Epidemiological And Molecular Risk Factors For Diabetic Retinopathy Blindness.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,988.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults, affecting 30% of Australians with diabetes. Patients at most risk of blindness are the focus of this project. We aim to (1) investigate why some people are more likely to develop blinding DR by looking at genetic difference between diabetic patients with and without DR; and, (2) help to understand why Indigenous Australians are so over represented in this subset of diabetic patients going blind from DR.
The Interaction Of LPS Pathway Genes With Pre-natal And Early Exposure To LPS And Allergens Predicts Atopy At Age One
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,263.00
Summary
The poor understanding of the cause of asthma has made prevention strategies unsuccessful. This study will provide valuable data for understanding the interactions between exposure to environmental stimuli and LPS pathway genes on the development of allergy and asthma in infants. As environmental modifications and dietary interventions during pregnancy are being investigated, the findings from the proposed study will be important in guiding prevention practices of allergic diseases.
Predictors Of Treatment Outcomes Following Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Therapy For Neovascular AMD.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,277.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe, irreversible loss of vision amongst elderly populations in the developed world. Bleeding in the retina destroys central vision. New treatments have been developed to stop this bleeding. However not all patients benefit equally, with some still losing vision. This project aims to investigate what determines how well an individual responds to treatment, in particular, how genes might influence the response.
Gene Identification For Keratoconus - A Blinding Eye Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$912,880.00
Summary
Keratoconus is a common eye disease where the cornea at the front of the eye progressively becomes thinner and bulges out, resulting in severe visual impairment in young people. This project is investigating the genetic causes of keratoconus in a large collection of Australian patients. We aim to be better able to predict who will develop the disease and treat them earlier, as well as be able to target treatments to the causes of disease.
OXPHOS Upregulation To Preserve Vision In Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,874.00
Summary
Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a devastating blinding disease that preferentially affects young men. Sufferers have normal vision until teenage years or their twenties when a rapid loss of vision occurs that results in permanent blindness. It is caused by genetic changes in the mitochondrial DNA that we inherit from our mothers. The mitochondria are the cells' energy generators. We aim to use molecules similar to female hormones to boost energy as a new treatment to preserve visio ....Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a devastating blinding disease that preferentially affects young men. Sufferers have normal vision until teenage years or their twenties when a rapid loss of vision occurs that results in permanent blindness. It is caused by genetic changes in the mitochondrial DNA that we inherit from our mothers. The mitochondria are the cells' energy generators. We aim to use molecules similar to female hormones to boost energy as a new treatment to preserve vision in at-risk LHON individuals.Read moreRead less