The Role Of The Zinc Finger Transcriptional Repressor Znf238 During Nerve Cell Maturation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,264.00
Summary
Proper foetal brain assembly is critical for brain function, but the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, I will investigate a family of proteins that “turn on” neural gene expression in combination with another protein that “turns off” their expression during nerve cell development. Understanding this novel on/off mechanism for controlling gene expression in newborn nerve cells will further our understanding of how the brain is assembled.
Understanding The Causes Of Childhood Congenital Anomalies Of The Kidney And Urinary Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,748.00
Summary
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified ....Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified genes.Read moreRead less
Prenatal Origins And Health Outcomes Of Male Reproductive Congenital Anomalies Diagnosed At Birth And Testicular Cancer In Adulthood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$234,343.00
Summary
There is growing concern in increasing male reproductive congenital anomalies diagnosed at birth & testicular cancer in adulthood. Research suggests these conditions share a common origin due to disruption in the release of male hormones in early pregnancy. This study will use a novel method of record-linkage to investigate maternal and infant risk factors and their combined effect on male reproductive disorders at birth and later in life; & assess long-term health and fertility of these males.
Characterisation Of Eurl, A Novel Gene Implicated In The Etiology Of Abnormal Brain Development And Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,541.00
Summary
Intellectual disability affects around one per cent of Australians, and can arise from genetic abnormalities during fetal life, such as through abnormal regulation of gene expression. We have identified a novel gene, known as eurl, which controls brain assembly as well as the ability of neurons to form functional connections within the brain. We will investigate how this novel gene controls brain development, and characterise eurl as a potential therapeutic target for learning and memory.
Mature red cells develop from hemopoietic stem cells in the adult bone marrow. The production of red blood cells is primarily controlled by the hormone erythropoietin (Epo). Previously we had identified that the protein Lyn must be present inside primitive red blood cells for Epo to stimulate them to become mature functional cells. We will determine the role of several molecules that interact with Lyn including Cbp, Liar and LACM, towards apects of red blood cell development.
Erythroid Molecular Cascades Involving The Tyrosine Kinase Lyn
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,500.00
Summary
Mature red and white cells develope from hemopoietic stem cells in the adult bone marrow. The production of red blood cells is primarily controlled by the hormone erythropoietin (Epo). The availability of this hormone in a recombinant form has aided in the treatment of numerous forms of anaemia resulting from kidney failure, malignancies, and AIDS. Previously we had identified that the protein Lyn must be present inside primitive red blood cells for Epo to stimulate them to become mature functio ....Mature red and white cells develope from hemopoietic stem cells in the adult bone marrow. The production of red blood cells is primarily controlled by the hormone erythropoietin (Epo). The availability of this hormone in a recombinant form has aided in the treatment of numerous forms of anaemia resulting from kidney failure, malignancies, and AIDS. Previously we had identified that the protein Lyn must be present inside primitive red blood cells for Epo to stimulate them to become mature functional cells. Recently, we have demonstrated that mice lacking the Lyn gene develope major problems with their red blood cells. We have identified several molecules which interact with Lyn in red blood cells. We have shown that a molecule called Cbp is important for Epo function in individual red blood cells and now we plan to investigate its function in whole animals. We have shown that a new molecule called Arp is important for red blood cell development. This protein moves in and out of the nucleus (where DNA is stored) and may be important in the regulation of genes needed for red blood cells. The third gene (AFAPbeta) is also novel and is closely related to another called AFAP-110, which can exert effects on the structure of a cell. Since red blood cells have to shrink considerably during their development, the role of AFAPbeta on red blood cell structure will also be investigated. From these experiments we should develop a much better understanding of how the production of red blood cells is controlled and how diseases of red blood cells (such as anaemia) occur.Read moreRead less
Stroke outcomes directly relate to brain tissue rescue. We have contributed to changes in clinical practice through many clinical trials of new protocols and therapeutic strategies. Our program will focus on brain salvage in the pre-hospital setting and the acute hospital environment. We will use novel approaches to enhance brain recovery and design new implementation strategies to maximise the benefits of these therapeutic advances.
Restoration Of Cognitive Deficits Induced By Diabetes Through The Modulation Of Cerebrovascular Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$261,251.00
Summary
Diabetes is a known risk factor for the development of dementia. However the details of this association have not been known. Recent evidence consistently shows that the integrity of blood vessels in the brain may be central to the onset of dementia, and consistently, damaged brain blood vessels are often reported in diabetic patients and animal models. This project is the first to target in restoring the integrity of those brain blood vessels in order to reverse diabetes-associated dementia.
Restoration Of Diabetes Associated Cognitive Deficits Through The Modulation Of Cerebrovascular Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,998.00
Summary
Diabetes is known to increase the risk of dementia. Although the mechanisms are currently unknown, a recently emerging body of evidence suggest that damaged blood vessels of the brain may be central to onset and progress of cognitive dysfunction. Consistently, the dysfunction of brain blood vessels is often observed in the brain of diabetes subjects. Therefore, this project will investigate whether the amelioration of disrupted brain blood vessels restores the cognitive function in diabetes.
Missing Voices: Communication Difficulties After Stroke And Traumatic Brain Injury In Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$655,310.00
Summary
Acquired communication disorder (ACD) is a common result of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and has a devastating impact on victims’ everyday lives. Stroke and TBI occur more than twice as frequently in Indigenous as in non-Indigenous populations, but current uptake of communication rehabilitation services is low and long term outcomes for the individuals are unknown. This Australian first study will examine the extent and impact of ACD in urban and rural Indigenous Australians.