Defining The Role Of IGF-1 As A Novel Angiocrine Factor In The Development And Treament Of Common Craniofacial Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,848.00
Summary
1 in 1000 children are born with a small jaw, which requires invasive surgery for treatment. We identified that defects in blood vessel development in the jaw underlie some cases of these craniofacial defects. We found that factors secreted from the major artery in the jaw can promote jaw growth, and our research proposal aims to identify what exactly these factors are. These factors have the potential to be used to therapeutically treat children with a small jaw to help it grow correctly.
Identifying The Critical Pathways Which Regulate Vertebrate Craniofacial Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,131.00
Summary
Understanding the genes which underlie human birth defects is of immense clinical importance. Our laboratory is a world-leader investigating a gene responsible for facial skeleton development, Grhl2. With our wide range of models, we will discover how Grhl2 works to ensure the face and skull develop properly during birth.
A Novel Gene Family Implicated In Neural Crest And Craniofacial Malformation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$695,016.00
Summary
We have identified a new type of receptor that when defective causes facial clefting in animal models. We are using our unique laboratory and clinical resources to understand how these birth defects occur and to investigate the molecular signalling events that are controlled by this olfactory receptor. These studies will pave the way to designing pharmaceuticals that may eventually ameliorate or even stop this major group of birth defects.
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.
Understanding Human Dysmorphology Through Analysis Of ENU Mutant Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,501.00
Summary
Birth defects are common and have an enormous impact on both the individual and their family. Birth defects are by definition the products of abnormal development of the embryo. Our research is aimed at identifying the normal mechanisms that usually prevail during development and the disturbances to those mechanisms that result in birth defects. These findings will lead to improved diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative options for families affected by birth defects
Rapid Identification And Characterisation Of Genes Involved In Skeletal Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,536.00
Summary
Birth defects are common and have an enormous impact on both the individual and their family. Birth defects are by definition the products of abnormal development of the embryo. Our research is aimed at identifying the normal mechanisms that usually prevail during development and the disturbances to those mechanisms that result in birth defects. These findings will lead to improved diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative options for families affected by birth defects
Developmental Genetics And Stem Cell Biology Of Birth Defects And Cell Based Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$823,008.00
Summary
Professor Tam is a mammalian embryologist studying the genetic and cellular mechanisms that form and shape the embryo and its organs during development. His work will help us to understand the causes of birth defects, how to prevent them and to correct the disorders by stem cell-based therapy.
Mechanisms Of Premature Cranial Fusion: Role Of Retinol Binding Protein 4 In Osteogenesis And Suture Fusion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,855.00
Summary
Craniosynostosis is a condition where the skull bones fuse prematurely, affecting skull shape, vision and cognition. It occurs in 1 in 2,500 births. The only treatment is surgery, which is life-threatening, costly and may need to be repeated. By studying how fusion happens in this project we may be able to devise therapies to minimize the risks and need for re-operation. Here, we hope to show that modification of a single substance in the skull of mouse models can prevent premature bone fusion.
The Role Of Nectins In Morphogenesis Of The Primary Palate: Implications For Non-syndromic Cleft Lip And Palate.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,500.00
Summary
Cleft lip with or without cleft palate may be an isolated feature or part of a wider array of abnormalities, ie. syndrome. Collectively, cleft lip and palate is the fourth most common congenital disorder in humans, occurring with a frequency of between 1 in 600 and 1 in 1000 live births worldwide. This high frequency is reflective of the heightened susceptibility of the developing face to genetic and-or environmental perturbation and likely arises as a direct consequence of the rapid and signifi ....Cleft lip with or without cleft palate may be an isolated feature or part of a wider array of abnormalities, ie. syndrome. Collectively, cleft lip and palate is the fourth most common congenital disorder in humans, occurring with a frequency of between 1 in 600 and 1 in 1000 live births worldwide. This high frequency is reflective of the heightened susceptibility of the developing face to genetic and-or environmental perturbation and likely arises as a direct consequence of the rapid and significant morphological changes that ultimately generate the human face. Yet despite the clinical significance of this abnormality and the psychological and financial burden to the patient and their family, there is relatively little known about the genetic and, in particular, cellular mechanisms responsible. We are seeking to understand the cellular and developmental role(s) of two key proteins in the formation of the upper lip and palate. It is anticipated that these studies will provide valuable new clues as to the molecular events that underlie some forms of cleft lip and palate as well as reveal a likely mechanism to explain some of the marked clinical variability that is seen most prominently in the isolated forms of cleft lip and palate. It is envisaged that these data may ultimately lead to the development of more effective diagnostic and preventative measures.Read moreRead less