Sino-Australian neurogenetics initiative. This project will undertake large population studies to identify genes that are associated with motor neuron disease, schizophrenia and intracranial haemorrhage. The project will determine genetic markers, aid development of diagnostic tools and identify new therapeutic targets for these common heritable neurological diseases.
Cellular genomic approach to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. This project compares the levels of gene usage in two important immune cell types between patients with multiple sclerosis and people who do not have the disease. It aims to identify the molecular basis for the disease, in order to identify new diagnostic, preventative and treatment options.
The multiplexed diagnosis of arbovirus infections using combinatorial probes. Viruses that cause serious diseases such as hemorrhagic fever or encephalitis must be quickly identified. Diagnostic tests based on DNA hybridisation are accurate and can be rapid but they are expensive. We will test a method for simplifying DNA tests and increasing their capabilities. DNA probes for detecting arboviruses will be designed at the ANU using new bioinformatic methods and their reliability will be model ....The multiplexed diagnosis of arbovirus infections using combinatorial probes. Viruses that cause serious diseases such as hemorrhagic fever or encephalitis must be quickly identified. Diagnostic tests based on DNA hybridisation are accurate and can be rapid but they are expensive. We will test a method for simplifying DNA tests and increasing their capabilities. DNA probes for detecting arboviruses will be designed at the ANU using new bioinformatic methods and their reliability will be modelled using all the available genetic information. Computer predictions will be experimentally tested in the PANBIO laboratory by using the probes to detect viral nucleic acids. The influence of virus genome complexity will be investigatedRead moreRead less
Functional Genomics to Predict and Enhance Response to Interferon. The increasing number and huge cost impost of new therapies to health providers, both worldwide and nationally, has not yet resulted in a concomitant increase in strategies to optimise their use. Many of the new therapies are proteins (recombinant human proteins or humanised monoclonal antibodies). The improved use of one of Australia's most expensive commonly used protein drugs, pegylated interferon ribavirin (Peg-IFN-R), could ....Functional Genomics to Predict and Enhance Response to Interferon. The increasing number and huge cost impost of new therapies to health providers, both worldwide and nationally, has not yet resulted in a concomitant increase in strategies to optimise their use. Many of the new therapies are proteins (recombinant human proteins or humanised monoclonal antibodies). The improved use of one of Australia's most expensive commonly used protein drugs, pegylated interferon ribavirin (Peg-IFN-R), could potentially produce savings to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and improve delivery of healthcare to thousands of Australians.Read moreRead less
Genetics of Postmenopausal Bone Loss. The major consequence of bone loss in our ageing society is fracture. At 50 years for women, the lifetime risk of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture is 50%. The consequences of these fractures, which can include reduced life expectancy, prolonged medical care, and loss of independence, have a profound socioeconomic impact in an ageing population. The proposed study offers a unique opportunity to examine the contribution of genetic factors to postmenopausal ....Genetics of Postmenopausal Bone Loss. The major consequence of bone loss in our ageing society is fracture. At 50 years for women, the lifetime risk of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture is 50%. The consequences of these fractures, which can include reduced life expectancy, prolonged medical care, and loss of independence, have a profound socioeconomic impact in an ageing population. The proposed study offers a unique opportunity to examine the contribution of genetic factors to postmenopausal osteoporosis.Read moreRead less
Development of the PD GeneChip: a research and diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease. The PD GeneChip will provide both social and economic benefits to Australia. It will be a key research platform for Australian scientists, and will facilitate collaboration both within Australia and overseas. It will assist with health care management of PD (Parkinson's disease) patients by providing a cost-effective diagnostic tool and the possibility of predicting the clinical course of disease. This inform ....Development of the PD GeneChip: a research and diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease. The PD GeneChip will provide both social and economic benefits to Australia. It will be a key research platform for Australian scientists, and will facilitate collaboration both within Australia and overseas. It will assist with health care management of PD (Parkinson's disease) patients by providing a cost-effective diagnostic tool and the possibility of predicting the clinical course of disease. This information will provide the basis for tailoring treatment to a patients needs. It is anticipated that marketing of the PD GeneChip within Australia and overseas may produce revenue of at least $40 million annually.Read moreRead less
Generating a targeted mutation resource in zebrafish. How do genes function to build organisms and how are they regulated to produce organs and tissues? Using a new technique to target specific genes in the genome of zebrafish, this project will determine how genes control formation of different tissues. The new gene "knockout" technology will fundamentally change our understanding of how genes work during development.
Insect age: an ecological genomics approach to understanding host-parasite interactions. The importance of insect age (or the age structure of a population of insects) in understanding relationships between insects and their abiotic and biotic environment has been stressed in many theoretical studies but seldom directly tested. This is because few tools exist that can accurately measure the age of a wild-caught insect with any accuracy. In this proposal we plan to use a genomics approach to deve ....Insect age: an ecological genomics approach to understanding host-parasite interactions. The importance of insect age (or the age structure of a population of insects) in understanding relationships between insects and their abiotic and biotic environment has been stressed in many theoretical studies but seldom directly tested. This is because few tools exist that can accurately measure the age of a wild-caught insect with any accuracy. In this proposal we plan to use a genomics approach to develop tools that can be used to efficiently determine the age of an insect and then apply these tools to better understand the relationship between insect age and the ability of an insect to transmit pathogens to humans, livestock or plants. These tools will also have future applicability in developing new approaches to control insect transmitted disease as well as provide methodology to determine the effectiveness of current control programs that seek to kill pest insect populations of agricultural or public health significance.Read moreRead less
Australian plague locust population genetics and migratory behaviour. The project will allow improved monitoring and forecasting of locusts in Australia and thereby help prevent locust outbreaks. Benefits will arise directly through greater effectiveness in reducing locust damage to crops, and indirectly to Australian rural industry generally through the economic benefits of reduced losses and locust control costs. Environmental and social benefits will also arise from reduced, better targeted u ....Australian plague locust population genetics and migratory behaviour. The project will allow improved monitoring and forecasting of locusts in Australia and thereby help prevent locust outbreaks. Benefits will arise directly through greater effectiveness in reducing locust damage to crops, and indirectly to Australian rural industry generally through the economic benefits of reduced losses and locust control costs. Environmental and social benefits will also arise from reduced, better targeted use of chemical insecticides. This in turn can produce secondary economic benefits, e.g. through enhanced growth and profitability of the organic beef industry within the main locust-outbreak area. Read moreRead less
Next generation metagenomics. Applying the latest scientific advances supports society directly through promoting a knowledge based economy, as well as indirectly through securing agricultural productivity, improved biomedical applications and a greater understanding of our changing environment. Establishing these methods places Australia at the forefront of genomics technology with direct applications for Australian biomedical and biotechnology industries. Applying next generation sequencing fo ....Next generation metagenomics. Applying the latest scientific advances supports society directly through promoting a knowledge based economy, as well as indirectly through securing agricultural productivity, improved biomedical applications and a greater understanding of our changing environment. Establishing these methods places Australia at the forefront of genomics technology with direct applications for Australian biomedical and biotechnology industries. Applying next generation sequencing for metagenomics will provide a detailed understanding of microbial population structures and lead to advances in biomedicine, agriculture and environmental science. Read moreRead less