Preparing Australia For Genomic Medicine: A Proposal By The Australian Genomics Health Alliance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$25,000,000.00
Summary
The sequencing of the human genome brings the possibility of more accurate identification of the underlying basis of many diseases. This technology has moved so rapidly, however, that clinical access has been limited. In this application, a national alliance of clinicians, researchers, health economists and policymakers will evaluate the case for clinical genomics across inherited disease and cancer, determine how best to deliver this to the patient and train a capable workforce.
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.
The role of epigenetics in the early gestational programming of adult phenotype by ethanol. The concept of foetal programming is changing the way we think about the aetiology of complex disease in adults. Our studies would emphasise that adverse events during pregnancy can have long-term health implications, with concomitant social and economic consequences. In America, the prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome is comparable with rates for Down syndrome. The Aboriginal community in Australia ....The role of epigenetics in the early gestational programming of adult phenotype by ethanol. The concept of foetal programming is changing the way we think about the aetiology of complex disease in adults. Our studies would emphasise that adverse events during pregnancy can have long-term health implications, with concomitant social and economic consequences. In America, the prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome is comparable with rates for Down syndrome. The Aboriginal community in Australia has been identified as a high-risk group. The knowledge gained from this project could aid in the development of screening strategies to predict the likelihood of disease developing later in life, providing an opportunity for presymptomatic healthcare.Read moreRead less
Does developmental noise have an epigenetic basis? One's ultimate phenotype is the result of a combination of genotype and environment, and includes a poorly understood component termed ?developmental noise?. The molecular basis of developmental noise remains unknown, but it appears to be established in early development and to be retained for the life of the organism. We propose that the molecular basis of developmental noise is the epigenetic state of the genome. The stochastic nature of th ....Does developmental noise have an epigenetic basis? One's ultimate phenotype is the result of a combination of genotype and environment, and includes a poorly understood component termed ?developmental noise?. The molecular basis of developmental noise remains unknown, but it appears to be established in early development and to be retained for the life of the organism. We propose that the molecular basis of developmental noise is the epigenetic state of the genome. The stochastic nature of the establishment of epigenetic state, combined with its heritability during mitosis, provides all the essential components for developmental noise. If our hypothesis proves correct, our work will have a major impact on the understanding of one of the most basic concepts in genetics.Read moreRead less
Dissecting the shared genetic architecture of psychiatric and psychological traits with application to prediction of genetic risk. Identification of the early phase of psychiatric disorders is considered critical for early intervention which is the essence of prevention. At present, the main obstacle to targeted early intervention strategies in psychiatric disorders is the non-specific nature of early stage symptoms. Many psychiatric disorders present with symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety ....Dissecting the shared genetic architecture of psychiatric and psychological traits with application to prediction of genetic risk. Identification of the early phase of psychiatric disorders is considered critical for early intervention which is the essence of prevention. At present, the main obstacle to targeted early intervention strategies in psychiatric disorders is the non-specific nature of early stage symptoms. Many psychiatric disorders present with symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety in the early stages, yet best intervention treatments are dependent on the final (unknown) diagnosed disorder. Prediction of genetic risk is likely to make an important contribution for identification of individuals at risk of specific psychiatric disorders so that the best early intervention treatment can be administered. Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL230100159
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,330,000.00
Summary
From a descriptive to a predictive understanding of the human microbiome. Microorganisms inhabit every imaginable environment on Earth. Despite advances in characterising microbial communities, our understanding is largely descriptive and a detailed appreciation of their complexity eludes us. This Laureate project aims to transform microbial ecology into a predictive science, through intensive investigation of the human gut microbiome as a model ecosystem. Major challenges in microbiology are ex ....From a descriptive to a predictive understanding of the human microbiome. Microorganisms inhabit every imaginable environment on Earth. Despite advances in characterising microbial communities, our understanding is largely descriptive and a detailed appreciation of their complexity eludes us. This Laureate project aims to transform microbial ecology into a predictive science, through intensive investigation of the human gut microbiome as a model ecosystem. Major challenges in microbiology are expected to be overcome, with new knowledge for predicting how microorganisms influence, and are influenced by, their environment. Ultimately this knowledge can help us manipulate microbial communities in diverse ecosystems to our advantage – protecting the planet’s natural assets, and improving agriculture and human health.Read moreRead less
