This research is directed by a team of medical and basic scientists with expertise in mechanisms of inflammation relevant to human disease. The program will investigate the molecular and cellular events that are responsible for inflammation in the kidneys, joints and blood vessels which lead to diseases such as glomerulonephritis, arthritis and atherosclerosis. The aim of the research is to find new therapeutic targets which may be specific to certain organs or disease processes, in order to dev ....This research is directed by a team of medical and basic scientists with expertise in mechanisms of inflammation relevant to human disease. The program will investigate the molecular and cellular events that are responsible for inflammation in the kidneys, joints and blood vessels which lead to diseases such as glomerulonephritis, arthritis and atherosclerosis. The aim of the research is to find new therapeutic targets which may be specific to certain organs or disease processes, in order to develop more effective and selective treatments ofchronic inflammatory disease in humans.Read moreRead less
Structural And Functional Studies On The Interaction Between Alpha2-Antiplasmin And Plasmin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,400.00
Summary
Fibrinolysis is the process by which the body dissolves clots. In this proposal we aim to investigate how the fibrinolysis inhibitor alpha2-antiplasmin interacts with the clot dissolving protease enzyme plasmin. These data will be useful for developing new approaches to accelerate plasmin-mediated clot breakdown.
Defining The Impact Of Universal Iron Interventions In Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial In Rural Bangladesh
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,794,373.00
Summary
Although nearly half of the world's young children are anaemic, evidence regarding the best approaches to correct this problem are limited. New data even suggests that the conventional approaches (iron supplements, multiple micronutrient powders) may even be harmful. We will perform the definitive trial which will confirm the existence and magnitude of any benefit (and harm) from these interventions in young Bangladeshi children. This trial will inform global policy on anaemia control.
Benefits And Safety Of IRon Supplementation With MAlaria Chemoprevention To Children In Malawi (IRMA) - A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,064,309.00
Summary
Anaemia and malaria frequently coexist in low income settings e.g. sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Iron interventions aim to reduce anaemia but exacerbate malaria. We aim to test whether iron is made safe by coadministering malaria prevention, and whether these interventions improve child health outcomes especially cognitive development, while ensuring malaria resistance does not emerge.
Stem Cell Based Strategies For Re-establishing T Cell Immunity In Aging And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$845,777.00
Summary
The thymus is the organ responsible for producing T cells, a key cell type in the body’s immune system. Certain cancer treatments damage the thymus, compromising the immune system and leaving patients susceptible to opportunistic infections. This proposal will develop clinically applicable strategies for generating functional human thymic mini-organs that could eventually help restore the immune system of people receiving treatment for cancer.
The Role Of Copper In Ubiquitin-dependent Protein Degradation In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$588,622.00
Summary
Ubiquitin’s are small proteins that tag other proteins in a process known as “Ubiquitination”. Often this is to target them for degradation once they are no longer needed i.e. to take out the rubbish. This process is disrupted in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which may contribute to the disease. This project aims to find out if copper, an essential metal for life, is required for this process. Drugs that are designed to deliver copper to brain cells have been effective in small AD clinical trials.
The Clinicial Centre Of Research Excellence At The Jean Hailes Foundation: For The Study Of Women's Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,000,000.00
Summary
The major health issues affecting women from the mid-reproductive years include depression, disorders of mood and sexual function, and breast cancer, with cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis becoming increasingly prevalent with age. Linking each of these are their known or probable causal associations with oestrogens and androgens. This Centre will provide an opportunity for comprehensive and multidisciplinary research into the role of oestrogens and androgens in these disor ....The major health issues affecting women from the mid-reproductive years include depression, disorders of mood and sexual function, and breast cancer, with cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis becoming increasingly prevalent with age. Linking each of these are their known or probable causal associations with oestrogens and androgens. This Centre will provide an opportunity for comprehensive and multidisciplinary research into the role of oestrogens and androgens in these disorders.Read moreRead less
A Population-based Longitudinal Assessment Of Early Life Vitamin D And Risk Of Food Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,086.00
Summary
There has been a dramatic and unexplained increase in food allergy over recent decades. The increase in food allergy may relate to a concordant increase in early vitamin D insufficiency, however this hypothesis has never been directly tested. This project will use existing/funded samples from two NHMRC funded studies to conduct a detailed investigation of (i) the determinant and predictors of early life vitamin D insufficiency; and (ii) the association of vitamin D insufficiency and food allergy ....There has been a dramatic and unexplained increase in food allergy over recent decades. The increase in food allergy may relate to a concordant increase in early vitamin D insufficiency, however this hypothesis has never been directly tested. This project will use existing/funded samples from two NHMRC funded studies to conduct a detailed investigation of (i) the determinant and predictors of early life vitamin D insufficiency; and (ii) the association of vitamin D insufficiency and food allergy.Read moreRead less
Iron-Infection Interactions: Studies Of The Link Between Iron Metabolism And Infectious Diseases Of Global Significance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,244.00
Summary
Anaemia, malaria and HIV affect millions of people worldwide, but interactions between these conditions are poorly understood. A haematologist with training in public health, my interest is in finding ways to control the enormous global burden of anaemia. My research will focus on how iron status influences infection with malaria and HIV. It will provide evidence for anaemia control guidelines and help improve global policies for controlling iron deficiency where these infections coexist.
Roles Of The EMT Transcription Factors In Epigenetic Remodelling And Myeloid Cell Transformation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$809,520.00
Summary
This project is based upon our novel discoveries that identified ZEB2 and SNAI1 as novel genes involved in the development of aggressive forms of blood cancer. During the course of this proposal we will find new drug targets and new drug treatment options using existing drugs that will specifically target cancer initiating cells in order to kill aggressive forms of blood cancers that are currently refractory to treatment.