Characterization Of Novel, Colitis Associated Pathobionts To Identify Therapeutic Targets In The Host Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,609.00
Summary
Applying cutting edge methods to grow bacteria from the human gut, we have identified three species, two previously unknown, that are found in many inflammatory diseases including Inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and in cancer immunotherapy patients who experience colitis. By characterizing these bacteria and the immune response in human cells we are seeking to discover novel targetted methods to prevent colitis and gastrointestinal inflammation.
The Role Of DNA Sensing In The Pathogenesis Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,704.00
Summary
Colorectal (bowel) cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia and worldwide. The ability of the body to detect DNA from damaged or dying cells in the gut is an important part of the healing process. This response also provides protection against colorectal cancer. In this project, we investigate how a DNA sensor prevents the development of intestinal tumours. This project will lead to new ways to fight cancer in humans.
Hypoxic Regulation Of Integrin Beta1 During Mucosal Wound Healing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,104.00
Summary
Very little is currently known about how healing is initiated in the gut. Further understanding may allow us to improve the treatment of IBD wounding and allow new therapies to control the disease. Our work examines the role of an adhesion protein, ?1 integrin, important in the repair of intestinal wounds. Understanding the mechanisms of how ?1 integrin is involved in wound healing may allow the rational design of therapies to aid or accelerate wound healing in inflammatory disease.
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation For Active Ulcerative Colitis - A Randomised Controlled Trial: Clinical, Microbial & Immune Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,126.00
Summary
This is a placebo controlled clinical trial to see whether giving healthy donor faeces to people with active ulcerative colitis can get them into remission. We will also examine how long the donor microbiome stays in the recipients stool, and examine the effects of faecal transplantation on the immune response in the lining of the colon in recipients.
Muc1 Regulation Of The NLRP3 Inflammasome In The Gastrointestinal Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,351.00
Summary
The mucin Muc1 is an important part of the barrier against infection in the gut, and appears to protect against development of bacterial inflammatory disease. We have identified that Muc1 suppresses activation of the inflammasome (a mechanism by which pathogens cause inflammation). We will now examine how Muc1 does this and explore the importance of this effect on inflammatory disease in the intestine. This may identify novel approaches for protecting against gastric and colorectal cancer.
IL-6 Classic And Trans-signalling In Bone Physiology And Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$731,372.00
Summary
This project seeks to determine whether it is possible to prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis and inflammatory bowel disease by blocking interleukin 6. Two different methods of blockade will be tested, with the hope that one of these methods will have less side effects.
Diet And The Gut Microbiota As The Basis For Food Allergies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$669,091.00
Summary
Diet and the composition of the gut microbiota represent new avenues to prevent or treat human diseases. We propose that allergies in western countries result from altered gut homeostasis. This application seeks to understand all the molecules involved, and to discover new bacteria that associate with, or protect from allergies.
Clostridium Difficile: Assessing The Risks To Australia Of An Emerging Healthcare-related Pathogen
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,180,256.00
Summary
Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the large bowel that can lead to surgical removal of the bowel or death. In North America and Europe, an international epidemic strain has caused large outbreaks of severe, fatal disease. In 2009, this strain was identified for the first time in Perth, Australia. We will investigate strains currently present in Brisbane and Perth and risk of outbreaks occurring from imported and local strains.
Genomic Medicine: Predictors Of Refractory Ulcerative Colitis And Its Response To Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$879,048.00
Summary
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a major form of inflammatory bowel disease, affecting over 35,000 Australians. Symptoms include bleeding from the anus, tummy pain, and diarrhoea. There is a 1 in 4 risk of needing major surgery for UC. Our study will use current genetic techniques to classify patients according to the severity of their colitis, and their response to treatments. This will allow clinicians to personalize medical treatment far more effectively from the outset of a patients’ disease.