Molecular Regulation Of Apoptosis In Endothelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,888.00
Summary
This project seeks to understand the mechanisms by which cells that make up our blood vessels are kept alive. Impaired blood vessel cell survival contributes to reduced blood vessel health, a major component of cardiovascular disease. Knowledge of how these cells are kept alive could prove useful in treating diseases affecting vessel cell survival, or potentially to combat those diseases that are caused by excessive blood vessel growth.
Novel Transcription Factor Regulation Of Lymphatic Vascular Angiogenesis In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,568.00
Summary
Lymphatic vessels control tissue fluid drainage, inflammatory processes and cancer progression. We have used genetic approaches to discover an unexpected role for a family of factors (transcription factors) that regulate new lymphatic vessel formation. This project will investigate this biological function of these genes in detail in vascular formation. The project aims to generate important knowledge for vascular biology, vascular pathologies, cancer spread and future therapeutics.
Role Of Resident Endothelial Progenitor Cells In Melanoma Vascularisation And Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$952,328.00
Summary
Melanoma is one of the most frequent cancers in Australia. Its growth depends on the rpoper delivery of nutrients and oxygen through blood vessels. This requires the formation of new blood vessels as the tumour grows. In this project we intend to understand the origin of the blood vessels that form in tumours and identify the stem cells that support them. We will use proof of principle experiments to determine whether removal of these stem cells allows the regression of melanoma tumours.
Functional And Molecular Characterization Of A Novel Regulator Of Angiogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,907.00
Summary
All cells in the body require blood vessels for the provision of nutrients and waste-removal. A deficiency of vessels prevents proper healing whereas an overabundance is a hallmark of diseases such as cancer and macular degeneration. This research will investigate a novel gene that is essential for new vessel growth. The project aims to understand the mechanism of how this gene functions. Ultimately, the research aims to inform therapeutic development for stimulating or inhibiting vessel growth.
The Protective Effects Of Fenofibrate In Diabetes-related Susceptibility To Ischaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,571.00
Summary
Blood flow reduction (blockage of arteries) to local tissue is a common problem for diabetic people. Fenofibrate, a cholesterol lowering drug, dramatically reduces the diabetes-related limb amputation and other vascular disorders. We plan to study the mechanism of fenofibrate to facilitate growth of new blood vessels to sites affected by vascular disease. Ultimately, this may result in new treatment for diabetic vascular complications.
The Role Of Androgens In Cardiovascular Repair And Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$464,468.00
Summary
Increasing evidence indicates that the heart and blood vessels are able to repair themselves in response to disease. Recent evidence suggests that in men, male sex hormones(e.g. testosterone) may play an important role in helping repair blood vessels. As men get older, their testosterone levels get progressively lower - this lead to impairment of vascular repair mechanisms with aging. We will study the effects of androgens on repair and regeneration of the vasculature.
Chemerin, A Novel Therapeutic Target For Modulation Of Adipose Tissue Mass
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,621.00
Summary
Obesity is a significant public health issue due to its increasing prevalence and association with other diseases including cardiovascular disease. Efforts to pharmacologically prevent and treat obesity are impaired by an incomplete understanding of the genes and metabolic processes involved. This project will use cell and animal models to examine the processes that occur during the expansion of fat tissue which will broaden our understanding of obesity and assist in identifying new therapies.
Understanding The Role Of Cell Death In Blood Vessel Regression And Regrowth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,059.00
Summary
Blood vessels are essential to distribute oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies, and as such, disruptions to normal blood vessel behaviour can have significant impacts on health. This research is aimed at understanding how blood vessel networks can regrow after damage in order to maintain healthy blood supply to a tissue. This work will be particularly relevant to diseases where blood vessel loss or inappropriate blood vessel growth occur.
Physiological Mechanisms Of Experimental Preeclampsia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,862.00
Summary
Defining the sequence of abnormalities of immune system regulation and vascular reactivity would greatly enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of preeclampsia (hypertension in pregnancy) and lead to opportunities for definitive treatment for the mother and baby other than by urgent delivery of the pregnancy. Results from this study may lead to tests in early pregnancy of the hypoxic environment such as cytokine imbalance.
Targeting Tumour Angiogenesis In Breast Cancer By Altering MicroRNA Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,151.00
Summary
Despite advances in treatment, breast cancer remains one of the leading underlying causes of death and disability in Australia. Preventing cancer spread therefore has the potential for enormous economic and social outcomes. Small RNAs have recently been identified as key regulators of cancer cell biology. This project seeks to take a leadership role in the area of small RNA biology by targeting small RNAs implicated in blood vessel formation as a means of suppressing breast cancer spread.