Preventing Complications Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,914.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a devastating lung disease that affects smokers. Lung complications and complications in other organs occur commonly. This study will examine factors that lead to exacerbations of COPD, and test the effectiveness of early diagnosis of coronary artery disease using CT scans.
Telemonitoring Of Lung Function Variability In Asthma And Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
In Australia, asthma is highly prevalent, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth leading cause of male deaths; both are a significant burden on the health system. There are currently no objective ways to assess disease status or future risk of deterioration. I aim to use home telemonitoring technology and novel, sophisticated analysis methods to describe the variability of disease over time and potentially change the way we manage chronic lung diseases.
Airway scarring, or airway fibrosis, is a pathological process by which the airway tissue is progressively replaced with scar tissue. This change makes it difficult for people to breathe. I have developed novel in-vitro models which enables us to understand why fibrosis is occurring, and in my research fellowship I aim to uncover new ways of treating fibrosis in lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Airway fibrosis or scaring causes significant morbidity in both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma . These diseases affect 10-15% of the population, and cost the health system $1.15 billion per year. Airway fibrosis is not decreased by the current therapeutics used to treat COPD and asthma, and as such there is a pressing need to develop therapeutics to specifically treat airway fibrosis. Dr Brian Oliver has partnered with Pharmaxis to develop new therapeutics to specificall ....Airway fibrosis or scaring causes significant morbidity in both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma . These diseases affect 10-15% of the population, and cost the health system $1.15 billion per year. Airway fibrosis is not decreased by the current therapeutics used to treat COPD and asthma, and as such there is a pressing need to develop therapeutics to specifically treat airway fibrosis. Dr Brian Oliver has partnered with Pharmaxis to develop new therapeutics to specifically treat fibrosisRead moreRead less
Investigatin The Causes Of Failed Efferocytosis In COPD-emphysema With A View To Identifying Novel Theraputic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
COPD is a leading cause of death. Smoking is the major cause of COPD and many sufferers are left with permanent damage and need ongoing treatment even after smoking cessation. Current treatments for COPD generally have limited efficacy. The project will identify the reason for the large number of dying cells and defective clearance of these cells that we have identified in the airways in COPD and study novel treatments that we hope will improve the health and well being of those with COPD.
Phase Variable Protein Glycosylation In Bacteria Mucosal Pathogens And Its Role In Immune Evasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,728.00
Summary
The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae is a leading cause of ear infections. Hearing loss from these infections can seriously affect literacy and educational performance. As no vaccine is available, we will research how the bacterium makes the HMW protein that is important in infection. We will study how sugars are added to the surface of this protein so that the bacterium can escape the immune system, its role in related bacteria and how it may be used in a vaccine.
Structural And Mechanical Determinants Of Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,219.00
Summary
In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the capacity for airway passages to narrow is increased which limits airflow in and out of the lung and contributes to disease severity. The aim of this project is to identify the underlying physiological abnormalities producing the increased narrowing capacity. The investigations will focus on the role of the airway smooth muscle and epithelial layers that are widely implicated in driving the increased narrowing response, but for which the ev ....In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the capacity for airway passages to narrow is increased which limits airflow in and out of the lung and contributes to disease severity. The aim of this project is to identify the underlying physiological abnormalities producing the increased narrowing capacity. The investigations will focus on the role of the airway smooth muscle and epithelial layers that are widely implicated in driving the increased narrowing response, but for which the evidence remains circumstantial.Read moreRead less
Ageing, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and obesity are becoming more common in the community. Each is associated with increased heart disease and metabolic disorders. Understanding how androgen dysregulation exacerbates OSA, obesity and ageing and how androgen treatments alter these conditions may lead to reduced cardiometabolic dysfunction and improved health.
There is huge interest in the development of bioactive peptides and proteins for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. However, the biggest challenge in the development of peptide and protein drugs is overcoming their poor stability in the human body. The aim of my research is to develop novel methods that provide therapeutically promising peptides and proteins the ability to resist the body’s natural degradation pathways so they can reach their biological target and act as effective drugs.