Mapping Genes For Typical Migraine Using Twin Families.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,124.00
Summary
Current evidence suggests multiple genes may underlie susceptibility to the more common forms of migraine. The project will look to see if the these genes provide clues to the further elucidation of the complex molecular pathways of migraine and will help in the development of diagnostic tests and evidence-based treatment strategies.
Use Of The Norfolk Island Genetic Isolate For Disease Gene Mapping
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$978,500.00
Summary
This gene mapping study will use a unique founder effect population to investigate two major public health disorders. We aim to identify genes that play a role in migraine and in cardiovascular disease, using a population from Norfolk Island. The Norfolk Island community is a population of ~1200 permanent residents, the majority of whom are direct descendents of 18th century English Bounty mutineers and Polynesian women. We will undertake a full genome scan to identify migraine gene loci and QTL ....This gene mapping study will use a unique founder effect population to investigate two major public health disorders. We aim to identify genes that play a role in migraine and in cardiovascular disease, using a population from Norfolk Island. The Norfolk Island community is a population of ~1200 permanent residents, the majority of whom are direct descendents of 18th century English Bounty mutineers and Polynesian women. We will undertake a full genome scan to identify migraine gene loci and QTL that influence cardiovascular disease using samples from this population isolate.Read moreRead less
Validation And Replication Of Genes Associated With Common Human Disease Using Australian Twin Families
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$921,224.00
Summary
The European Network for Genetic and Genomic Epidemiology (ENGAGE) aims to translate the wealth of data emerging from large-scale research efforts in molecular epidemiology into information of direct relevance to future advances in clinical medicine. ENGAGE will do this through the integration of very large datasets already available from a substantial number of large and well-characterised samples. The resulting ENGAGE resource will represent a research investment >€100M (>AU$160M) and pr ....The European Network for Genetic and Genomic Epidemiology (ENGAGE) aims to translate the wealth of data emerging from large-scale research efforts in molecular epidemiology into information of direct relevance to future advances in clinical medicine. ENGAGE will do this through the integration of very large datasets already available from a substantial number of large and well-characterised samples. The resulting ENGAGE resource will represent a research investment >€100M (>AU$160M) and provide unprecedented power to discover disease and trait susceptibility genes. QIMR will contribute 12,000 twins for ENGAGE joint analyses and provide analytical expertise in the analysis of disease and genetic data related to lifestyle and metabolic traits, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and migraine risk factors. Our laboratory will also perform vital further genetic studies to establish the causal relationship between the genetic variants concerned and the traits of interest. Most importantly, our direct participation will allow the translation of these findings into the Australian population and clinical arena.Read moreRead less
Statistical Methods And Algorithms For Analysis Of High-throughput Genetics And Genomics Platforms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,557,500.00
Summary
Through rapid advances in high-throughput -omics technologies, the number of phenotypes and the number of genotypes in gene mapping studies are or will be orders of magnitudes larger than in previous studies. Current algorithms and analysis methods have not kept up with the speed of data collection, nor has the training of qualified researchers. We will develop quantitative trait loci (fine) mapping analysis methods and bioinformatics algorithms and train (post)graduates in these research areas.