A Genomic Dissection of Natural Adaptation in Mate Recognition. Adaptation is a fundamental area of evolutionary biology but we know surprisingly little about its underlying genetic basis. As a process, adaptation poses several challenges for Australian society including bacterial evolution of resistance to antibiotics, HIV resistance to antiviral medications and the evolution of pesticide resistance in agricultural pests. This study will use a model system and genomic tools to test theoretical ....A Genomic Dissection of Natural Adaptation in Mate Recognition. Adaptation is a fundamental area of evolutionary biology but we know surprisingly little about its underlying genetic basis. As a process, adaptation poses several challenges for Australian society including bacterial evolution of resistance to antibiotics, HIV resistance to antiviral medications and the evolution of pesticide resistance in agricultural pests. This study will use a model system and genomic tools to test theoretical models of the genetic basis of adaptation. This integrative approach will enhance Australia's research profile in genomics and evolutionary biology. The project will provide emerging scientists with skills in areas including genomics, molecular biology, evolutionary biology and agricultural genetics.Read moreRead less
Maximising knowledge from dense SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) data using multi-locus analysis. The genomics revolution has made it possible to measure thousands of DNA variants in individuals. This information can be used in many ways, including to find genes that cause variation between individuals in a population and to estimate the size of the population in the past. Our study will lead an analysis method that will extract more information out of such data. This will improve the effi ....Maximising knowledge from dense SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) data using multi-locus analysis. The genomics revolution has made it possible to measure thousands of DNA variants in individuals. This information can be used in many ways, including to find genes that cause variation between individuals in a population and to estimate the size of the population in the past. Our study will lead an analysis method that will extract more information out of such data. This will improve the efficiency of gene mapping methods, including applications in humans for traits related to productive ageing and a healthy start to life, will allow the estimation of genetic relatedness and genetic variation in natural populations, and will lead to more efficient selection programs in agricultural populations.Read moreRead less
The genetics of four ancient 'Kings' of Sahul and Sunda. This project aims to recover all the genetic information from four ancient humans. Two of these iconic specimens come from Australia and two from Malaysia. We will sequence the entire DNA (genomes) and proteins (proteome) of Mungo Man (Willandra), the Yidinji King (Cairns), the Deep Skull (Borneo) and the Bewah specimen (Malaysian Peninsula). This will provide a better understanding of the settlement of Australia and new knowledge about th ....The genetics of four ancient 'Kings' of Sahul and Sunda. This project aims to recover all the genetic information from four ancient humans. Two of these iconic specimens come from Australia and two from Malaysia. We will sequence the entire DNA (genomes) and proteins (proteome) of Mungo Man (Willandra), the Yidinji King (Cairns), the Deep Skull (Borneo) and the Bewah specimen (Malaysian Peninsula). This will provide a better understanding of the settlement of Australia and new knowledge about the ancient people of Australasia and their relationship to other human populations worldwide. The research will use cutting-edge methods of DNA and protein sequencing of ancient human material and will provide critical reference genomes / proteomes that will anchor future research.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100130
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,000.00
Summary
Systems biology: New generation DNA sequencing to functional analysis. The technique of DNA sequencing (or 'reading' the lines of the four repeating letters that make up the genetic code) illustrates how technological developments have become the main drivers in exploring the roles of genetic factors across a spectrum of research activities. Funding provided through this ARC grant will allow the purchase of the latest DNA sequencing platform, the Illumina Solexa, as well as equipment that will b ....Systems biology: New generation DNA sequencing to functional analysis. The technique of DNA sequencing (or 'reading' the lines of the four repeating letters that make up the genetic code) illustrates how technological developments have become the main drivers in exploring the roles of genetic factors across a spectrum of research activities. Funding provided through this ARC grant will allow the purchase of the latest DNA sequencing platform, the Illumina Solexa, as well as equipment that will be used to understand the biological function of the DNA sequencing results that are obtained. The equipment will allow Australian researchers to compete on an equal footing with the international leaders in understanding the roles played by genes in plants, microorganisms, animals and humans.Read moreRead less