This proposal uses the zebra fish system, which it is uniquely suited to investigate the regulation of disease genes. In all of these diseases preliminary work has already been performed and screening assays have been developed in a previous project (ZF-MODELS). In addition, the project will investigate genetic abnormalities of the eye and visual processing, genetic pathways underlying tissue regeneration and repair, and homologs of human genes related to diabetes and obesity, as well as infecti ....This proposal uses the zebra fish system, which it is uniquely suited to investigate the regulation of disease genes. In all of these diseases preliminary work has already been performed and screening assays have been developed in a previous project (ZF-MODELS). In addition, the project will investigate genetic abnormalities of the eye and visual processing, genetic pathways underlying tissue regeneration and repair, and homologs of human genes related to diabetes and obesity, as well as infectious disease and cancer. The Australian component will perform a systematic characterisation of enhancer elements of potential disease genes. This characterisation will build on the concept of genomic regulatory blocks (GRBs) which contain highly conserved non-coding elements (HCNEs) acting as long-range enhancers of developmental genes (recently discovered by T. Becker in the ZF-MODELS project).Read moreRead less
The Interaction Between The Host And Pathogen Genetics In Susceptibility To Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,294.00
Summary
People infected with the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) have different clinical fates. Some people remain well with dormant infections, some get lung disease and survive, others die. We are investigating the interplay between the human host and the bacteria causing disease by identifying genetic variants in both. This will enable us to determine what is important in the defence against this disease. Knowledge of the different TB disease processes is critical for future rational design of new ....People infected with the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) have different clinical fates. Some people remain well with dormant infections, some get lung disease and survive, others die. We are investigating the interplay between the human host and the bacteria causing disease by identifying genetic variants in both. This will enable us to determine what is important in the defence against this disease. Knowledge of the different TB disease processes is critical for future rational design of new TB vaccines and treatments.Read moreRead less
Genetic Biomarkers And Molecular Pathways For Migraine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$273,988.00
Summary
Common migraine, is a frequent, debilitating and painful disorder that affects people during their most productive years (up to 25% of women and 8% of men). Our recent results indicate the presence of multiple genetic factors contributing towards migraine susceptibility. Utilising detailed migraine symptom and medication data, larger numbers of migraine cases and controls, and applying the latest genotyping and imputation technologies, we will identify novel genetic biomarkers and molecular path ....Common migraine, is a frequent, debilitating and painful disorder that affects people during their most productive years (up to 25% of women and 8% of men). Our recent results indicate the presence of multiple genetic factors contributing towards migraine susceptibility. Utilising detailed migraine symptom and medication data, larger numbers of migraine cases and controls, and applying the latest genotyping and imputation technologies, we will identify novel genetic biomarkers and molecular pathways for migraine.Read moreRead less
Platform FoR European Preparedness Against (Re-)emerging Epidemics- Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,463.00
Summary
Infectious diseases rank high among the threats to human wellbeing and prosperity- globalisation, migration, tourism, intensive farming and changing climate enhance the likelihood of emergence of outbreaks of infectious disease. The optimal response to an emerging infectious disease requires the rapid acquisition of new knowledge. This project ensures that Australia can contribute to globally coordinated research that will meet the research challenge associated with any new pandemic infection.
Non-Alzheimer’s Disease Degenerative Dementias: Identifying Prodromal Genetic/familial Phenotypes, Modifying Factors, And Protein Variations Involved In Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,449,246.00
Summary
This proposal will generate new knowledge necessary for advancing the diagnosis of the non-Alzheimer’s disease dementias. We will identify the preclinical forms of frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia using similar methods to those successfully employed to advance diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Importantly, our team has the capacity to translate these protocols into clinical practice and into further advances in biological knowledge that is necessary for future therapeutic targeting
A Suite Of Engineered Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines To Facilitate The Generation Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$881,221.00
Summary
Our goal is to develop tools that address major bottlenecks that have prevented the generation of blood forming stem cells in culture for therapeutic use. We will generate human embryonic stem cell reporter lines that can be used to monitor key milestones in blood stem cell development. These lines will serve as tools to identify growth conditions to improve the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to functional blood stem cells.
Modifiable Risk Factors For Serious Mental Illness - An Integrated Program Of Epidemiology, Genetics And Clinical Trials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,750,000.00
Summary
John McGrath has discovered that vitamin D during brain development is associated with psychosis. Just as the use of folate decreased the incidence of spina bifida, vitamin D supplementation could decrease the incidence of psychosis. Using international samples, McGrath will search for modifiable risk factors for mental illness related to nutrition, infection and stress. He will use the latest methods from genetics to explore modifiable risk factors and undertake clinical trials.
Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions of the world, including in northern Australia. For doctors who treat dengue patients, a major unmet need is the ability to predict which patients will develop severe complications and need highly specialized supportive care. This proposal will seek to address this unmet need by examining whether markers of human genetic variation can be used to predict those patients at risk of severe dengue.
An Integrated Analysis Of Gene Expression And Chromosome Copy Number In Malignant Mesothelioma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,697.00
Summary
Mesothelioma is an aggressive, asbestos related cancer which causes more than 20,000 deaths worldwide per annum. Mesothelioma is characterised by a long latency between exposure to asbestos and development of the disease, estimated to be between 20 and 40 years. As such, the peak number of cases of mesothelioma is not expected in Australia until 2010, as asbestos use reached its peak in the 1970-80's. In 2010, deaths from mesothelioma will be more common than ovarian cancer and melanoma. This st ....Mesothelioma is an aggressive, asbestos related cancer which causes more than 20,000 deaths worldwide per annum. Mesothelioma is characterised by a long latency between exposure to asbestos and development of the disease, estimated to be between 20 and 40 years. As such, the peak number of cases of mesothelioma is not expected in Australia until 2010, as asbestos use reached its peak in the 1970-80's. In 2010, deaths from mesothelioma will be more common than ovarian cancer and melanoma. This study aims to explore the molecular defects that are involved in initiation and progression of mesothelioma. Using array comparative genomic hybridisation, a technique which allows comparison of the DNA of normal cells with that of cancer cells, we will classify chromosomal changes in the cancer cell and identify candidate genes which are involved in mesothelioma development.Read moreRead less
COMPARE:Collaborative Management Platform For Detection And Analyses Of (Re-) Emerging And Foodborne Outbreaks In Europe
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,959.00
Summary
COMPARE a large EU project intends to speed up the detection of, and response to disease outbreaks among humans and animals worldwide, through the use of new genome technology and disease-specific information. The aim is to reduce the impact and cost of disease outbreaks. This project allows Australian researchers to participate in this system of detecting and investigating foodborne disease outbreaks that cross international borders.