Investigations Into The Aetiology Of Giant Cell Arteritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,067.00
Summary
Despite much research the precise pathoetiology of giant cell arteritis is poorly understood. Both environmental and genetic factors are thought to contribute to disease development. Though to date, no overriding mechanism for disease development has been identified. This research will apply modern molecular techniques to further explore the pathogenic processes in this devastating disease which in turn will hopefully provide insight into novel treatment modalities.
Using Pharmacogenetics To Personalize Treatment Outcome To Ranibizumab (Lucentis) For The Eye Disease Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,891.00
Summary
The drug Lucentis has revolutionized the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, one of the commonest causes of severe vision loss in Australia. Unfortunately, up to 25% of patients continue to lose vision despite this treatment. We will use the latest gene chip technology to identify the genetic variant responsible for this poor response. Having this information will allow us to personalise treatment for the patient leading to improvement in their vision.
Interplay Of Genetic And Environmental Factors On Age-related Cataract Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$217,519.00
Summary
We aim to investigate factors influencing the development of age-related cataract, using data collected from two population-based studies of older persons: the Blue Mountains Eye Study and the Beaver Dam Eye Study (USA). We will assess genetic susceptibility to the two common forms of age-related cataract, replicated in two Asian samples, and determine how genetic and environmental factors jointly contribute to the development of cataract in some older persons.