Sensitive, Rapid And Accurate Detection Of The Emergence Of Neuraminidase Inhibitor Resistance By Real-time PCR, LCR And
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$118,875.00
Summary
An influenza pandemic causing by highly pathogenic H5N1 virus may occur in the near future. As a vaccine for H5N1 will not be available in the foreseeable months, antiviral drugs are the only possible choice for prophylaxis and treatment. Currently only two drugs have been clinically proven to be effective against H5N1 strain and the emergence of drug resistant in H5N1 influenza virus has been reported which may significantly hamper the treatment. Understanding and monitoring the emergence of th ....An influenza pandemic causing by highly pathogenic H5N1 virus may occur in the near future. As a vaccine for H5N1 will not be available in the foreseeable months, antiviral drugs are the only possible choice for prophylaxis and treatment. Currently only two drugs have been clinically proven to be effective against H5N1 strain and the emergence of drug resistant in H5N1 influenza virus has been reported which may significantly hamper the treatment. Understanding and monitoring the emergence of these drug resistant strains during local spreading will be critical in managing an H5N1 influenza pandemic in Australia. In the proposed project, we will develop important diagnostic tools using our world leading Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) technology for the monitoring of the development and possible transmission of drug resistant influenza strains. Upon finishing the project, at lease three sensitive diagnostic methods will be developed for the detection of the emergence of drug resistance at the very early stage.Read moreRead less
Epidemiology And Community Consequences Of Asbestos Exposure In WA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$879,876.00
Summary
We aim to explore the impact of asbestos exposure on the health of individuals using the Wittenoom workers and residents cohort studies and the Australian community with the formation of a new community based cohort study. Using data from the Wittenoom workers and residents studies, we will examine the impact of asbestos exposure on women�s health which has not been looked at before. We will examine if asbestos exposure affects psychosocial health and determine if long term supplementation with ....We aim to explore the impact of asbestos exposure on the health of individuals using the Wittenoom workers and residents cohort studies and the Australian community with the formation of a new community based cohort study. Using data from the Wittenoom workers and residents studies, we will examine the impact of asbestos exposure on women�s health which has not been looked at before. We will examine if asbestos exposure affects psychosocial health and determine if long term supplementation with Vitamin A for cancer prevention results in an increased risk of bone fractures. We will also examine the genetic susceptibility of asbestos related diseases in these cohorts, and create and validate an algorithm to derive measures of fibre counts from occupational histories. Earlier projections of mesothelioma in the general community have been based on extrapolations from disease incidence in the past. We intend collecting data on a new community based cohort, to examine the distribution of asbestos in the community in order to predict future cases of asbestos related disease and the perception, beliefs and knowledge that exists in the community of its potential health effects. With this new knowledge we will devise an intervention program with the aim of preventing future cases of asbestos related disease. As part of this process we will use a multimedia website as an information hub. This will allow us to experiment with the use of creative media to present personal and community experiences of living with asbestos and present scientific research and public health messages.Read moreRead less
The Genetic Understanding Of Asbestos Related Disorders (GUARD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,008.00
Summary
This proposal is to build a new national biospeciman resource for mesothelioma research that will both underpin and enhance the national health and medical research effort in Australia by systematically enabling a world-class resource for genetic epidemiological research. The Genetic Understanding of Asbestos-Related Disorders (GUARD) project aims to establish a national facility that will enable new, large-scale DNA banking capacity for malignant mesothelioma (MM) and other asbestos-related dis ....This proposal is to build a new national biospeciman resource for mesothelioma research that will both underpin and enhance the national health and medical research effort in Australia by systematically enabling a world-class resource for genetic epidemiological research. The Genetic Understanding of Asbestos-Related Disorders (GUARD) project aims to establish a national facility that will enable new, large-scale DNA banking capacity for malignant mesothelioma (MM) and other asbestos-related diseases. The GUARD biospecimen resource and linked database will integrate the current WA population-based asbestos-exposed cohorts with case collections from across Australia. The GUARD project will undertake high-quality research aimed at discovering the genes and gene: environment interactions underlying susceptibility, progression and variable response to chemotherapy in mesothelioma, and will facilitate National collaboration and research in the areas of genetic epidemiology and pharmacogenomics. Progress towards the goals of the GUARD project holds the potential for enormous public health benefits; the incidence of malignant melanoma is increasing, due to the long delay between asbestos exposure and diagnosis. GUARD will ensure that Australian researchers have access to a large and well-managed biospecimen resource linked to excellent clinical data, and that Australia takes the lead role internationally in genetic research into mesothelioma. GUARD data will be critical for understanding the importance and functional roles of specific genes in the general Australian population, and their relationship to particular environmental factors. Understanding how causal factors act at a population level will be a critical step for the clinical utilization of new genomic knowledge and tools to improve clinical practice and public health.Read moreRead less