Journal article
Study protocol: Imaging brain development in the Childhood to Adolescence Transition Study (iCATS)
JG Simmons, SL Whittle, GC Patton, P Dudgeon, C Olsson, ML Byrne, LK Mundy, ML Seal, NB Allen
BMC Pediatrics | BMC | Published : 2014
Abstract
Background: Puberty is a critical developmental phase in physical, reproductive and socio-emotional maturation that is associated with the period of peak onset for psychopathology. Puberty also drives significant changes in brain development and function. Research to date has focused on gonadarche, driven by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and yet increasing evidence suggests that the earlier pubertal stage of adrenarche, driven by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, may play a critical role in both brain development and increased risk for disorder. We have established a unique cohort of children who differ in their exposure to adrenarcheal hormones. This presents a unique oppo..
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Grants
Awarded by Australian Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
would like to thank all of the families who have participated in this study. This study has been funded by a Discovery Project grant from the Australian Research Council (ARC; DP120101402). Dr. Whittle is supported by an NHMRC Career Development Fellowship (ID: 1007716). We would like to thank investigators and staff working on the Childhood to Adolescence Transition Study at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) for making this investigation possible. MCRI research is supported by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Program. We would also like to thank the research staff who contributed to the acquisition and processing of research data (Dr Megan Dennison, Dr Rebecca Davenport-Thomas and Ms Rachel Ellis).