Brain research boost - seeking genetic answers to the mysteries of disease

Monday, May 7^th 2001

“The Melbourne Brain Genome Project” has been launched, thanks to a grant from the NHMRC. The project will study gene expression in normal mice and specific mouse models that mimic human diseases including Down syndrome, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease .

One of the major impacts of the human and mouse genome projects will be in understanding the function of the brain. Our brains make us what we are, both as individuals and as a species and displays breathtaking sophistication of function, Studying the genetic make-up of the human brain may provide a plethora of information that will have tremendous ramifications in understanding brain development and function. But more importantly, such knowledge will provide valuable insights into the nervous system, how it works, why the system sometimes fails, and how to treat it.

Using SAGE and microarray technology, the Melbourne Brain Genome Project will scan expressed genes from different brains. Global "snap-shots" of gene patterns will have diagnostic and prognostic value and eventually lead to identification of potential targets for therapeutic interventions in neurological diseases as well as advance our knowledge of normal brain function. The project will also provide a systematic comparison of gene expression technologies, determine the validity of mouse global gene expression studies for extrapolation to humans and make all data publicly available to the Australian Research Community.

The NHMRC recently launched its Program in Medical Genomics. There were 63 expressions of interest (EOIs). 23 short listed EOIs were sent to NIH nominated scientists in the USA for ranking. Based on these rankings,12 full applications were invited. 4 applications have been funded. This includes a team of Melbourne scientists granted ~$4m AUD over 5 years for their application: “Large scale analysis of mouse nervous system development and disease using SAGE and microarrays”. This is a unique collaboration bringing together genetic and neuroscience specialists, Dr Hamish S. Scott (Genetics and Bioinformatics Division) of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute; Associate Prof Seong-Seng Tan (Brain Development Group) of the Howard Florey Institute; and Prof Colin Masters of the Department of Pathology at the University of Melbourne.

For further information please contact:

Mr Brad Allan
Community Relations Manager
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Phone: (03) 9345 2345
email: allan@wehi.edu.au

Dr Hamish S. Scott
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Phone: (03) 9345 2555
email: hscott@wehi.edu.au

Professor Colin Masters
University of Melbourne
Phone: (03) 8344 5868
email: C.Masters@pathology.unimelb.edu.au

Associate Professor Seong-Seng Tan
Howard Florey Institute
Phone: (03) 8344 7336
email: s.tan@hfi.unimelb.edu.au