the different growth factors have been implicated in such diseases as AlzheimerÍs and ParkinsonÍs disease. This project will study the precursor of a growth factor known as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and what specific roles the precursor might play in brain development.
A Systematic Evaluation Of The Neurosurgical Application Of Peri-operative And Intra-operative MR Tractography In Different Paediatric Disease States
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,910.00
Summary
My research investigates changes in brain nerve fibre tracts/white matter in paediatric disease states and changes related to surgery by using nerve fibre tract imaging before, during and after surgery. It will also generate an imaging atlas to help understand white matter pathway development. It then serves as normative comparison to better understand aberrations in diseased neural pathways. The outcome will aid understanding in brain development, recovery and plasticity, and helps improve whit ....My research investigates changes in brain nerve fibre tracts/white matter in paediatric disease states and changes related to surgery by using nerve fibre tract imaging before, during and after surgery. It will also generate an imaging atlas to help understand white matter pathway development. It then serves as normative comparison to better understand aberrations in diseased neural pathways. The outcome will aid understanding in brain development, recovery and plasticity, and helps improve white matter lesion localisation.Read moreRead less
Understanding Predictors Of Fatigue After Brain Injury In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$98,459.00
Summary
This research will examine what factors predict the fatigue children will experience after brain injury. This study is important because fatigue is one of the most commonly reported and challenging symptoms after traumatic brain injury. It significantly impacts on well being and quality of life after injury. We will assess fatigue of 120 children who suffer brain injury, from Toronto and Melbourne. This study will improve our understanding of the factors that predict fatigue following brain inju ....This research will examine what factors predict the fatigue children will experience after brain injury. This study is important because fatigue is one of the most commonly reported and challenging symptoms after traumatic brain injury. It significantly impacts on well being and quality of life after injury. We will assess fatigue of 120 children who suffer brain injury, from Toronto and Melbourne. This study will improve our understanding of the factors that predict fatigue following brain injury.Read moreRead less
The Role Of MTOR In The Ageing Liver: Implications For Paracetamol Hepatotoxicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,495.00
Summary
Nutritional interventions and a drug that mimics them, Rapamycin, are the only methods that have been shown to delay ageing and age-related diseases. A key protein in the liver called mTOR is the most likely target for the beneficial effects of these interventions. This study aims to characterize the effects of nutritional interventions and rapamycin on mTOR and markers of ageing in the liver. It also examines the effects of these interventions on the risk and mechanisms of developing paracetamo ....Nutritional interventions and a drug that mimics them, Rapamycin, are the only methods that have been shown to delay ageing and age-related diseases. A key protein in the liver called mTOR is the most likely target for the beneficial effects of these interventions. This study aims to characterize the effects of nutritional interventions and rapamycin on mTOR and markers of ageing in the liver. It also examines the effects of these interventions on the risk and mechanisms of developing paracetamol toxicity.Read moreRead less
Ischaemic Stroke And Atrial Fibrillation: Development Of A Novel Artificial Intelligence System Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,335.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm which is a common cause of stroke. AF can often go unrecognized as patients may have no symptoms. This project aims to develop computer software which can automatically detect underlying AF based on MRI brain scan pattern, in patients who have had an acute stroke. This project has the potential to offer several benefits, including reduced need for costly investigations, improved AF detection and a larger pool of patients being treated for AF.
Sellar Masses, Pituitary Adenomas And Pathways Of Pituitary Tumourigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$90,917.00
Summary
Pituitary tumours encompass a number of pathologies. Their cause is not clearly established. Pituitary adenomas are one of the most frequent intracranial tumours. The genetics of sporadic tumours is unknown. Craniopharyngiomas are rare brain tumours arising in the pituitary stalk area that can have profound effects, presenting in childhood or later. To date there is limited knowledge on the cell signaling pathways causing these tumors, which can help to understand cancer in general.
Post-market Surveillance Of Medicine-related Adverse Events
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,248.00
Summary
Observational studies using administrative data are an important complement to spontaneous reporting systems for detecting medicine-related adverse events after they go to market, as they reflect real-world use of medicines; yet, they require rigorous methodological approaches to avoid bias. This project will review the existing methodologies for detecting adverse events in administrative data and apply them to Australian data.