Molecular Evolution And Rapid Typing Of Enteroviruses By Molecular Methods
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$44,934.00
Summary
Human enteroviruses (HEVs) are common human pathogens associated with a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic infection to serious illness, especially in infants and the immunocompromised. They are responsible for large outbreaks of diseases. We will develop rapid molecular typing methods for enteroviruses, including reverse line blot hybridization and rolling circle amplification. Meanwhile, we will analyze molecular evolution of important enteroviruses over time.
Molecular Typing And Epidemiology Of Bordetella Pertussis In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,662.00
Summary
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite more than half a century of vaccination, pertussis has remained endemic in Australia, causing epidemic outbreaks every 3 to 4 years. Indeed the incidence has been increasing in recent years with over 11,000 cases notified in 2005.Pertussis is the commonest of all vaccine preventable diseases targeted by the Australian standard vaccination schedule. To control pertussis, appropriat ....Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite more than half a century of vaccination, pertussis has remained endemic in Australia, causing epidemic outbreaks every 3 to 4 years. Indeed the incidence has been increasing in recent years with over 11,000 cases notified in 2005.Pertussis is the commonest of all vaccine preventable diseases targeted by the Australian standard vaccination schedule. To control pertussis, appropriate epidemiological surveillance must be implemented to monitor the circulating B. pertussis strains and emergence of any new strains, in particular those that escape the protection by vaccines. This project will use a novel genomic comparison approach to find variation known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) present around the genome. We will use these SNPs to analyse a large collection of Australian and worldwide isolates to identify those SNPs most suitable for typing and determine the optimal number of SNPs needed for discrimination. A standardized, consistent and reliable typing method for strain identification will be established. We will further develop an integrated method for detecting known variation in the genes encoding the five acellular vaccine antigens. A combined method for strain identification and detection of antigenic variation will then be developed for culture-independent typing, enabling identification of the strain infecting an individual directly from a clinical sample without the need for culture. This study will establish molecular methods for surveillance of pertussis in Australia, essential for further improvement of acellular pertussis vaccines and public health control measures.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Novel Low Penetrance Genes Associated With Melanoma Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,830.00
Summary
Using pools of DNA samples we will conduct a genome-wide association study for melanoma predisposition genes. The most promising candidate genes will be followed up by sequencing and further geneotyping of additional SNPs in order to identify the causal variants.
Markers Of Androgen Action, Genetic Variation And Prostate Cancer Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$798,907.00
Summary
This proposal aim to follow up evidence from a number of studies that genetic and non-genetic markers of hormonal action in different periods of a man's life are associated with prostate cancer risk using a collection of three large, independent epidemiologic studies on prostate cancer named the Prostate Cancer Program. A principal objective is to collect exposure data on acne and digit ratio, and genotype cases and controls across the studies of the Prostate Cancer Program for common genetic va ....This proposal aim to follow up evidence from a number of studies that genetic and non-genetic markers of hormonal action in different periods of a man's life are associated with prostate cancer risk using a collection of three large, independent epidemiologic studies on prostate cancer named the Prostate Cancer Program. A principal objective is to collect exposure data on acne and digit ratio, and genotype cases and controls across the studies of the Prostate Cancer Program for common genetic variants in 4 candidate genes in the hormonal pathway. The established risk factors for prostate cancer are only age, race and family history. We anticipate that this project will cast light on the role of hormones in prostate cancer and that we will identify new markers of risk of prostate cancer and markers of disease aggressiveness. These outcomes will help us identifying men who are at risk for prostate cancer to target screening and surveillance, and plan prevention strategies. Furthermore, they will also form the basis for research on treatment targets.Read moreRead less