A significant proportion of Australian children are at health risk due to environmental metal exposure. It is suspected that exposure to metals during the prenatal period can result in permanent impairment. Human studies are, however, limited by lack of biomarkers that accurately measure exposure at specific times of intrauterine development. We are proposing to develop a novel method that utilizes human primary teeth to provide a direct measure of metal exposure during foetal development.
Disrupted Neurosteroid Synthesis Mediates The Adverse Effects Of Prenatal Stress
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$695,973.00
Summary
Maternal anxiety and related stress in pregnancy influences the fetus causing developmental changes that adversely affect the offspring leading to behavioural problems in childhood. However, mechanisms which transfer maternal changes to the fetus are unclear. We propose that disruption of the fetal-placental neurosteroid system is a major link. We will identify the deficits in this system caused by maternal stress and then examine therapies to reverse these disruptions.
Is Developmental Vitamin D Deficiency Associated With Autism-related Phenotypes: A Birth Cohort Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,285.00
Summary
There is evidence that low vitamin D before birth may increase the risk of autism. This study will examine this hypothesis based on a Dutch birth cohort. If there is a link between vitami D and autism, then this can be readily addressed with prenatal supplements.
Improving Maternal And Infant Outcomes: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial Of Midwifery And Dental Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,724.00
Summary
Poor oral health during pregnancy can impact the health of the mother and baby. Yet, many expectant mothers are unaware of the implications of poor oral health. In Australia there is a lack of importance being placed on maternal oral health. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a new service which will promote maternal oral health through collaboration between midwives and dentists. We expect the new service will improve women's oral health, uptake of dental services and po ....Poor oral health during pregnancy can impact the health of the mother and baby. Yet, many expectant mothers are unaware of the implications of poor oral health. In Australia there is a lack of importance being placed on maternal oral health. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a new service which will promote maternal oral health through collaboration between midwives and dentists. We expect the new service will improve women's oral health, uptake of dental services and potentially improve pregnancy outcomes.Read moreRead less
Towards Adequate National Provision Of Genomic Testing In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$515,493.00
Summary
Genomic information about unborn children can now be provided using chromosomal microarrays which have the potential to revolutionize maternal care in Australia, but are currently only used in high risk pregnancies. Soon all pregnant women, the vast majority who currently have prenatal screening, will be able to access this and other genomic technologies. We will examine the psychological impact of fetal genomic testing and, in doing so, assess the need for service planning, as well as potential ....Genomic information about unborn children can now be provided using chromosomal microarrays which have the potential to revolutionize maternal care in Australia, but are currently only used in high risk pregnancies. Soon all pregnant women, the vast majority who currently have prenatal screening, will be able to access this and other genomic technologies. We will examine the psychological impact of fetal genomic testing and, in doing so, assess the need for service planning, as well as potential legal and policy changes in Australia.Read moreRead less
Epigenetic And Neurobehavioural Changes In A New Mouse Model Of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$949,466.00
Summary
Prenatal alcohol exposure can result in foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) which involves growth restriction, changes to skull morphology, central nervous system defects and intellectual disabilities. At present, diagnosis is difficult and under-reporting is suspected. We are using a mouse model to study the underlying causes of FAS, focussing on changes in brain structure and function. Hopefully we will identify markers that can be used for the early diagnosis of FAS in the future.
Cardiomyopathies (heart muscle problems) are the most common inherited heart conditions and represent an important clinical problem. The clinical and psychosocial impact on both the children and their families is significant. The proposed research will improve our understanding of the clinical and genetic basis of childhood cardiomyopathies, and how genetic factors may influence the development, progression, and clinical outcome, including heart failure, transplantation, and sudden death.
Bio-molecular Studies For Improved Diagnosis And Management Of Australian Children With Fish Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,602.00
Summary
Allergy to fish among children is often life-long and emerging as a significant healthcare issue worldwide, while management of fish allergy is challenging due to the lack of reliable diagnostic assays. This research grant will lead to the development of novel diagnostics for fish allergy in Australia, addressing aspects of the worldwide food allergy epidemic and forms the ideal platform for the study of fish specific allergens, generating novel knowledge for greatly improved patient management.
The Role Of Dynamin In Spermatogenesis, Sperm Maturation And Sperm-oocyte Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,950.00
Summary
Male infertility is an extremely common condition affecting 1 in 20 Australian men. One of the major reasons for this pathology is that the spermatozoa have lost their ability to interact with the egg and penetrate its outer vestments. In this project we shall investigate the role of dynamin in the regulation of these events. This research will provide new and powerful insights into the causes of male infertility, with practical implications for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Transforming The Diagnosis Of Mitochondrial Disorders Using High-throughput Sequencing, Functional Prediction And Experimental Validation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,794.00
Summary
The human genome project sparked enormous improvements in our ability to sequence DNA. “Next Generation” DNA sequencing can potentially sequence an individual’s entire genome in a week and has the ability to transform the diagnosis of inherited diseases but is as yet unproven in a medical genetics context. We will develop and validate the use of Next Generation sequencing to enable the rapid sequencing of over 1000 genes in which mutations cause inherited metabolic diseases.