Rapid mapping of genes for complex traits. This project will develop a new resource that will allow rapid identification of genes controlling complex traits. This world-leading resource will improve knowledge of diseases like diabetes and neurological diseases.
Linking mutant zebrafish phenotypes with their underlying genetic lesions. Zebrafish mutants have been generated with many interesting abnormalities, but to understand these abnormalities, the defective genes must be identified by positional cloning. We seek to identify the defective genes underpinning four mutants. Mutant #562 develops a normal nervous system which then undergoes rapid degeneration. The mutant flotte lotte has abnormal gut development. Two mutants with defective early blood for ....Linking mutant zebrafish phenotypes with their underlying genetic lesions. Zebrafish mutants have been generated with many interesting abnormalities, but to understand these abnormalities, the defective genes must be identified by positional cloning. We seek to identify the defective genes underpinning four mutants. Mutant #562 develops a normal nervous system which then undergoes rapid degeneration. The mutant flotte lotte has abnormal gut development. Two mutants with defective early blood formation will be studied. We will establish techniques for several steps that will be useful for all zebrafish mapping projects. We expect the genetic characterization of these mutants to provide new insights into nerve cell survival, gut development, and blood formation.Read moreRead less
Are neurobehavioural and neuromotor impairments associated with FMR1 gene expansion? The gene that causes Fragile X syndrome is found at the end of the X chromosome and is present in all humans. In many cases there is a small to medium change in this gene that may cause psychological and motor difficulties in later adulthood. The core aim of this project is to identify early age-related changes that would indicate later neurological decline.
Regulation of the EphA3 receptor tyrosine kinase in vertebrate development. The Eph/ephrin system has a critical role in normal embryonic development. Amongst vertebrates, the EphA3 gene is one of the most highly conserved genes in this system with critical roles in development of the visual system and in other developmental processes. Understanding how this gene is regulated will help us to understand the critical role of EphA3 in the basic biology of humans and other animals. This knowledge ma ....Regulation of the EphA3 receptor tyrosine kinase in vertebrate development. The Eph/ephrin system has a critical role in normal embryonic development. Amongst vertebrates, the EphA3 gene is one of the most highly conserved genes in this system with critical roles in development of the visual system and in other developmental processes. Understanding how this gene is regulated will help us to understand the critical role of EphA3 in the basic biology of humans and other animals. This knowledge may also shed light on the basis of congenital abnormalities and other pathological processes and possibly help us to understand how to prevent or treat these conditions.Read moreRead less
Epigenetic integration of genomic and environmental information in honey bees. Environmental factors such as nutrition, drugs or childhood neglect alter gene activity without a change to the DNA code and may result in a range of conditions such as cancer, obesity and mental illness. Such epigenetic phenomena are driven by subtle and poorly understood modifications of the genome known as DNA methylation. Our aim is to study the link between DNA methylation and environmental influences. We aspire ....Epigenetic integration of genomic and environmental information in honey bees. Environmental factors such as nutrition, drugs or childhood neglect alter gene activity without a change to the DNA code and may result in a range of conditions such as cancer, obesity and mental illness. Such epigenetic phenomena are driven by subtle and poorly understood modifications of the genome known as DNA methylation. Our aim is to study the link between DNA methylation and environmental influences. We aspire to understand how environmental signals trigger the reprogramming of transcriptional control of genetic networks that lead to contrasting phenotypic and behavioural outcomes using the honey bee modelRead moreRead less
Discovery and characterization of new classes of small regulatory RNAs in mammals. The project will reaffirm and enhance Australian leadership in the most rapidly developing area of molecular biological and genetic research, by the application of ultra high-throughput sequencing technologies to discovery of regulatory RNAs, thereby to identify the characteristics of important regulatory pathways that underpin mammalian development, brain function and species diversity. The results of this resear ....Discovery and characterization of new classes of small regulatory RNAs in mammals. The project will reaffirm and enhance Australian leadership in the most rapidly developing area of molecular biological and genetic research, by the application of ultra high-throughput sequencing technologies to discovery of regulatory RNAs, thereby to identify the characteristics of important regulatory pathways that underpin mammalian development, brain function and species diversity. The results of this research will have wide implications and applications in biotechnology, genetic engineering, animal breeding, medical science and advanced informatics.Read moreRead less
