Targeted Inhibition Of The FACT (Facilitates Chromatin Transcription) Complex As A Novel Therapeutic Approach In Aggressive Childhood Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,029,488.00
Summary
Our research focusses on the most aggressive of all childhood cancers, and our aim is to develop novel therapies for these malignancies. We have discovered a new drug target called "FACT" in aggressive brain and solid tumours of childhood. Targeting FACT with a new class of drugs termed "curaxins" has a powerful anti-tumour effect. We aim to investigate the potential of these drugs as a new, effective therapy for incurable childhood cancers.
Pathways To Treatment In Blinding Genetic Retinal Eye Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,956.00
Summary
Blinding eye diseases with genetic contributing factors affecting the retina or light-sensing part of the eye, damage the vision of millions of people worldwide. The vision impairment is irreversible, untreatable, and worsens with age. In this project, we will use technological breakthroughs in genome correction and sequencing, in combination with stem cell and mouse model applications, to develop pathways to treatment of these currently incurable diseases.
Generational And Developmental Pathways Of Childhood And Adolescent Obesity: A Three Generation Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,281,100.00
Summary
There are no community-based follow-up (FU) studies of three generations able to examine the impact of earlier generational factors on the developmental pathways of obesity in third generation. The Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (MUSP) cohort now has data covering the grandmothers' (GI) reproductive life course and a FU of their children (GII) into adulthood. We now propose a new study of the "children-of-the-children" who are the grandchildren (GIII) of GI and children of GII
Cardiomyopathies (heart muscle problems) are the most common inherited heart conditions and represent an important clinical problem. The clinical and psychosocial impact on both the children and their families is significant. The proposed research will improve our understanding of the clinical and genetic basis of childhood cardiomyopathies, and how genetic factors may influence the development, progression, and clinical outcome, including heart failure, transplantation, and sudden death.
Preconception Determinants Of Child Health And Development: A 4-year Follow Up Of Offspring Born To The Australian Temperament Project
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,065,799.00
Summary
This project will follow offspring born to a large population cohort study that has tracked the mental health and wellbeing of around 2000 participants across 30 years prior to parenthood. The aim is to understand how the lives parents lived before conception, as well as events during pregnancy, shape social and emotional outcomes for their children. Results will inform radically new approaches to promoting child health and development across generations.
Optimising Targeted Polyamine Depletion For Treatment Of Childhood Neuroblastoma And Brain Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$928,152.00
Summary
Paediatric neuroblastoma and brain tumours, which often have dismal outcomes despite intensive therapy, have high levels of polyamines, which are essential for cell growth. We have shown that depleting polyamines, combined with chemotherapy, represents a highly promising therapy for neuroblastoma. We will make this exciting new treatment approach even more effective by comparing three ways of enhancing polyamine depletion, as a precursor to future neuroblastoma and brain tumour clinical trials.
Trends And Determinants Of Blood Pressure In Chinese Children And Adolescents During The Recent Obesity Epidemic: A Repeated Cross-sectional Study Over 25 Years
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,259.00
Summary
Over the last 25 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased over 9 times among Chinese children and adolescents. The aims of this project are to assess the trends of blood pressure levels in children during the period of obesity epidemic, and to estimate the effects of obesity and other factors on the trends of blood pressure levels. In this repeated cross-sectional study, we will analyse the data of six surveys collected over a period of 25 years with over 1.4 million participant ....Over the last 25 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased over 9 times among Chinese children and adolescents. The aims of this project are to assess the trends of blood pressure levels in children during the period of obesity epidemic, and to estimate the effects of obesity and other factors on the trends of blood pressure levels. In this repeated cross-sectional study, we will analyse the data of six surveys collected over a period of 25 years with over 1.4 million participants.Read moreRead less
Cardiometabolic Risk Trajectories From Childhood To Midlife: Finding Pathways To Better Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,531,987.00
Summary
Using data from a large cohort of Australian children followed for over 30 years, this study will investigate how weight status and physical fitness from childhood to adulthood determine early markers of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (cardiometabolic disease) in midlife. It will provide much needed evidence to address the high prevalence of cardiometabolic disease risk factors in young Australians through better targeted disease prevention and early clinical intervention strategies.
Multi-centre, Multi-disciplinary Study Using A Systems Biology Approach To Investigate Immunomodulation In Children With Acute Wheeze
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,895,107.00
Summary
The concept that immunomodulation using naturally-occurring bacterial agents can treat asthma has reached international prominence. This is backed by strong epidemiologic and clinical trial data. However, detailed knowledge of the immunological mechanisms involved is essential to allow more focused therapeutic agents to be developed. The proposed multi-disciplinary immunomodulation study in 200 children aims to provide this essential information using an advanced systems biology approach.
One-session Treatment For Specific Phobias In Pre-school Children: Improving Access And Long-term Mental Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,745.00
Summary
This project aims to conduct the first randomised controlled trial of a modified-one session treatment (OST) for preschoolers with specific phobias (SP). SPs are highly prevalent (~10%), onset very early in life (~3 years) and predict a host of mental illness later in life. OST for SPs is well-established for older children (>7 years), yet is currently untested with pre-school aged children.