CAGE: Consortium For The Architecture Of Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,080.00
Summary
This research project is about understanding why some people are most susceptible to disease than others, by identifying genetic factors that influence the expression of genes that are important in disease. We will work with leaders in the field in Europe and the USA in an international research consortium to find genetic variants with an effect on gene expression and to link those genetic factors to disease. The project will provide new understanding about the biological basis of common disease ....This research project is about understanding why some people are most susceptible to disease than others, by identifying genetic factors that influence the expression of genes that are important in disease. We will work with leaders in the field in Europe and the USA in an international research consortium to find genetic variants with an effect on gene expression and to link those genetic factors to disease. The project will provide new understanding about the biological basis of common diseases.Read moreRead less
Localisation Of Genes For Multiple Sclerosis In The HLA Region
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$426,500.00
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects around 10,000 Australians. It is a disease of young adults with women being affected more often than men. While there are therapeutics available to treat it, these are very expensive ($10-12,000 per annum) and are effective in only a proportion of affected individuals. MS is governed by a complex interplay of environmental and genetic susceptibility factors, neither alone sufficient to cause disease, however, the study of these factors has been c ....Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects around 10,000 Australians. It is a disease of young adults with women being affected more often than men. While there are therapeutics available to treat it, these are very expensive ($10-12,000 per annum) and are effective in only a proportion of affected individuals. MS is governed by a complex interplay of environmental and genetic susceptibility factors, neither alone sufficient to cause disease, however, the study of these factors has been confounded by the complex nature of the disease. We and other researchers have identified the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex on chromosome 6 as harbouring susceptibility genes for MS. Our recent work has localised these genes in two distinct regions of the HLA complex. In this project we plan to localise these genes more precisely to permit their identification. By identifying these genes we hope to develop an understanding of their function in a healthy person and in a person with MS. Understanding what goes wrong during disease is a critical first step along the track to the design of novel therapeutics. A successful therapeutic agent would be designed to interfere with disease processes and treat the disease more effectively.Read moreRead less
Risk Factors, Mechanisms, And Treatment Of Knowlesi Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,138.00
Summary
The monkey parasite P. knowlesi is an increasing cause of human malaria in SE Asia. My studies on the clinical epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of non-severe and severe malaria in Malaysia have changed policy. I will further define the clinical epidemiology of malaria patients in this area over time, assess risk factors for knowlesi malaria, and evaluate the role of human and parasite factors in disease severity, and treatment for reducing acute kidney injury in knowlesi malaria.
All cells in the body need to get their energy from somewhere, and the chemical basis of their energy supply varies depends on many factors, including their location and rate of cell division. We have found that an important population of white blood cells that control the character and magnitude of most immune responses appear to use an unusual source of their energy. If true this would provide a range of new opportunities to control the numbers and activities of these cells, a thereby control ....All cells in the body need to get their energy from somewhere, and the chemical basis of their energy supply varies depends on many factors, including their location and rate of cell division. We have found that an important population of white blood cells that control the character and magnitude of most immune responses appear to use an unusual source of their energy. If true this would provide a range of new opportunities to control the numbers and activities of these cells, a thereby control the character and magnitude of immune responses.Read moreRead less
The Epidemiology Of Multiple Myeloma In Australia (EMMA)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,525,729.00
Summary
In Australia, over 1,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma annually. Our proposal aims to identify possible environmental and genetic causes of this serious disease. People diagnosed with myeloma, and their family members, will provide detailed personal and family histories. We plan to investigate the role of sun exposure, body size and obesity, dietary factors and pesticides as well as a large range of genetic variants. The 5-year study will be conducted in Victoria and NSW.