P.gingivalis GroEL And HSP60 Specific T Cells In Periodontal And Cardiovascular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$619,500.00
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death in adults in most developed and many developing countries. In recent years there has been accumulating evidence that chronic infections such as Helicobacter pylori and Chlamydia pneumoniae are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic infections with over one million Australians at risk of losing their teeth. Poor dental health and in particular chronic periodontitis is ....Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death in adults in most developed and many developing countries. In recent years there has been accumulating evidence that chronic infections such as Helicobacter pylori and Chlamydia pneumoniae are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic infections with over one million Australians at risk of losing their teeth. Poor dental health and in particular chronic periodontitis is now consistently being associated with a number of other diseases and conditions including cardiovascular disease. In some studies the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is stronger than that for other risk factors such as smoking and high cholesterol. Periodontitis results from the inflammatory response to dental plaque. One of the major pathogens identified in dental plaque is P.gingivalis. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are expressed by cells on exposure to various forms of stress including temperature and injury. They participate in physiological processes such as the assembly, transport and protection of proteins from breakdown. There is a remarkable conservation in the structure of heat shock genes and HSP across species. Many pathogens including P.gingivalis bear antigens that are similar to human HSPand cross reactivity during infection may result in disease such as atherosclerosis. This study aims to test the hypothesis that cross reactivity between the bacterial antigens and HSP may explain the mechanism of the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. This would have a significant impact on the treatment of both periodontal and cardiovascular disease.Read moreRead less
Pericyte Dysfunction Limiting Energy Supply In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$717,708.00
Summary
One possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could be narrowing of small blood vessels (capillaries) within the brain, limiting blood flow and energy supply. Pericytes, a cell only on capillaries, maintain blood flow throughout the brain. I believe that pericytes may die in AD leading to an energy deficit and memory problems. I will test using human brains and animal models whether pericyte loss causes AD and how this is happening. Pericytes could provide a new therapy option for AD.
Identification Of The Pathophysiologically Relevant NADPH Oxidase Isoform In Human Cardiovascular Disease - Role Of NOX5
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,488.00
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death world-wide. Yet we do not know enough about what causes them to reliably identify and treat, let alone prevent these diseases. Therefore, this project will examine the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, which will lead to the development of novel therapies.
ROLE AND MECHANISM OF NADPH OXIDASE IN ISCHEMIC STROKE AND NEUROTRAUMA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$619,015.00
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of death. Despite many clinical trials there is only 1 approved drug for acute treatment but with a narrow time window t. Similarly, there is no therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients often suffer from nuerological diasblity or die. This study tests whether free radicals either in nerve cells or blood vessels are the cause of brain damage and can be targeted for new therapies.
Lipidomic Analysis Of The FIELD Trial: Mechanism Of Action And Prediction Of Response To Fenofibrate Treatment In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,323.00
Summary
Patients with type 2 diabetes have abnormal blood lipids leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This risk can be decreased by fenofibrate treatment. However, not all patients show the same response to fenofibrate and so it is not clear who will benefit and who will not benefit from treatment. In this project we will develop a test to identify those patients who respond to and benefit from fenofibrate treatment. This will lead to the better outcomes for patients.
Amyloid Precursor Proteins Novel Role In Alzheimers Disease Through Regulating Neuronal Iron Homeostasis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$949,667.00
Summary
Our group has discovered a novel role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in cellular iron balance. The smallest form of APP, prevalently found in the brain, is able to convert a damaging iron variety (Fe2+) into the safer Fe3+. Alternative, larger, forms of APP are found to inhibit this effect. This project will establish how APP controls iron homeostasis within brain neuronal cells and how this activity is impaired in disease, thus development a mechanism for diagnostic tests and therapeutics.