Understanding The Mechanisms Of PTEN Transfer Into Glial Cells Using Exosomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,253.00
Summary
This application will develop a new way of treating brain cancer which currently affects 1500 adults in Australia per year with no lasting cures. The average patient with a malignant brain tumour do not survive for more than 12 months. We have discovered a method of restoring a cancer suppressor substance that is lost from brain tumours. If successful, this treatment has the potential to limit or reverse the progression of brain tumours.
Neurobiology Of Childhood Speech Disorders: Improving Detection, Diagnosis And Clinical Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$994,575.00
Summary
One in 20 children have a speech disorder at school entry, with lifelong deficits in psychosocial, academic and employment outcomes. Little is known about the aetiology of speech disorders, preventing targeted care. We combine expertise in speech pathology, gene discovery and brain imaging, to advance knowledge on gene and brain contributions to speech disorder. We will have direct impacts on clinical care including detection, diagnosis and counselling, optimising outcomes for affected children.
Reducing Morbidities In Preterm Growth Restricted Neonates.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,214.00
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious complication of pregnancy and occurs when fetal growth is abnormal, resulting in a fetus that is smaller than it should be for its given gestational age. IUGR babies are at much greater risk of many short and long-term adverse outcomes. This study investigates the role that adverse cardiovascular development plays in the progression of lung, heart and brain disease in preterm IUGR newborns.
Tuberous Sclerosis And Epilepsy: Using Resected Tissue To Understand Pathogenesis And Inform Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,261.00
Summary
Epilepsy is the commonest neurological disorder in childhood and seizures cannot be fully controlled by medications in 30%, often leading to developmental consequences. A major cause of drug-resistant epilepsy is a malformation of the brain’s surface. Surgery is sometimes used to remove these lesions to treat the epilepsy. We will study this tissue to understand its architecture, genetic basis and how it causes seizures. Our results will guide treatment including the best surgical approach.
A Phase I Study Of The First In Class Dual IMiD/bromodomain Inhibitor N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) In Relapsed And Refractory Multiple Myeloma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,061.00
Summary
We have newly discovered that a simple molecule called NMP has the ability to control myeloma cells that have become resistant to other available treatments. NMP works by enhancing immune function and by killing myeloma cells directly by inhibiting survival signals. NMP is different from all other types of available myeloma treatments. We intend to test the safety and power of NMP in the treatment of myeloma by running a clinical trial of NMP in patients with relapsed myeloma.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a devastating, common developmental brain disorder once assumed to be due to lack of oxygen at birth. Using our unique Biobank with DNA and clinical data from families with a CP child, we are examining the genetic origins of CP and how genes and risk factors in pregnancy contribute. We will use computer modelling and testing in animals and brain cells, to understand causes of CP and devise predictive, preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Delayed Radial Glial Maturation Linked To NFI Deficiency As An Underlying Cause Of Cortical Defects In Humans And Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$801,979.00
Summary
The timely generation of neurons and glia is important for brain development and consequently brain function throughout life. Nuclear factor I (NFI) genes are important for regulating the production of neurons and glia, and people with disrupted NFI genes have severe cognitive and motor deficits. Using human genetic data and mouse models, we will analyse how disrupting these genes affects brain development, and changes the overall structure and wiring of the cerebral cortex as well as behaviour.
Aberrant Ependymal Development And The Formation Of Hydrocephalus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,005.00
Summary
Foetal hydrocephalus is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition associated with severe intellectual impairment. Breakdown of the ependymal cell layer, which acts as a barrier between brain tissue and the ventricular space, is a major cause of hydrocephalus. Despite the importance of these cells, we have little understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate their production. This project will identify critical signalling pathways governing the establishment of the ependymal layer.
Investigating Early Life Exposure To Plastic Products In Australia And Subsequent Neurodevelopmental Effects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$791,376.00
Summary
Child neurodevelopment disorders like autism are becoming more common. Recent work indicates almost all pregnant mothers in Australia harbour plastic chemicals – bisphenols and phthalates and foetus is also exposed. Human evidence is emerging that higher exposure to plastics during pregnancy may be associated with these disorders. Randomised controlled trials are not possible so high quality birth cohort studies, as proposed here, are required to investigate this issue comprehensively.
Understanding The Causes Of Childhood Congenital Anomalies Of The Kidney And Urinary Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,748.00
Summary
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified ....Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified genes.Read moreRead less