The Role Of C-reactive Protein (CRP) In Localising Inflammation To Misfolded Proteins And “stressed” Cells: A Basis For The Development Of New Anti-inflammatory Reagents?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$723,488.00
Summary
Many diseases are exacerbated by inflammatory reactions. We describe how a protein circulating in the blood is a major driver of inflammatory reactions and how it is transformed from an inactive state to an active, highly pro-inflammatory state. Our project aims to understand how this transformation occurs at the molecular level, and to develop diagnostic techniques and innovative drugs to treat diseases such as heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease and other inflammatory diseases.
It is estimated that one quarter of people over the age of 65 suffer from some form of memory impairment, mostly in the form of AlzheimerÍs disease. The enormous economic and social costs of the disease and an aging population make it a major health problem. This work will lead to atomic structures of proteins centrally involved in the disease, thus increasing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the disease and form the basis for the design of drugs to combat it.
Development Of Selective Melanocortin Receptor Agonists And Antagonists
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,607.00
Summary
Human melanocortin receptors play a key role in a variety of physiological processes ranging from energy regulation, skin pigmentation and regulation of food intake. This project aims to generate novel peptide based molecules that will selectively interact with different melanocortin receptors to better understand their pharmacology thereby opening the potential for future drug development for obesity, stroke or inflammatory skin disorders.
Roles Of Annexins In Schistosome Surface Homeostasis And Host-parasite Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,885.00
Summary
With the increasing occurrence of the debilitating tropical disease schistosomiasis due to climate change, novel therapeutics are in demand. Current therapies rely on treatment with a single drug, and require repeated application. In this timely study, we will elucidate the role of surface-associated proteins, hypothesised to be the crucial stabilising factor in the body wall of the blood-feeding worm schistosome that protects the parasite. Targetting these proteins will lead to new therapeutics ....With the increasing occurrence of the debilitating tropical disease schistosomiasis due to climate change, novel therapeutics are in demand. Current therapies rely on treatment with a single drug, and require repeated application. In this timely study, we will elucidate the role of surface-associated proteins, hypothesised to be the crucial stabilising factor in the body wall of the blood-feeding worm schistosome that protects the parasite. Targetting these proteins will lead to new therapeutics against schistosomiasis.Read moreRead less