Mechanisms Of Abnormal Expression Of The IGF2 Gene In Disorders Affectin Foetal Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
The IGF2 gene is crucial for foetal growth. Only the copy inherited from the father is active, a phenomenon named parental imprinting. In some children with foetal overgrowth or growth retardation, the deregulation of imprinting of the IGF2 gene during the first days of foetal development will influence subsequent growth and will also have major implications in post-natal and adult life. We will investigate the mechanisms resulting in abnormal imprinting of IGF2 early in development.
This research will develop cutting-edge computational tools and statistical methods to analyse, model and visualise the way in which the human brain is interconnected. The tools developed will be used to identify biological markers in the brain’s network of axonal circuitry (the connectome) that are valuable for diagnosis and prognosis of psychiatric disorders. This research will bring to fruition the exciting potential of connectomics in neuroscience and psychiatry.
Patient-specific Modelling Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is undoubtedly the biggest killer in the developed world and accounts for 30% of all deaths in Australia; killing one Australian every twelve minutes. My research group and I, combine medical imaging with biomedical engineering to perform patient-specific modelling. For example, we can predict the likelihood that aneurysm will rupture or the way blood flows through the aorta. My goal is to make these modelling tools accurate and robust enough to be used in the clinic.
Understanding The Impact Of Age And Chronic Infection On The T Cell Recognition And Control Of Infectious Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$506,151.00
Summary
The effectiveness of immune responses to infectious diseases and vaccines declines during prolonged infection and is compromised in the very young and elderly. This research aims to better understand the compromise of the immune recognition and control of chronic infections and age-related defects in immunity. Such understanding is crucial to the development of strategies to improve the outcome of infections across the lifespan and the design of vaccines for chronic infections such as HIV.
Systems For Control And Tracking Of Infectious Diseases In A Globalised World
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Infectious disease informatics now at the forefront of translational research due to the recent rapid growth of microbial genomics, significant advances in molecular diagnostics and increasing demands for real-time biosurveillance. This program of multidisciplinary research will redefine existing paradigms, develop novel systems for surveillance of biothreats and offer new insights into transmission dynamics of pathogens with epidemic potential in Australia.