Molecular control of embryonic patterning: The function of Rhou gene in mediating response to WNT signalling. The scientific knowledge gained from this investigation of the early development of embryos will inform us of how the essential building blocks of the body are assembled, and provide insights into the genetic and developmental causes of birth defects. This will benefit the health professionals, the research community, the education sector and the general public, by underpinning the form ....Molecular control of embryonic patterning: The function of Rhou gene in mediating response to WNT signalling. The scientific knowledge gained from this investigation of the early development of embryos will inform us of how the essential building blocks of the body are assembled, and provide insights into the genetic and developmental causes of birth defects. This will benefit the health professionals, the research community, the education sector and the general public, by underpinning the formulation of new research hypotheses, enriching the curriculum and the provision of informed counselling. The embryological expertise developed for this project will enhance the nation's research capability through the sharing of skills and knowledge with a national network of academic and industrial research teams. Read moreRead less
A Genomic analysis of macrophage differentiation: Epigenetic factors that determine transcriptional choices in a lineage dependant manner. Our genetic information is fundamental to who we are, how we develop, & how we age. This project will build the research capacity of Australia's genome sciences, providing an analytical framework to describe & study the many products expressed from any single gene and to assess the function of genetic variation & test genome regulatory events. An immediate ou ....A Genomic analysis of macrophage differentiation: Epigenetic factors that determine transcriptional choices in a lineage dependant manner. Our genetic information is fundamental to who we are, how we develop, & how we age. This project will build the research capacity of Australia's genome sciences, providing an analytical framework to describe & study the many products expressed from any single gene and to assess the function of genetic variation & test genome regulatory events. An immediate outcome is a better understanding of the regulation of our immune system. This approach will fuel the discovery of new signalling molecules & their effects on a population of cells, & likewise provides a novel approach to study the dysregulation of cell signalling pathways.Read moreRead less
The Genetic Basis of Differences Between the Sexes. Improved medical interventions against genetic disorders like cancer are made possible by advances in fundamental understanding of gene function and, especially, genetic mechanisms (like genomic imprinting) that are directly implicated in these disorders. Furthermore, an understanding of environmental effects within and across generations is vital in an age of global climate change. Recent theory and evidence suggest that research on sexually d ....The Genetic Basis of Differences Between the Sexes. Improved medical interventions against genetic disorders like cancer are made possible by advances in fundamental understanding of gene function and, especially, genetic mechanisms (like genomic imprinting) that are directly implicated in these disorders. Furthermore, an understanding of environmental effects within and across generations is vital in an age of global climate change. Recent theory and evidence suggest that research on sexually dimorphic traits may hold a key to a better understanding of these phenomena. The proposed research will strengthen Australia's position as leader in evolutionary genetics, enhance knowledge of native fauna, and improve our understanding of biological phenomena that affect human health. Read moreRead less
Identification of genetic polymorphisms of synaptically expressed genes that contribute to variation in normal brain function. This project focuses on understanding brain functions. Brain and mind disorders are by far the largest contributors to the burden of disability, far exceeding any other disorder. This research will contribute to knowledge through addressing the national research priority promoting and maintaining good health. The research outcomes will form the scientific knowledge base ....Identification of genetic polymorphisms of synaptically expressed genes that contribute to variation in normal brain function. This project focuses on understanding brain functions. Brain and mind disorders are by far the largest contributors to the burden of disability, far exceeding any other disorder. This research will contribute to knowledge through addressing the national research priority promoting and maintaining good health. The research outcomes will form the scientific knowledge base essential for the translation of the project into public benefit through their application in development of new testing paradigms for a range of brain and mind disorders. Read moreRead less