Bioproduction and bioavailability of steroidal saponins, bioactives in herbal medicines. Steroidal saponins are a class of natural products that are common constituents of many herbal medicines and have been associated with many biological activities. Comprehensive studies into their biological activities are hampered by the small quantities available through isolation and the complexity of synthesis. The aim of this project is to identify, isolate and express the biosynthetic genes responsible ....Bioproduction and bioavailability of steroidal saponins, bioactives in herbal medicines. Steroidal saponins are a class of natural products that are common constituents of many herbal medicines and have been associated with many biological activities. Comprehensive studies into their biological activities are hampered by the small quantities available through isolation and the complexity of synthesis. The aim of this project is to identify, isolate and express the biosynthetic genes responsible for the critical steps in the synthesis of these compounds in the herbs themselves. This will allow for production of steroidal saponins using the isolated enzymes, facilitate biological studies and allow the production of critical standards required by the herbal industry for validation and regulation of herbal extracts.Read moreRead less
Neuroimaging changes underpinning improvements in cognition in the elderly. Natural supplements are often used to improve brain and cognitive function, however, we do not know how these supplements work in the brain. Using novel brain imaging scans, the project will investigate whether 12-month administration of two promising natural supplements improves brain markers of ageing and cognitive decline in an elderly population.
Therapeutic pluralism in pregnancy, labour and birthing: Decision-making, communication and inter-professional dynamics. Women are frequent users of practices outside 'mainstream' medicine. Pregnancy, labour and birthing (PLB) is a key area of integration, but no research has examined how women perceive obstetrics, midwifery and complementary medicine, or the impact on their health and wellbeing. This study systematically document Australian women's experiences of PLB with a nationally-represe ....Therapeutic pluralism in pregnancy, labour and birthing: Decision-making, communication and inter-professional dynamics. Women are frequent users of practices outside 'mainstream' medicine. Pregnancy, labour and birthing (PLB) is a key area of integration, but no research has examined how women perceive obstetrics, midwifery and complementary medicine, or the impact on their health and wellbeing. This study systematically document Australian women's experiences of PLB with a nationally-representative sample of women of child-bearing age to document decision making, lay-professional communication, and inter-professional dynamics.Read moreRead less
Nanoliposomal delivery of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to neuronal cells. Omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential for brain function. They are effective as adjunct treatments for depression, but at high doses. The project will develop nanoliposomes to target delivery of DHA to brain cells. Efficient delivery of DHA to brain cells will increase its effectiveness as a dietary supplement and lessen the burden of disease.
Evaluating viscum album in tumour eradication strategies. Extracts from the plant parasite mistletoe are, internationally, the most widely used complementary cancer treatments. Providing clear evidence-based research, this project will focus on enhancing mistletoe anti-cancer treatment through the development of novel liposome-based tumour therapies.
Preclinical Development Of A Therapeutic Anticancer Antibody To C-Met
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,530.00
Summary
Many common cancers cannot be effectively treated. A range of these cancers (e.g. gastric and lung cancer) display the molecule c-Met on their cell surface. c-Met promotes tumour growth; therefore, blocking c-Met is a promising strategy for treating these cancers. However, no antibodies or drugs that target c-Met have been licensed. The therapeutics that are being developed to target c-Met all have considerable limitations. Thus, there is an opportunity to develop a 'best-in-class' therapeutic.
Navigating back pain care: a sociological study of women's illness pathways within and between intersecting social worlds. Back pain affects most people at some point in their life. It is difficult to treat, choosing a provider can be confusing, and it is costly for the Government. This project will provide comprehensive data on women's journeys through back pain care, their experiences of different providers, and how they negotiate competing ideological perspectives.
An Integrated Approach For The Efffective Adoptive Immunotherapy Of Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumors and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of immunotherapy remain ineffective in most cancer patients. We propose to improve the tumor trafficking and anti-tumor activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The outcomes of this project will validate this novel approach for treatment of cancer patients.
Utilization Of Gene-engineered T Cells For Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,656.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumours and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of therapy and other approaches including vaccination remain ineffective in most cancer patients. In this project, we propose to improve the tumour trafficking and anti-tumour activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells, whilst minimizing toxicity to normal tissue.