Targeting Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma As A Novel Therapeutic Strategy Against Cerebrovascular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,911.00
Summary
High blood pressure and stroke are major health concerns in Australia. Due to the aging population, the incidence of these diseases is expected to rise. This project aims to identify novel molecules that protect cerebral vessels and the brain against the deleterious effects of high blood pressure and stroke. The identification of such molecules may have implications for the development of new therapies and may result in the delay of dysfunction in the brain and improved overall brain health.
Cerebrovascular Diseases And Brain Ageing – A Program Of Research Into Novel Mechanisms, Risk Prevention And Innovative Health Care Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
This research is aimed at understanding the ways in which age-related vascular disease affecting the brain leads to walking difficulty, cognitive impairment and falls in older people. It is also designed to discover potentially modifiable risk factors for such vascular disease. Ultimately the goal of this research is to design and conduct trials of interventions aimed at slowing the process of vascular brain ageing.
Atherosclerosis: Molecular Action And Suppression Of NKT Cell Subsets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,815.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of large arteries, is the underlying cause of up to 50% of deaths in Western communities from heart attacks and strokes. Today it is considered a chronic inflammatory disease arising from the influx of fats such as cholesterol into the inner liming of arteries that provide blood supply to organs such as the heart and the brain. However, the exact role that inflammation plays in the development of this blood vessel disease is poorly understood. This study is directed ....Atherosclerosis, or hardening of large arteries, is the underlying cause of up to 50% of deaths in Western communities from heart attacks and strokes. Today it is considered a chronic inflammatory disease arising from the influx of fats such as cholesterol into the inner liming of arteries that provide blood supply to organs such as the heart and the brain. However, the exact role that inflammation plays in the development of this blood vessel disease is poorly understood. This study is directed towards understanding the role of a subset of while blood cells known as NKT cells in the inflammatory process. In particular we will examine whether the activity of NKT cells in promoting atherosclerosis can be controlled either by the administration of drugs that deprive them of molecules that stimulate their activity and-or by the injection of another population of white blood cells known as regulatory T cells that may to limit their activity. Our preclinical study of atherosclerosis in mice has potential for extension to the control of atherosclerosis in humans. Successful translation in this way can be expected to provide a significant health benefit.Read moreRead less
Dysfunctional blood vessel growth is an important mechanism of many congenital vascular diseases and other postnatal diseases such as ischemia and cancer. Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are common vascular disease in brain that cause strokes and seizures in midlife. Due to their location in the brain, CCMs are virtually untreatable, making the development of novel therapies a priority. This proposal aims to understand how the molecular players underlying this brain vascular disease cont ....Dysfunctional blood vessel growth is an important mechanism of many congenital vascular diseases and other postnatal diseases such as ischemia and cancer. Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are common vascular disease in brain that cause strokes and seizures in midlife. Due to their location in the brain, CCMs are virtually untreatable, making the development of novel therapies a priority. This proposal aims to understand how the molecular players underlying this brain vascular disease control blood vessel function and growth.Read moreRead less