The Role Of Cell Death Pathways In Inflammation And Pathogen Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
Cell death and inflammation are essential for protection against pathogen infection but can also cause human diseases. Inflammation caused by the IL-1? protein has been implicated in diseases such as type II diabetes, arthritis and cancer. This project aims to elucidate how IL-1? protein activity is regulated at the molecular level. It also seeks to understand how the pathogen responsible for Legionnaires’ disease manipulates cell death to allow for successful invasion of the human host.
Understanding Sperm Motility For Infertility And Contraceptive Purposes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
Male infertility is a significant clinical problem affecting one in twenty Australian men. The most common feature associated with this condition is defects in sperm motility. Regulation of sperm motility occurs through the epididymis and upon ejaculation. This study will examine how two kinases, essential for flagella bending, regulate sperm motility. Through the tools developed, we will investigate further defectives in infertile individuals with impaired sperm motility.
The pathology of many acute and chronic diseases associated with the inappropriate activation of genetically encoded programmed cell death pathways, such as sepsis, stroke, diabetes and neurodegeneration, is linked to detrimental inflammation. This project will accurately define at the molecular level how programmed cell death triggers inflammatory responses, and use this knowledge to test novel and next-generation therapeutic strategies in inflammatory-driven diseases.
The Emergence Of Dead Enzymes As Signal Transducers And Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
The cells within our bodies are constantly being replenished by new cells. Removal of old cells is typically fast and without fanfare. However, in some cases, cell death can be used to evoke an inflammatory response. My work examines the molecular details of how this happens and how we might advance our knowledge to develop novel drugs to prevent inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's disease and psoriasis.