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.
DYRK1A As A Novel Target For Glioblastoma Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,294.00
Summary
Glioblastoma is a form of brain cancer that is currently incurable. We have discovered that switching-off an enzyme called DYRK1A (using ‘DYRK1A inhibitors’) kills glioblastoma cells. This therapeutic advantage is even greater when combined with drugs approved for other cancers. This project will develop new DYRK1A inhibitors and examine a novel combination treatment for glioblastoma patients. This could initiate a novel therapy that could significantly extend patients’ lives.
Dissecting The Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome With Complementary Genetic, Proteomic And Biophysical Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$490,352.00
Summary
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is an eye condition in which flaky material deposits in the eye, greatly increasing the risk of cataract and glaucoma which can lead to blindness. PEX is also associated with heart disease, strokes and aneurysms. Cataract surgery in PEX patients has a higher rate of complications. In this project we will determine the nature of PEX material and why it forms. This knowlege will facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of PEX preventing associated blindness.
High Penetrance Deleterious Mutations In Blinding Glaucoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,345,055.00
Summary
This project aims to identify the genes most commonly mutated in individuals with advanced glaucoma. Identification of such genes will lead to improved understanding of glaucoma pathogenesis, a better ability to predict risk, and the identification of drug targets for novel therapies.
One of the current challenges in public health is to translate the progress from the Human Genome Project into reduced morbidity and mortality from disease. Once genetic defects are characterised, knowledge about the variability in severity of disease in mutation carriers, is important from a public health perspective. Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) is a common genetic disorder of iron overload that results in a wide spectrum of disease, varying from non-specific symptoms to severe damage to l ....One of the current challenges in public health is to translate the progress from the Human Genome Project into reduced morbidity and mortality from disease. Once genetic defects are characterised, knowledge about the variability in severity of disease in mutation carriers, is important from a public health perspective. Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) is a common genetic disorder of iron overload that results in a wide spectrum of disease, varying from non-specific symptoms to severe damage to liver, heart, pancreas and joints from iron deposition. It is easily treatable by regular blood donation, and population-based screening for HH has therefore been advocated. In this study we aim to address gaps in the existing data on HH regarding dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to the variable clinical picture of HH. The study will be based on the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, a cohort of 31,500 men and women who have been followed for approximately 10 years. Information on dietary and lifestyle factors was collected at initial enrollment, along with a blood specimen. We will test all non-Southern European participants (31,176) for the common HH mutations in the HFE gene and then select a subgroup of 1150 people, including all people with the main genetic defect as well as a comparison group, for further clinical followup. Participants will have genetic counselling and informed consent will be obtained. Participants will complete a short questionnaire and give a blood sample for measurement of iron overload, liver function, and other relevant blood tests, then undergo a brief clinical examination. Results of all tests will be given at a followup visit by genetic counsellor or physician. This study will provide important data on natural history of HH risk factors that influence variability in clinical presentation and the association of HFE mutations with chronic diseases and all cause mortality.Read moreRead less
Functional links between estuaries and their catchments: How does land use change affect estuarine ecological and bio-geochemical function? Estuaries are iconic recreational areas of high ecological and socio-economic value. Estuarine health is strongly linked to the catchments that feed them, yet we have no detailed understanding of these links. This project will use a number of state of the art approaches to better understand how land use affects estuarine health.
The Role Of The Zinc Finger Transcriptional Repressor Znf238 During Nerve Cell Maturation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,264.00
Summary
Proper foetal brain assembly is critical for brain function, but the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, I will investigate a family of proteins that “turn on” neural gene expression in combination with another protein that “turns off” their expression during nerve cell development. Understanding this novel on/off mechanism for controlling gene expression in newborn nerve cells will further our understanding of how the brain is assembled.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. This Centre aims to create on-demand, zero-waste, high-efficiency plants and plant products to address grand challenges in sustainability for Space and on Earth. Significant advances in plant, food, and sensory science; process and systems engineering; law and policy; and psychology are expected to deliver transformative solutions for Space habitation – and create enhanced plant-derived food and bioresour ....ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. This Centre aims to create on-demand, zero-waste, high-efficiency plants and plant products to address grand challenges in sustainability for Space and on Earth. Significant advances in plant, food, and sensory science; process and systems engineering; law and policy; and psychology are expected to deliver transformative solutions for Space habitation – and create enhanced plant-derived food and bioresources to capitalise upon emergent and rapidly expanding domestic and global markets. Anticipated outcomes include industry uptake of innovative plant forms, foods, technologies, and commodities; and an ambitious education and international co-ordination agenda to position Australia as a global leader in research supporting Space habitation.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology. We propose a novel approach to improve sustainable yield by optimising the overall efficiency of energy capture, conversion and use by plants. Efficiency gains in metabolism, transport, and development will be more effective than optimising single nutrient inputs or product outputs. Improving multiple parameters simultaneously is a necessary solution to the increasing demand for more crop yield from finite land, water, and nutrient resources. Unp ....ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology. We propose a novel approach to improve sustainable yield by optimising the overall efficiency of energy capture, conversion and use by plants. Efficiency gains in metabolism, transport, and development will be more effective than optimising single nutrient inputs or product outputs. Improving multiple parameters simultaneously is a necessary solution to the increasing demand for more crop yield from finite land, water, and nutrient resources. Unpredictable environmental challenges adversely affect plant growth and further perturb plant energy balance, limiting yield. The epigenetic controls, gene variants and signals discovered will provide a new basis for sustainable productivity of crops and will future-proof plants in changing climates.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC170100035
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,743,710.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology. The ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology expects to train 20 industry-ready innovation scientists who will undertake industry-driven research in the development and application of novel diagnostics, therapeutics and theranostics. They will inform changes in regulatory policy that support industry growth. The Centre will build multidisciplinary links between researchers and within industry to devel ....ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology. The ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology expects to train 20 industry-ready innovation scientists who will undertake industry-driven research in the development and application of novel diagnostics, therapeutics and theranostics. They will inform changes in regulatory policy that support industry growth. The Centre will build multidisciplinary links between researchers and within industry to develop ‘smart’ probes and ‘smart’ scanning, harnessing the digital revolution for better, cost effective diagnostic imaging and improved health outcomes.Read moreRead less