Cellular Modelling Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Risk Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$753,746.00
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a prevalent behavioural disorder affecting 7.4% of Australian children and adolescents. It has a strong genetic component with high heritability estimates (75–90%) comparable to other serious mental illness such as autism and schizophrenia. Identification and functional characterization of the genetic causes of this disorder will enhance our knowledge of its neurobiology and revolutionise the drug treatment of the disorder.
Many of the most serious diseases of Western societies including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cancer growth and metastasis and cardiovascular disease have metabolic dimensions. The enzyme AMPK regulates cellular and whole body energy homeostasis by coordinating metabolic pathways to balance energy demand with nutrient supply. We are studying the structure and function of AMPK with the aim of better treating metabolic diseases.
Integrating Immunity And Genetics In Follicular Lymphoma To Establish A Prognostic Score Fit For The Modern Era
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,377,174.00
Summary
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is divided into early and advanced stages. Early stage FL is frequently cured, but there is no way to identify who will be cured and who won't. By contrast advanced stage FL is incurable. Our unique access to well-annotated clinical trial and population based cohorts allows us to perform a detailed biological comparison of early and advanced FL, to gain a deeper understanding of the impediments to eradicating the disease, and to predict outcome to conventional therapy.
Signaling Pathways To Enhance Potency Of AMPK-targeting Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,966.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to epidemics of obesity-related metabolic diseases that place enormous financial and medical burden on the Australian economy. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as both a cellular fuel gauge and co-ordinator of whole-body metabolism. Our goal is to improve AMPK drug potency by identifying novel processes that sensitize AMPK to drugs.
Do Exposures Before Conception Influence The Risk Of Asthma In Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,586.00
Summary
Asthma and poor lung function are major causes of public health issues. Emerging evidence suggests adverse exposures even before the conception of a child may cause these conditions. The proposed project is part of an international study across generations to identify these factors. This study will provide novel evidence to guide interventions and identify studies to advance this area further. These original findings will be of great importance both nationally and internationally.
Clinical Trial Of A Suprachoroidal Visual Prosthesis For The Profoundly Vision Impaired
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,098,802.00
Summary
For 15 years we have been designing a bionic eye. We have made a device called the Phoenix99 and shown in short term animal tests that it is both safe to implant but also that it potentially performs better than any other device in the world. We are requesting funds to complete longer term animal testing of the device and then commence a small human clinical trial to demonstrate the benefits of the technology – specifically that it is able to help blind people navigate without assistance.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Assisted Cycling (eStimCycle):A Novel Intervention To Improve Outcomes In The Critically Ill
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$868,811.00
Summary
The legacy of critical illness leaves millions of survivors worldwide with long lasting deficits in physical and brain function as well as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early rehabilitation may prevent or minimise these effects. This study evaluates the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation of muscles with assisted in-bed cycling (eStimCycle) on muscle bulk, strength, physical and brain function at hospital discharge, 6 and 12 months.
M-PreM Study: Reproductive Factors, From Menarche To Pre-menopause, And The Risk Of Cardiometabolic And Respiratory Conditions Before Menopause
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,366,831.00
Summary
This study will investigate links between reproductive factors and body size of premenopausal women with their risk of major chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma. It builds on two decades of survey data from Australia’s flagship study of women’s health with a new biomedical assessment. Findings will guide the use of indicators of women’s reproductive health as a trigger for early and targeted approaches for chronic disease prevention.
Metabolic And Molecular Basis Of Embryo Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,836.00
Summary
Cells in the body are powered by mitochondria that essentially generate the energy required for development. This grant will determine how the environment affects the mitochondria in the developing embryo and determine the impacts to the embryo and pregnancy if a mitochondria is partially shut down.
The Predictors Of Asthma And Lung Function Deficits In The Third Decade: Longitudinal Study Of MACS Sibships
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,176,908.00
Summary
This will be the world’s first birth cohort study to use substantial prospective data to investigate how biological, psychosocial, and environmental markers from birth will predict asthma and lung function in the third decade of life. Our findings will be crucial to the development of new policy and practice for the prevention and management of these conditions and uncover crucial risk factors for young adult asthma.