Understanding The Causes Of Childhood Congenital Anomalies Of The Kidney And Urinary Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,748.00
Summary
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified ....Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified genes.Read moreRead less
Characterization Of Cellular Inflammatory Responses Underlying Acute Viral Bronchiolitis In Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,224.00
Summary
This project seeks to characterize the inflammatory mechanisms triggered during severe respiratory virus infections that result in hospitalization of infants. These are associated with later development of asthma. We aim to identify new molecular targets for anti-inflammatory drug development, with the long term goals of improving treatment for acute disease, and prevention of subsequent asthma.
Retinal Photography To Assess Early Kidney Development In Indigenous Babies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$888,098.00
Summary
The objective of this study is to identify infants who are at high risk off subsequent kidney failure . To achieve this objective, we plan to carry out comparison of kidney growth and function between Aboriginal and and non-Aboriginal infants from birth until they are 2 years old. We also hope to determine if changes in the blood vessels in these infants' eyes correspond to changes in the growing kidney- we are trying to determine if the eyes are the windows to the growing kidneys.
Can Pentoxifylline Improve Long-term Outcomes In Preterm Infants With Late-onset Sepsis Or Necrotizing Enterocolitis – A Pragmatic, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,901,130.00
Summary
Very preterm infants are at high risk of death and disability. Brain injury is often the result of inflammation caused by infection or bowel disease. To date, there is no treatment to reduce the harmful effects of inflammation. Pentoxifylline reduces inflammation and is a promising, safe and inexpensive treatment option for preterm infants. This study will determine whether Pentoxifylline in addition to antibiotics improves survival without disability in preterm infants.
Contribution Of Systemic Inflammatory Response To Brain Injury In Growth Restricted Newborns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$363,388.00
Summary
Growth restriction during pregnancy can damage the baby’s brain and result in poor outcomes such as learning and attention difficulties and cerebral palsy. Currently there is no treatment available to prevent brain injury in these babies. This study will explore the role of inflammation and brain injury in the growth restricted baby. We will also examine whether a readily available and safe anti-inflammatory treatment can reduce or prevent brain injury following growth restriction.
We have shown that premature birth leads to abnormalities in kidney structure and function. This project will determine in human infants, whether premature birth when combined with poor growth in the womb leads to an increase in these kidney abnormalities. Using animal studies we will examine specific factors which may adversely impact on kidney growth before and after premature birth. The findings are very relevant to the long-term kidney health of indigenous Australians.
Early Origins Study Of Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,188.00
Summary
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes recurrent lung infections and early death. Some patients also develop diabetes which causes a more rapid decline. Many young children with CF have “pre-diabetes” but guidelines do not recommend screening high glucose in this group. In order to intervene early, this study aims to determine if “pre-diabetes” in very young children with Cystic Fibrosis causes poorer growth, lung function or an increase in bacterial infections to.
Understanding And Improving Treatment Of Premature Infants To Improve Long Term Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
The last 2 decades heralded many important advances in the care of preterm infants but important gaps in our knowledge remain. Studies undertaken in the preclinical and clinical settings during this Fellowship will enhance understanding of the complex nature of disease in preterm infants. Further, we will develop and evaluate new treatments that enhance growth and development of the premature baby to optimise their long term intellectual, physical, emotional and social outcomes.
Early Environmental Determinants Of Pancreatic Islet Autoimmunity: A Pregnancy To Early Life Cohort Study In Children At Risk Of Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,124,069.00
Summary
The doubling in incidence of type 1 diabetes in children over the last 20 years may be explained by our modern environment, including excessive weight gain in pregnancy and early life, inadequate dietary omega- 3 fatty acids or vitamin D, or viral infections. We therefore aim to study children with a family member with type 1 diabetes from the pregnancy and through early childhood to determine the effects of the environment on their risk of developing type 1 diabetes .This will lead to strategie ....The doubling in incidence of type 1 diabetes in children over the last 20 years may be explained by our modern environment, including excessive weight gain in pregnancy and early life, inadequate dietary omega- 3 fatty acids or vitamin D, or viral infections. We therefore aim to study children with a family member with type 1 diabetes from the pregnancy and through early childhood to determine the effects of the environment on their risk of developing type 1 diabetes .This will lead to strategies to prevent type 1 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Centre Of Research Excellence For The Protection Of Pancreatic Beta Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,607,110.00
Summary
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder that results in the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. The overall aim of the CRE is to elucidate the gene-environment interactions and modifiable environmental exposures that are driving the development of islet autoimmunity and progression to T1D. The CRE will unify and add value to new and established collaborations with multi-disciplinary input from genomics, bioinformatics and systems biology into the investigation of T1D.