This study investigates how much an individual's genes and environment account for the wide variation in brain structure and function. Using brain imaging we examine in what way the connectivity of the brain of identical and non-identical twins is the same or different from that of their co-twin, and carry out analysis of their DNA to identify some of the genes involved. This will provide fundamental information on genetic mechanisms influencing variation in brain structure and function.
Quantifying The Role Of Epigenetic Factors In Neurocognitive Outcomes: A Twin Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,516,790.00
Summary
We aim to identify the environmental factors in early life that contribute towards an individual brain development using MRI brain scans and related psychological skills measured in late childhood. We are using twins to better understand differences in their early life environments independent of genetics.
Transgenerational Effects Of Male Obesity - Mechanisms And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$829,143.00
Summary
Childhood obesity is associated with obesity in either parent, and obese children tend to become obese adults, forming an intergenerational cycle that promotes obesity. We have identified paternal obesity as an important novel target for intervention to stop the progression of the obesity epidemic. This project investigates supplementation of obese fathers with folate to prevent the adverse impact of paternal obesity on subsequent generations.
A Prospective Study Of Language Impairment And Recovery Following Surgery For Brain Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$861,342.00
Summary
This multi-site project will investigate the incidence and nature of post-operative language difficulties (aphasia) in patients following surgery for left hemisphere primary brain tumours. It will provide comprehensive data concerning risk factors for post-surgical aphasia in Australian patients, in addition to important information about the brain lesions responsible for its various clinical presentations. This information will be used to generate recommendations for clinical practice.
A Multi-cohort Investigation Of The Effects Of BDNF Val66Met On Tau, Neurodegeneration And Cognition In Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,758.00
Summary
There are currently no disease modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. We will elucidate the role of a genetic polymorphism that has previously been shown to exert neuroprotective effects on memory decline and brain volume loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease. By studying the role of this gene in multiple cohorts of individuals with varying degrees of Alzheimer’s disease risk, this study has high potential to uncover novel disease-modifying strategies for the treatment of the disease.
Central Neural Circuits Subserving Nutrient–activated Thermogenesis - The Basis Of Post Prandial Energy Expenditure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$766,207.00
Summary
Studies of “energy burning” brown fat, including its importance in the determination of obesity in humans and the potential to increase its capacity by turning white fat into brown-like fat are currently foremost in obesity research. Here we study the detail of brain pathways that dictate brown fat activity after a meal resulting in the burning of ingested calories and reduction of body weight. The results will give us a better idea of how we can harness brown fat to combat obesity.
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.
APLP2: A Neuroprotective Receptor For Acute Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,739.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the major cause of deaths in Australians under 45 years of age. We have shown that the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is protective in models of TBI. To understand how APP is neuroprotective we have isolated APP binding proteins and identified the amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) molecule as a strong candidate for the APP-neuroprotective receptor. This grant will investigate the interaction between APP and APLP2 as a novel neuroprotective pathway in TBI.
Ensuring The Utility And Sustainability Of Tissue Banks: Supporting Translational Research In Australia Through Informed Regulation And Community Engagement.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,885.00
Summary
Tissue banks provide a critical resource for translational research into the causes and treatment of many diseases affecting children and adults, such as cancer.Their success and contribution to medical research depends on addressing the many unresolved and emerging challenges that impact their work. This is the first national empirical study engaging the Australian research community, legal experts tissue donors and the public about the challenges to tissue banks to inform ethico legal regulati ....Tissue banks provide a critical resource for translational research into the causes and treatment of many diseases affecting children and adults, such as cancer.Their success and contribution to medical research depends on addressing the many unresolved and emerging challenges that impact their work. This is the first national empirical study engaging the Australian research community, legal experts tissue donors and the public about the challenges to tissue banks to inform ethico legal regulation and deliver better health care systems.Read moreRead less
Central Neural Regulation Of Brown Fat Function – Glucose Sensing And CNS Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,942.00
Summary
Our research aims to identify how specific brain cells detect changes in glucose levels and how ageing and diet affect their function. We identified a subset of nerve cells that detect changes in glucose and the “hunger” hormone ghrelin, their ability to do so adapting with age and nutritional status. This project will investigate the potential of these nerve cells as targets for therapeutic and diet- intervention strategies to target obesity, diabetes and promote healthy ageing.