NHMRC Ideas Grants success for MIG

Well done to Stephen, Davis & Allan

Stephen, Davis and Allan have been awarded 2020 NHMRC Ideas Grants in the latest round of funding announced on December 7, 2019. The overall success rate for this round was 11.1%.

Details of the projects are below.

A/Prof Justin Rubio (University of Melbourne and Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, MIG AM), A/Prof Stephen Leslie, Dr Allan Motyer; $987,263

Single oligodendrocyte genome sequencing to investigate myelin repair in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a brain disease that affects 25,000 Australians. In MS, the myelin sheath, which facilitates transmission of nerve impulses, gets damaged. This causes the symptoms of MS and can kill the cells that make myelin (oligodendrocytes) and the nerve cells, leading to untreatable progressive MS. Our project will study the DNA of oligodendrocytes to learn how these cells repair myelin because we believe that this could help to develop the first myelin repair medicines for MS.

Dr Wayne Crismani (Lab Head at SVI), Dr Davis McCarthy; $887,999

A simple method to determine individual genome structures and assay fertility, using single haploid cell sequencing

The human genome project created a very good guide to a reference genome for the 'average' human. However, all individuals have defining unique genetic features both with respect to subtle differences and larger differences, that this project will make available for the first time. These differences predispose us to certain health outcomes. Obtaining more individualised information about our genetics will enable more efficient decision making for well being and longevity.