Molecular & Neuropsychological Predictive Markers Of Cognitive Decline.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,500.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major cause of dementia in the elderly. As populations worldwide are living longer the prevalence of AD is predicted to rise markedly and in addition to the huge emotional burden on families the economic implications to the community at large is severe. Thus our aging veteran population and their spouses are particularly vulnerable to this devastating disease. Recent developments in AD research have resulted in a number of therapeutic strategies being undertaken wit ....Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major cause of dementia in the elderly. As populations worldwide are living longer the prevalence of AD is predicted to rise markedly and in addition to the huge emotional burden on families the economic implications to the community at large is severe. Thus our aging veteran population and their spouses are particularly vulnerable to this devastating disease. Recent developments in AD research have resulted in a number of therapeutic strategies being undertaken with several of these now in phase 2 clinical trials. However for these treatments to be most effective early diagnosis is crucial. Currently, definite diagnosis is restricted to post-mortem examination of the brain for the presence of characteristic neuropathological features. This project proposes to identify individuals at high risk of developing cognitive decline leading to AD by using a battery of biochemical, genetic and neuropsychological markers. This study builds on our earlier work which followed a cohort of memory complainers and demonstrated that subjects in this group have lower cognitive scores and an increased frequency of the genetic risk factor, the e4 allele of apolipoprotein E. Follow up of this well studied cohort with more sensitive and extensive neuropsychological tests together with other genetic and biochemical markers will be important in identifying those risk factors that have positive predictive value for cognitive decline thereby contributing towards enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of current symptomatic and future drugs directed at the cause of AD.Read moreRead less
Evaluating The Genetic Contribution To Rheumatic Heart Disease Pathogenesis In Australian Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,782,074.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease is highly prevalent in Aboriginal people in Australia and leads to early cardiac disease. Despite decades of research, the underlying genetic mechanisms for why it occurs are not well understood. We are conducting a genetic study to better understand why some people are susceptible to RHD and others are not. The study will involve substantial Aboriginal leadership and consultation and will be a model for the conduct of genetic studies in Aboriginal populations.
Most eye diseases have a genetic contribution, whether rare disorders affecting children such as retinoblastoma or congenital cataracts through to common disorders of older people such as myopia, age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma. We will continue our successful research to find genes that cause these diseases and use this to improve patient care and prevent blindness. We will work out how families can use this genetic information to participate in trials to develop new treatments.
Young Adult Myopia: Genetic And Environmental Associations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$809,271.00
Summary
Myopia affects 80% of school leavers in the cities of East Asia, 45% of Asian Australian school leavers and is probably on the rise in European Australian adolescents. Increased levels of education and lack of time outdoors are known to increase the risk of myopia. We will examine 2,000 young adults to find the genes that interact with these risk factors. In addition to confirming when these risk factors are most important, identifying molecular pathways opens the avenue of new treatments.
Evolution and the immune system: genetic differences in immune response between human populations due to adaptation to living in different geo-climatic locations. The project, which investigates the genetics of inter-population differences in immune response, will lead to advances in immunology and population genetics research, explain present population specific differences in disease incidence and possibly forecast future population trends of diseases such as asthma and allergy. The study will ....Evolution and the immune system: genetic differences in immune response between human populations due to adaptation to living in different geo-climatic locations. The project, which investigates the genetics of inter-population differences in immune response, will lead to advances in immunology and population genetics research, explain present population specific differences in disease incidence and possibly forecast future population trends of diseases such as asthma and allergy. The study will strengthen ties with collaborators around the world, thus promoting excellence in Australian research and gain Australia prestige in the international community as a country that produces research of global significance. Understanding the immune system's 'recent evolutionary roots' has implications for the health of Australians, especially in light of Australia's increasingly multi-ethnic background.Read moreRead less
A Genome-wide Search For Genes Underlying The Developmental Origins Of Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,022,552.00
Summary
Epidemic rises in the incidence of many chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and mental illness have occurred in Australia over the last two decades. Antenatal, early life and childhood factors have been consistently associated with the development of such diseases. We propose to conduct a genome-wide scan in an exceptional longitudinal birth cohort in order to identify the genetic mechanisms linking early life event and adult disease.
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354622
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
Genes and Environment in Development. Interactions between the early environment and the genetic regulatory program of the early embryo have major consequences for the development of individuals. The aim of this Network is to harness the resources of leading researchers from the previously distinct disciplines of developmental biology and developmental physiology to better understand developmental regulatory networks and how environmental factors impinge on them. The formation of such a Network ....Genes and Environment in Development. Interactions between the early environment and the genetic regulatory program of the early embryo have major consequences for the development of individuals. The aim of this Network is to harness the resources of leading researchers from the previously distinct disciplines of developmental biology and developmental physiology to better understand developmental regulatory networks and how environmental factors impinge on them. The formation of such a Network is unique, timely and strategic in that it will generate new insights into the mechanisms by which events in early life determine the risk of adverse outcomes in perinatal and adult life.Read moreRead less
ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Genes and Environment in Development. Interactions between the early environment and the genetic regulatory program of the developing organism have major consequences for the lifetime health of individuals. The primary objective of the Network in Genes and Environment in Development is to harness the resources of leading researchers from the currently distinct disciplines of developmental biology and developmental physiology to define key developmental regulatory ne ....ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Genes and Environment in Development. Interactions between the early environment and the genetic regulatory program of the developing organism have major consequences for the lifetime health of individuals. The primary objective of the Network in Genes and Environment in Development is to harness the resources of leading researchers from the currently distinct disciplines of developmental biology and developmental physiology to define key developmental regulatory networks and to address how environmental factors impinge on these regulatory networks. The formation of this National Research Network is unique, timely and strategic. It will generate new insights into the mechanisms by which events in early life determine the risk of adverse outcomes in perinatal and adult life.Read moreRead less
Enhancing Grain Yield Potential and Quality of Lupin. Sustainability of wheat production in Western Australia depends on the continued use of legumes, specifically lupins, in farming systems. The low returns to growers for lupins has jeopardised these sustainable systems. This project aims to gather new information to develop novel genetic strategies to increase yield potential and modify seed composition in lupins, enhancing their commercial worth.
Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) For Juvenile-onset Myopia And Its Component Measures To Identify Molecular Pathways To Prevent Myopia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,364.00
Summary
We will examine 2,000 young adults from the Western Australian Raine Cohort at the Lions Eye Institute / University of Western Australia. Ocular data will be collected relating to myopia (short-sightedness) and will be combined with extensive previous childhood and genetic research data collected on the Cohort, to investigate the genetic and environmental factors predisposing to myopia. This will assist in understanding the factors leading to myopia.