Multiple sclerosis is the most common cause of neurological disability among young adults. The patients’ individual response to therapy is highly variable. The research vision completed during this Fellowship will generate novel evidence enabling individually-tailored therapy of multiple sclerosis. Through the newly established Clinical Outomes Research Unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the expertise from observational data in multiple sclerosis will be applied in other areas of neurology.
Understanding The Molecular Basis Of Central Nervous System Myelination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Oligodendrocytes are the cell type in the central nervous system that produce myelin, the insulating layer around nerve cells. Loss of oligodendrocytes and myelin are key features of multiple sclerosis. This project aims to clarify the mechanisms that control the myelination of nerve cells during normal development, allowing the development of strategies to promote myelin repair in human diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis.
Adding New Cells To The Mature Central Nervous System - Their Role In Plasticity, Maintenance And Repair.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
There are a number of immature cell populations in the central nervous system. This project aims to understand the biology of each stem cell population and the signals that direct them to generate new brain cells. We aim to utilize these cell populations for nervous system repair.
Creating An Evidence Base For Balanced Sun Exposure Messages For Optimal Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Both too much and too little sun exposure result in risks to health, but there are considerable uncertainties in our understanding of the detail, for both risks and benefits. This project focuses on key research gaps that need to be filled before a balanced sun exposure message, appropriate for Australians of different skin types and living in different locations, can be developed and disseminated.
Control Of T Helper Cells In Autoimmunity And Anti-tumour Responses.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,953.00
Summary
The proposed studies aim to improve our understanding of the factors that regulate a specialised immune cell type called “T helper” cells and their function in models of autoimmune disease and during anti-tumour immune responses. The project will investigate (1) the role of a signalling protein called Interleukin 27 in these processes and (2) how several novel genes, recently found to be associated with the development of MS in humans, influence T helper cell activity.
Building Research Capacity In Epidemiological Studies Of Chronic Disease And Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
My vision is to build further capacity in epidemiological research to generate findings that directly inform chronic disease and injury prevention strategies. I will do this by: 1. leading epidemiological research designed to better understand the role and modification of risk factors for chronic disease and injury; 2. developing statistical methodology and tools for the analysis of categorical outcome data that commonly arise in epidemiological studies.
Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine-1 (MIC-1/GDF15), CCAAT/enhancer Binding Protein Delta (CEBPD) And Neuroinflammtion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
I will develop new therapies for multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. I will also evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic uses for macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1/GDF15) that was discovered in Australia. I will confirm its use in screening for bowel cancer. Also, I will look at using it in the indigenous and wider Australian community to improve health and close the gap in life expectancy. Finally, I will conduct trials of MIC-1/GDF15 therapy of obesity and inflammation.