Mitochondrial Damage Following Fetal Hypoxia Or Birth Asphyxia: Using Creatine To Preserve Mitochondrial Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$838,726.00
Summary
There is a need for a therapy that can be given before a mother gives birth to protect the baby should ‘oxygen starvation’ threaten the baby’s brain and other organs such as the heart, kidney, lungs, and the ability to breathe properly. We are suggesting that an increased intake of creatine is a very effective treatment against this threat, and its proven safety and ease of use recommends it for wide application, particularly in countries where the access to medical resources is poor.
Biobank Networks, Medical Research And The Challenge Of Globalisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$790,698.00
Summary
Medical research increasingly relies on large-scale biobanks that store tissue samples from healthy donors or patients. Over the past decade, international networks of biobanks have been established. These are scientifically valuable but raise numerous legal and ethical challenges. In this project we will generate evidence to inform the development of ethically rigorous strategies to ensure that Australian donors and biobanks contribute to, and benefit from, international biobank networks.
Gene Discovery And Functional Studies To Reveal Mechanisms Underlying Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Disorders.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,343.00
Summary
Mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders are a devastating group of disorders, potentially affecting any organ of the body, with no effective therapies currently available. The majority of these disorders have a childhood onset and the genetic basis for most of them is unknown. Identification of the genes responsible for these disorders in specific families would greatly improve the accuracy and usefulness of genetic counselling, and an understanding of their biology may assist the development ....Mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders are a devastating group of disorders, potentially affecting any organ of the body, with no effective therapies currently available. The majority of these disorders have a childhood onset and the genetic basis for most of them is unknown. Identification of the genes responsible for these disorders in specific families would greatly improve the accuracy and usefulness of genetic counselling, and an understanding of their biology may assist the development of effective therapies.Read moreRead less
The Structure And Organization Of The Mitochondrial Genome In Health And Mitochondrial Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,646.00
Summary
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with a wide range of multi-system human diseases, although much remains to be learnt about molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Our goal is to understand how the expression of the mitochondrial DNA is regulated by mtDNA-binding proteins that will allow us to provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial diseases.
Uncovering The Molecular Mechanisms Behind Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,967.00
Summary
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (or CMT) is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system, affecting the normal function of the limbs and causing lifelong disabilities. There is currently no cure for CMT. The aim of this research is to develop a new model of CMT, which will allow us to uncover novel information about how the disease develops. This research will provide a better understanding of the disease and therefore provide valuable insight for the future generation of therapeutics.
Implications Of The Increasing Duration Of Life Spent With Obesity For Population Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,830.00
Summary
As the prevalence of obesity at younger ages increases, people are living longer with obesity. We have recently shown that this has an increased risk of mortality and diabetes. In this project we will look at the extent to which an increasing length of time lived with obesity is also associated with increased risks of hypertension, heart disease, cancer, arthritis and disability. We will also look at the effect of this increasing duration on the overall health of Australian adults.
Reaching The Tenth Decade Of Life In Australia – A 20-year Longitudinal Study Of Older Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$890,063.00
Summary
There are increasing numbers of older people in Australia. A boy born in Australia in 2015 may expect to live to 92 years but how we will ensure that the health of these older men is maintained, and that ageing is a positive experience, is not yet known. We will study a large group of men initially aged over 65 years of age, and who have already been followed for 20 years, to work out how Australian men can reach the tenth decade of life, and how they can achieve this milestone successfully. .
Defining The Role Of Inflammation In Depression During Aging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$736,820.00
Summary
This proposed research investigates the bidirectional relationship between inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) and depression during normal aging processes. It is assumed that inflammatory processes in the CNS will induce the development of depression and vice versa, that depression will lead to increased inflammation in the body. In addition, the research will study the genetic background and gene expression of inflammation contributing to both aging processes and the onset of depr ....This proposed research investigates the bidirectional relationship between inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) and depression during normal aging processes. It is assumed that inflammatory processes in the CNS will induce the development of depression and vice versa, that depression will lead to increased inflammation in the body. In addition, the research will study the genetic background and gene expression of inflammation contributing to both aging processes and the onset of depression during aging.Read moreRead less
An Investigation Of The Effects Of Higher Plasma Glucose In The Normal Range On Cerebral Health.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,524.00
Summary
Until recently it has been assumed that variation in blood sugar levels within the normal range in non-diabetics is innocuous. Recent findings from our team suggest that high normal sugar levels present risks to brain and cognitive health. This project will investigate in detail the extent to which higher sugar levels in healthy individuals living in the community are associated with brain changes over time, and whether these changes are associated with cognitive decline in middle- and old-age.
ASPREE is the largest clinical trial ever conducted in Australia and will determine whether daily low dose aspirin prevents disease in healthy older people. The study was well-funded initially but will require additional support to complete the vital final stage of data collection and analysis. This will enable the study to answer important questions about the benefits and risks of aspirin in this age group and its effect on disability free survival.