Nuclear architecture is critical to the preservation of genome integrity. The aim of this research proposal is to delineate the role of chromatin organisation in transcription factor target search and damage site recruitment of DNA repair factor machinery. To achieve this I have developed fluorescence microscopy methods to monitor changes in chromatin structure with submicron resolution. Only with this technology can I determine how chromatin dynamics maintain genome integrity or induce disease.
Understanding Typical And Atypical Development Of The Infant Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
This project will apply advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to understand how brain abnormalities in preterm infants relate to their functional impairments. It aims to: develop new software to easily and accurately measure infant brain structures and tissues; understand the neurobiological basis for adverse outcomes, enabling diagnosis of high risk preterm infants; and identify MRI biomarkers to assess interventions designed to give Australian babies a healthier start to life.
Longitudinal Studies Of Knee Osteoathritic Changes Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
The associations between MRI-assessed knee structural changes and radiographic changes over 5 years in older people will be determined. The effects of physical activity in adults and childhood, and the roles of inflammation will be described. The study represents a cost-effective comprehensive approach to osteoarthritis, a major public health problem, and is a natural progression of previous work that supports the objectives of the Bone and Joint Decade and addresses a national health priority.
Imaging The Human Brain Connectome And Its Application To Psychiatric Disorders.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
The human brain has long been conceptualized as a complex neural network. The connections of this network are yet to be characterized in full detail. Only recent technological advances in imaging have made possible to visualize the network architecture of the living brain. My fellowship will focus on using MRI techniques to map the interconnected network of the brain also called as the “connectome” and apply this knowledge to advance the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Is Stroke Neurodegenerative? A Longitudinal Study Of Changes In Brain Volume And Cognition Following Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,946.00
Summary
There is no direct evidence linking Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and stroke. It is unknown whether stroke can trigger progressive dementia in the same way as AD. In a group of stroke patients, I will measure MRI brain volume and cognition in the 5 years after stroke. These findings will be critical for identification of those patients most at risk of dementia after stroke. This may allow future early intervention for these patients, via promising AD disease-modifying therapies.