Chemokines are small molecules that are released by a number of cell types, particularly monocytes, when inflammation occurs. Chronic inflammatory disease is associated with severe bone erosion and loss of bone quality. Surprisingly, chemokines control osteoclast development as well as macrophage activation; even if the osteoclast has formed, blocking chemokine signalling prevents bone resorption. Chemokines are a new and exciting target to control osteoclast formation.
Regulation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Paracrine Activity In Post-myocardial Infarction Cardiac Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$73,212.00
Summary
Heart failure remains to be a major cause of morbidity in Australian population. After myocardial infarction, the damaged heart undergoes a series of compensatory adjustments to maintain the workload, termed cardiac remodeling. The resultant beneficial response in the short term eventually becomes deleterious. Using adult stem cells, the project aims to develop a better treatment to manipulate the progression of such responses and prevent hearts from entering the end stage heart failure.
The Functional Roles Of ADAMs In The Regulation Of Embryo Implantation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$211,527.00
Summary
The initiation of pregnancy in humans and rodents hinges upon the ability of the embryo to attach to the wall of the uterus and invade into the uterine tissue. This process of embryo implantation is tightly regulated and depends on the secretion of enzymes and regulators of these enzymes. A newly identified family of enzymes which might be important in this process is the ADAMs family. These enzymes have the potential to facilitate both cell attachment and cell invasion and also to activate othe ....The initiation of pregnancy in humans and rodents hinges upon the ability of the embryo to attach to the wall of the uterus and invade into the uterine tissue. This process of embryo implantation is tightly regulated and depends on the secretion of enzymes and regulators of these enzymes. A newly identified family of enzymes which might be important in this process is the ADAMs family. These enzymes have the potential to facilitate both cell attachment and cell invasion and also to activate other enzymes and growth factors. Recent studies in our laboratory have shown the ADAMs to be expressed both at the most invasive time of implantation and when invasion is being down-regulated. This project will examine the role of the ADAMs in embryo implantation facilitating attachment and invasion into the uterus by acting enzymatically on the uterine tissue and by activating other enzymes. It will also determine the role of ADAMs in down-regulating invasion potentially by activating a growth factor, TNF-alpha. Knowledge of this process and particularly its regulation is important for the treatment of pregnancy associated diseases that arise from improper implantation. These include infertility, placenta accreta, choriocarcinoma, miscarriage and pre-eclampsia. Furthermore, an understanding of the regulation of implantation will contribute to the treatment of other conditions associated with cell invasion such as cancer metastasis.Read moreRead less
Control Of Bone Remodelling By Osteoclastic Metabolism Of Vitamin D
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,635.00
Summary
Vitamin D is essential for bone health. This study will build on our extensive body of preliminary data to investigate the extent to which bone-resorbing osteoclasts are controlled by circulating levels of the pro-hormone 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Our work will identify new approaches to the treatment of osteoporosis, by targetting the osteoclast as a vitamin D-responsive cell type.