Genetic Control Of Body Patterning: Intersection Of Transcriptional And Signalling Activity In Head Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$579,932.00
Summary
A most critical step in embryonic development is the assembly of the different tissue components into a three-dimensional structure in order to build a major body part of the foetus. The objective of our research is to understand how the mechanisms that control genetic activity and cell-to-cell signalling may cooperate in the formation of the head and face of the embryo. The outcome will focus future clinical investigations to the most relevant genetic determinants of craniofacial defects.
The Role Of Ten-m3 In Patterning Ipsilateral Retinal Projections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$453,042.00
Summary
The normal functioning of the brain depends on connections of billions of nerve cells or neurons. We have found that a protein called Ten_m3 plays a very important role in specifying the way that neurons from the eye connect to the brain. The role of this protein is so important that mice which lack the protein behave as if they are blind. The aim of this project is to understand how this protein controls the development of the visual system.
Trajectories Between Childhood Internalising Behaviour Problems And Adolescent Depressive Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$55,000.00
Summary
Depressive symptoms are known to escalate sharply through the adolescent years. Adolescents who experience an episode of depression are very likely to experience further mental illness as adults. Efforts to prevent depressive illness may be advanced by research delineating the factors and processes implicated in the early emergence of depressive symptoms. To advance such an understanding this project will analyse data collected, in part, through NHMRC support to Australian Temperament Project (A ....Depressive symptoms are known to escalate sharply through the adolescent years. Adolescents who experience an episode of depression are very likely to experience further mental illness as adults. Efforts to prevent depressive illness may be advanced by research delineating the factors and processes implicated in the early emergence of depressive symptoms. To advance such an understanding this project will analyse data collected, in part, through NHMRC support to Australian Temperament Project (ATP) researchers. The ATP data will be used to examine factors associated with the development and progression of depressive symptoms from childhood to adolescence. The ATP data set includes detailed longitudinal data collected from multiple sources (parents, teachers and youth) concerning child and adolescent temperament, behavioural problems, mother-child relations, health, depressive symptoms, school achievement, school adjustment, social skills, peer relationships, parenting practices, stressful life events, and sociodemographic factors. Of an original sample of 2443 enrolled in the cohort in 1983 (aged 4-8 months) a subsample of 1,350 adolescents should complete the data collection due in 2000 (age 17-18). Through the analysis of ATP data proposed in this application, models will be developed to explain the risk and resiliency processes in childhood and early adolescence influencing the development and course of adolescent depression, for different subgroups of adolescents. To achieve this objective, analyses will: 1. identify groups who have differing trajectories from childhood internalising behaviour problems to adolescent depressive symptoms; 2. compare groups to identify factors that contribute to the progression from internalising behaviour problems to depressive symptoms, while also identifying factors which appear to impede such progression and; 3. compare groups to identify factors associated with transient versus persistent depressive symptoms in adolescence.Read moreRead less
Wnt-Ryk Signaling In The Establishment Of Major Axon Tracts In The Embryonic Mouse Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$513,946.00
Summary
The corpus callosum is the major interhemispheric commissure in the human brain, comprising approximately 3 million myelinated fibers which connect homologous regions in the neocortex. To date more than 50 different human congenital syndromes have been described in which the corpus callosum does not form leading to epilepsy and mental retardation. We have identified a new guidance molecule (Ryk) which is crucial for corpus callosum formation. This project aims to dissect that molecular mechanism ....The corpus callosum is the major interhemispheric commissure in the human brain, comprising approximately 3 million myelinated fibers which connect homologous regions in the neocortex. To date more than 50 different human congenital syndromes have been described in which the corpus callosum does not form leading to epilepsy and mental retardation. We have identified a new guidance molecule (Ryk) which is crucial for corpus callosum formation. This project aims to dissect that molecular mechanisms controlling Ryk signaling during corpus callosum development. Our analysis of Ryk function will advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of this important commissure.Read moreRead less
Defining The Role Of GILZ In Inflammatory Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,030.00
Summary
Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Their action is based on effects on natural inflammation control pathways. One such pathway is that mediated by the protein known as GILZ (glucocorticoid induced leucine zipper). The function of this protein in disease is not well understood, and the research proposed here will increase understanding of its role. This knowledge could yield new treatments for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.