Tropical Disease - Immunity, Pathogenesis And Vaccine Development: Global Translation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$17,988,456.00
Summary
Tropical diseases create a significant human and economic burden worldwide - particularly in resource-poor settings. Around half of the world's population is at risk of malaria. In Australia, Streptococcal and parasitic worm infections are particularly common in indigenous communities. This Program brings together leading experts to tackle these major health challenges. They are investigating how the body reacts to infection and creating new drugs and vaccines to eradicate these diseases.
The lymphocyte plays a vital role in our immune defence. When lymphocytes encounter a foreign invader, such as a virus, they make a series of decisions that influence the strength, type, and longevity of the immunity created. This program aims to understand how lymphocytes make decisions at the molecular level that affect cell and whole of system level behaviour. We aim to improve vaccines and understand diseases such as allergy, lupus, arthritis and leukaemia to develop novel therapies.
Apoptosis And Stem Cells In Cancer Development And Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$22,852,198.00
Summary
To improve cancer therapy, we are studying two cancer hallmarks: enhanced cell survival and stem cell-like behaviour. As we discovered, cell death is often blocked in cancer cells. Hence, we are attempting to develop drugs that flip the natural ‘cell death switch’. Stem cells are rare cells that generate entire tissues, as we showed for the breast. Certain cancers may be driven by ‘rogue’ stem cells. If so, eradication of these rare cells within the bulk tumour may require novel therapies.
A PROGRAM OF TRANSLATIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE: IDENTIFYING NEW TARGETS FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$13,050,773.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death and disability in Australia and worldwide, despite signficant advances in treatment. Our team has an international reputation for developing innovative approaches for the treatment of patients with CVD. We will work collaboratively to improve outcomes for people suffering from hypertension, heart attack, heart failure & other serious forms of CVD.
Some infections can start inflammation that, while controlling the infection, can also attack the body tissues of genetically susceptible people. This inflammation can initiate long term problems including arthritis, diabetes and cancer. Our research program seeks to understand who is genetically at risk of this sort of problem and why, and thus to develop new means to prevent and treat the chronic diseases that are initiated in this way.
Discovery And Development Of Better Pain Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$9,613,850.00
Summary
Many forms of pain remain poorly treated, leading to significant quality of life and economic losses. This Program grant will discover and characterise new peptides from cone snails and spiders that modulate specific channels in nerves that are critical to the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Using advanced chemical and structural approaches, promising leads will be optimised for potency and stability and evaluated in disease and pathway-specific models of pain to establish their clini ....Many forms of pain remain poorly treated, leading to significant quality of life and economic losses. This Program grant will discover and characterise new peptides from cone snails and spiders that modulate specific channels in nerves that are critical to the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Using advanced chemical and structural approaches, promising leads will be optimised for potency and stability and evaluated in disease and pathway-specific models of pain to establish their clinical potential.Read moreRead less
Atherosclerosis - The Key Roles Of HDL, Cell Cholesterol Metabolism And Vascular Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,085,050.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis, an accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall, is a major cause of illness and premature death worldwide. It is caused by conditions such as low levels of the protective high density lipoproteins (HDLs), diabetes, smoking and abnormal function of arteries, all of which are linked to disorders of cholesterol metabolism. With our expertise in HDLs, cholesterol metabolism and artery function, our research will lead to the development of novel strategies for early detection and ....Atherosclerosis, an accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall, is a major cause of illness and premature death worldwide. It is caused by conditions such as low levels of the protective high density lipoproteins (HDLs), diabetes, smoking and abnormal function of arteries, all of which are linked to disorders of cholesterol metabolism. With our expertise in HDLs, cholesterol metabolism and artery function, our research will lead to the development of novel strategies for early detection and prevention of atherosclerosis and heart disease.Read moreRead less
Tropical Diseases: Translating Discoveries Into Better Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$19,803,660.00
Summary
Major progress being made in control of many infectious diseases occurring in tropical areas, including malaria worms and the bacteria that causes strep throat. However, currently available tools will not permit their full control or elimination. This program is aimed to improve understanding of these diseases and to develop the much needed tools that will be required for their elimination.
Frontotemporal Dementia And Motor Neurodegenerative Syndromes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$17,069,580.00
Summary
Frontotemporal degeneration of the brain is a leading cause of morbidity due to a pathologically heterogeneous, rapidly-progressive group of disorders with behavioural, language and motor deficits. Our internationally recognized team will continue to develop the necessary tools and therapies to effectively diagnose, manage and treat these disorders. Our focus in this program is to understand the unusual genetics underpinning these disorders, and to fast track any potential treatments.
Using Healthcare Wisely: Reducing Inappropriate Use Of Tests And Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$9,578,895.00
Summary
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment as unintended consequences of modern healthcare due to expanded disease definitions labelling people with mild problems or at low risk of illness, diagnostic tests identifying inconsequential abnormalities and screening programs detecting disease that won’t progress. The result is much harm and unsustainable overuse. We will research the prevalence, causes and consequences of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, evaluate solutions and widely disseminate findings.