Gene Identification For Keratoconus - A Blinding Eye Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$912,880.00
Summary
Keratoconus is a common eye disease where the cornea at the front of the eye progressively becomes thinner and bulges out, resulting in severe visual impairment in young people. This project is investigating the genetic causes of keratoconus in a large collection of Australian patients. We aim to be better able to predict who will develop the disease and treat them earlier, as well as be able to target treatments to the causes of disease.
Understanding The Neurobiology Of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,630,739.00
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that causes difficulties with social interactions and communication, and unusual or intense behaviours. In most cases, the cause is unknown; however, there is evidence that the cause is likely genetic. We are using a new method to discover genes for ASD in families by looking at how features of ASD are inherited. Discovering genes for ASD will aid the development of new therapies and help parents of children with ASD with family planning.
Heritable And Environmental Determinants Of Hospitalisation For Common Childhood Illnesses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,238.00
Summary
This study will combine the unique and powerful resources of the Western Australian (WA) Data Linkage System and the WA Twin Register to disentangle the effects of genetics and the environment on the most common infectious causes of hospital admissions in children. It will highlight appropriate pathways to prevent such admissions in the future.
Intergenerational Transmission Of PTSD Vulnerability: Does PTSD In A Parent Increase The Risk Of Mental Health Disorders In Their Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$742,136.00
Summary
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs after exposure to trauma; more than 1 million Australians suffer from it. By comparing offspring of Vietnam veteran fathers with PTSD with offspring of veteran fathers with no PSTD, this study will test whether there are ripple effects of PTSD in families of Vietnam veterans, whether they are at higher risk of mental health disorders, and whether their mothers can protect them from psychological disorders.
The Strong Families Trial: Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Family Strengthening Program To Prevent Unhealthy Weight Gain Among 5- To 11-year Old Children From At Risk Families
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,338,625.00
Summary
The study will test the effectiveness of an integrated package of parenting and lifestyle interventions for parents or carers from socially disadvantaged areas in reducing the risk of obesity among their 5-11 year-old children. It will provide scientific evidence of the additive effectiveness of a mixed parenting program when combined with a standard lifestyle intervention to prevent unhealthy weight gain and improving the family environment among mostly migrant populations
A Population-based Family Study Of Follicular Lymphoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,703,070.00
Summary
Annually more than 900 Australians are diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. The proposed research aims identify the environmental and genetic causes of this serious blood cancer. People diagnosed with lymphoma, and a family member, will provide detailed personal and family histories, and a blood sample. Exposure to specific chemicals, types of work, sun exposure, and body size are some of the factors the study will examine. The 5-year study will be conducted in NSW, ACT and Victoria.
Gene Discovery In Large Multiplex Families With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$879,279.00
Summary
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood with lifelong impact. ASD are characterised by deficits in communication, language development and restricted behaviours or interests. ASD have a genetic basis likely due to multiple genes but the cause is not known in more than 75% of cases. This project will discover genes associated with ASD by studying large families in which several children have ASD and identify new targets for treatment.
Collaborative Australian Renal Cell Carcinoma Epidemiology Study (CARES)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,677,048.00
Summary
The objective of this project is to increase our knowledge of the causes of renal cell carcinoma, a relatively common, yet understudied, cancer and use this new knowledge to develop a risk prediction tool to provide a rational basis for risk counselling. The proposed project will establish a biobank and generate a research platform that, beyond the duration of the project, will allow us to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.
Contrary to traditional belief few cases of cerebral palsy are due to problems at birth. Most have earlier origins. Sophisticated new methods have found that many developmental brain disorders e.g. autism, intellectual disability and epilepsy are associated with submicroscopic but genetically large alterations in the genetic code of these children. This novel study will seek these alterations in a large group of Australian cerebral palsy families. The pilot data show novel and exciting findings.
Mothers’ And Their Children’s Health Study: Understanding Disparities In Health And Health Service Utilisation Among Australian Families
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,744.00
Summary
The Mothers’ and their Children’s Health study will advance understanding of the risks to child health and development and help guide health policies for families across Australia. It builds on 17 years of data from a leading study of Australian women’s health with a new survey on all the children of 4000 mothers from that study. It is uniquely placed to investigate how the history of maternal and family characteristics affects the health and development of all the children in a family.