Epistatic Genetic Effects On Neuroanatomical Subtypes Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,141.00
Summary
Schizophrenia represents a number of clinically distinct syndromes, with a complex mode of inheritance. The delineation of biologically valid subtypes of schizophrenia is necessary to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of these syndromes. This project uses pattern classification techniques to determine subtypes of schizophrenia on the basis of structural brain abnormality across multiple regions, and will examine genetic interactions and differential gene expression associated with t ....Schizophrenia represents a number of clinically distinct syndromes, with a complex mode of inheritance. The delineation of biologically valid subtypes of schizophrenia is necessary to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of these syndromes. This project uses pattern classification techniques to determine subtypes of schizophrenia on the basis of structural brain abnormality across multiple regions, and will examine genetic interactions and differential gene expression associated with these biologically-derived subtypes.Read moreRead less
Understanding Epigenetic Modification During Oogenesis For Novel Treatments Of Female Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Infertility affects about 10% of Australian women and the success rates of current infertility treatments are low due to our poor knowledge of eggs development. The numbers of obese and older women trying to conceive are increasing; fertility treatments are even less effective for them. I have generated mouse models to elucidate the pathways regulating egg development. I will study for alterations in these pathways in the mouse models which perfectly mimic the obesity and aging in women.
A Population-based Family Study Of Filaggrin Mutations And Allergic Disease Risk In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$308,584.00
Summary
It is biologically plausible that the association of known environmental risk factors for asthma may be different for genetically susceptible individuals. Few studies have examined the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. that have not considered genetic susceptibility are estimating an average risk of asthma across all genotypes in the population which may not be relevant for a particular sub-group.
Inflammatory Cytokines As Causal Agents In Peri-conception Programming Of Offspring Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,046.00
Summary
Events at conception set the trajectory of fetal developmental that will determine health of children after birth and in later life. Susceptibility to obesity and metabolic conditions is established at this very early time. This project will define the molecular signals affecting the embryo in the event of maternal or paternal infection, diet and stress. The results will help us devise health advice for intending parents to improve child health and help prevent onset of metabolic disorders.
Identifying Novel Lipid And Genetic Signatures Of Metabolic Disease In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,592.00
Summary
Both our genetic makeup and environment can contribute to the development of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Although onset usually occurs in adulthood, the progression towards disease can start in early life. Early childhood represents an opportunity for intervention to avoid adverse health outcomes in adulthood. This proposal combines two established birth cohorts from Singapore (GUSTO) and Australia (BIS) to examine the genetic and environmental origins of metabolic diseases.
How Does Exercise Ameliorate Programming Of Metabolic Dysfunction In Offspring Of Obese Mothers?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,121.00
Summary
Obesity is a worldwide disease, reflecting an interaction between our environment (diet, physical activity) and genes. We know that a mother's unhealthy diet can predispose offspring to diabetes, and exercise can improve this, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we will examine how exercise can benefit offspring of obese mothers, and test a drug that mimics the effects of exercise. The proposed research will provide insight into ways of reducing the obesity epidemic.
Improving Physical Health Outcomes For Young People With Psychotic Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
Enduring psychotic disorders are associated with a reduced life expectancy by 25 years, which is mainly due to cardiovascular disease. This project will produce a training package that will improve clinician’s skills and knowledge of screening and treatment for physical health risk factors in young people with psychosis. This project will result in the development of an intervention for reducing the prevalence of these cardiovascular risk factors known to contribute to this early mortality.
The Management To Optimise Diabetes And MEtabolic Syndrome Risk Reduction Via Nurse-led Intervention (MODERN) Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,445,861.00
Summary
There is increasing recognition of society’s responsibility to provide effective and sustainable health care to the entire population and not just selected parts. This practical study will test the impact of a nurse-led, multidisciplinary prevention program to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events in middle-aged individuals at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) living in regional Australia.
Targeted Development Of AMPK Β2-isoform Allosteric Activators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,147.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to dramatic increases in the incidence of diseases associated with metabolic dysregulation e.g. type 2 diabetes. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as a cellular fuel gauge. We have discovered a new drug that crucially activates the form of AMPK found in metabolically active organs. We aim to develop this drug to unlock new therapeutic opportunity.