Cancer is still a major cause of mortality in adults and children. Several lines of evidence suggest that some childhood cancers may arise due to factors, which interfere with the normal process of early development in embryonal tissues. The nature of the molecular factors which derail normal embryogenesis, their mechanism and timing, is vital information for efforts to generate novel pharmaceuticals. Moreover, factors which are necessary for tumour initiation, might be very good targets for a c ....Cancer is still a major cause of mortality in adults and children. Several lines of evidence suggest that some childhood cancers may arise due to factors, which interfere with the normal process of early development in embryonal tissues. The nature of the molecular factors which derail normal embryogenesis, their mechanism and timing, is vital information for efforts to generate novel pharmaceuticals. Moreover, factors which are necessary for tumour initiation, might be very good targets for a cancer prevention strategy. If entirely successful, our experiments will show that the MYCN oncoprotein is a key factor in the very earliest stages of neuroblastoma tumour formation, we will define the mechanism of the MYCN effect on the normal process of neural crest development, and, we will provide a basis for future cancer prevention strategies in children with this disease.Read moreRead less
Frontal-striatal-parietal Activation In Children With ADHD, Combined Type: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,750.00
Summary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, combined type (ADHD-CT) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that has serious consequences for affected children's educational and social development and success in later life. Despite a large investment in research investigating aetiology and therapeutic strategies that arise from these aetiological investigations, ADHD-CT remains poorly understood and it is often viewed with therapeutic pessimism. Understanding the neurobiological basis of ADHD-CT is ....Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, combined type (ADHD-CT) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that has serious consequences for affected children's educational and social development and success in later life. Despite a large investment in research investigating aetiology and therapeutic strategies that arise from these aetiological investigations, ADHD-CT remains poorly understood and it is often viewed with therapeutic pessimism. Understanding the neurobiological basis of ADHD-CT is of tremendous importance for the development of more specific and targeted medication and-or psychological treatments and, ultimately, to obtain the best clinical outcome for individual children with ADHD-CT. We have previously examined the function of frontal-striatal-parietal brain networks in adolescent boys with ADHD-CT, showing dysfunction of brain systems important for the control of visuospatial attention. In this project, we aim to examine whether these changes in frontal-striatal-parietal brain function also occur in pre-pubertal 8-12 year-old boys with ADHD-CT. This is important for two major reasons: Firstly, adolescents and young adults examined in previous brain imaging studies of ADHD-CT, including our own, are not truly representative of the core of the disorder, as ADHD-CT has its peak prevalence from 8 to 12 years of age. Secondly, by now comparing pre-pubertal ADHD-CT and healthy control children we can determine whether the changes in brain function we have previously identified represent developmental stage independent brain dysfunction that is characteristic of ADHD-CT.Read moreRead less
The Limb Bud As A Model For Gubernacular Migration During Inguinoscrotal Testicular Descent.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,073.00
Summary
This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testes from its original position inside the abdomen of the fetus to the scrotum in baby boys. When this process is abnormal, it leads to the common anomaly of undescended testes. Tha ultimate aim is to understand the process well enough to consider nonoperative treatment. The study will look at the tip of the gubernaculum, the ligament that anchors the testis to the groin early in development, and how it develops a growing tip that elongates ....This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testes from its original position inside the abdomen of the fetus to the scrotum in baby boys. When this process is abnormal, it leads to the common anomaly of undescended testes. Tha ultimate aim is to understand the process well enough to consider nonoperative treatment. The study will look at the tip of the gubernaculum, the ligament that anchors the testis to the groin early in development, and how it develops a growing tip that elongates towards the scrotum. The project will examine the factors controlling this process as well as the embryological mechanism involved.Read moreRead less