The role of X-chromosome inactivation in quantitative trait variation. This project aims to develop methods and software that can be applied to genetic and genomic studies in animal breeding, wildlife protection, and humans. X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an important biological phenomenon but its effect on quantitative trait variation remains largely unknown. This project aims to develop novel statistical methods to estimate the X-linked genetic variance and the proportion that escapes XCI, ....The role of X-chromosome inactivation in quantitative trait variation. This project aims to develop methods and software that can be applied to genetic and genomic studies in animal breeding, wildlife protection, and humans. X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an important biological phenomenon but its effect on quantitative trait variation remains largely unknown. This project aims to develop novel statistical methods to estimate the X-linked genetic variance and the proportion that escapes XCI, and identify trait-associated genetic variants affected and not affected by XCI. The methods would then be applied to large datasets from genome-wide association studies for a large number of traits. Project outcomes may enable us to better understand the role of XCI in quantitative trait variation and gene expression in humans and animals.Read moreRead less
Deciphering the genetic architecture of human complex traits. This project aims to develop statistical methods to integrate data from genetic studies of complex traits such as stature and cognition. Molecular phenotypes such as gene expression in large samples will be used to predict target genes and regulatory elements of those traits. Understanding the genetic basis of human complex traits is critical to longstanding questions in human and evolutionary biology. The project will also detect sig ....Deciphering the genetic architecture of human complex traits. This project aims to develop statistical methods to integrate data from genetic studies of complex traits such as stature and cognition. Molecular phenotypes such as gene expression in large samples will be used to predict target genes and regulatory elements of those traits. Understanding the genetic basis of human complex traits is critical to longstanding questions in human and evolutionary biology. The project will also detect signatures of natural selection in shaping the genetic variation in complex traits. The project will provide better understanding of complex traits in global populations and the history of human evolution, and will develop methods applicable in plant and animal contexts.Read moreRead less
Fertility crisis: harnessing the genomic tension behind pollen fertility in sorghum. Hybrid sorghum varieties yield more grain than inbred varieties but the production seed for farmers can be difficult. This project will identify the genes responsible for a trait that makes hybrid seed production possible and this knowledge will help raise sorghum yields in Australian and in some of the world’s poorest countries.
Estimation of non-additive genetic variance for complex traits using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphyisms and sequence data. Finding genes for traits of importance in agriculture, ecology and human health depends on understanding the genetic basis of these traits. This project will investigate whether variation in traits in humans, cattle and wild sheep are influenced by gene-gene interactions.
The genetic architecture and evolution of quantitative traits. Most important traits are controlled by many genes and by the environment, however there is little knowledge of how many genes are involved in these complex traits and what their effects are. This project will describe the number of genes and their effects for complex traits in humans and livestock and explain how these genes evolve.
The link between environmental stress and disease onset in prawn aquaculture. The federal government has set a target for prawn aquaculture production to increase fourfold by 2010. A major barrier is disease: losses of 20% of production to viral diseases are not uncommon. To be internationally competitive, Australia needs to develop high health production systems. Most prawn stock carry chronic viral infections, but only exhibit disease symptoms following environmental stress. This project will ....The link between environmental stress and disease onset in prawn aquaculture. The federal government has set a target for prawn aquaculture production to increase fourfold by 2010. A major barrier is disease: losses of 20% of production to viral diseases are not uncommon. To be internationally competitive, Australia needs to develop high health production systems. Most prawn stock carry chronic viral infections, but only exhibit disease symptoms following environmental stress. This project will identify environmental stressors that activate viral disease in Penaeus monodon. Outcomes will be incorporated into on-farm managerial regimes to minimize risk of crop loss to disease. Development of biomarkers as indicators of stress related risks may be commercialized.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220101226
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,000.00
Summary
Testing Effects of Environmental Exposures on Subsequent Human Generations. This project aims to develop new statistical models to determine how environmental exposures in pregnancy, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and diet, can impact the first and second generations of children. The project will fill a void in unbiased tools to disentangle genetic and environmental components in the inheritance of complex traits, and will be the first to determine objectively if and how effects from envir ....Testing Effects of Environmental Exposures on Subsequent Human Generations. This project aims to develop new statistical models to determine how environmental exposures in pregnancy, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and diet, can impact the first and second generations of children. The project will fill a void in unbiased tools to disentangle genetic and environmental components in the inheritance of complex traits, and will be the first to determine objectively if and how effects from environmental exposures can be inherited. Through international collaborations and advanced interdisciplinary approaches, this project will generate new knowledge in the emerging field of multigenerational inheritance to drive the future design of interventions and influence positive behaviours during pregnancy.Read moreRead less
Mutational genetic variance and the fitness optimum. Mutation and selection are ubiquitous forces in nature, but we do not understand how genetic variation produced by mutation is maintained in the presence of selection that depletes it. The recent discovery of apparent stabilising selection on traits with high levels of genetic variation provides a new approach to understanding this paradox.
Alternative Splicing in the Mouse Transcriptome. Although the human genome completion is cause for excitement we do not have any firm indication of precisely how many protein-coding genes exist in a mammalian genome. We have even less indication of the extent to which these genes generate alternative gene products, through a process termed alternative splicing. The detection and sequencing of these full-length alternative gene products is the focus of this application. This application details t ....Alternative Splicing in the Mouse Transcriptome. Although the human genome completion is cause for excitement we do not have any firm indication of precisely how many protein-coding genes exist in a mammalian genome. We have even less indication of the extent to which these genes generate alternative gene products, through a process termed alternative splicing. The detection and sequencing of these full-length alternative gene products is the focus of this application. This application details the opportunity to participate in the identification of the full transcriptome of the mouse and is part of a collaborative effort with The RIKEN Genome Sciences Center in Japan.Read moreRead less
A genomic approach to understanding the maintenance of genetic variation under sexual selection. Using a model Australian species, this project will dissect the linkages between DNA sequence variation, gene expression, phenotypic traits and fitness in a natural population. Data will facilitate powerful tests of evolutionary processes thought to maintain genetic variation in complex traits.