Endothelial Development From Pluripotent Stem Cells As A Means To Study Pathology In Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,311.00
Summary
Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease primarily affecting young adults. It is caused by a defect in cells that form the vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. We will use stem cells made from the skin of PAH patients to examine why the blood vessel cells from these patients fail to function normally.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 36% of all deaths in 2004-05. Diseased blood vessels are its most common form, and the underlying process is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is characterised by plaque formation in blood vessels. Plaque formation is problematic, and may lead to blood vessel blockage. We aim to identify novel targets that prevent plaque formation.
Protecting The Endothelial Glycocalyx To Improve Transplant Rates And Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$725,180.00
Summary
A tiny, previously overlooked, structure called the endothelial glycocalyx (EG) is now known to ‘waterproof’ blood vessels. This grant extends our exciting preliminary data in the field of lung transplantation, where we have shown that EG loss is the main cause of a poorly functioning organ, to develop new tests of lung and kidney function, as well as treatments to resuscitate marginal organs outside the body, so improving access to and the safety of transplantation.
Identification Of A Novel Adhesion Mechanism Regulating Platelet-endothelial Interactions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,691.00
Summary
Platelets are important blood cells, stopping bleeding in the event of blood vessel injury. However, platelets can also interact with the blood vessel lining (endothelium) to regulate and in some cases promote inflammation. We have identified a new structure platelets use to stick to endothelium, which under disease states (enhanced oxidative stress), can promote inflammation. We will investigate how tractopods form, and examine their role in the setting of elevated oxidative stress and inflamma ....Platelets are important blood cells, stopping bleeding in the event of blood vessel injury. However, platelets can also interact with the blood vessel lining (endothelium) to regulate and in some cases promote inflammation. We have identified a new structure platelets use to stick to endothelium, which under disease states (enhanced oxidative stress), can promote inflammation. We will investigate how tractopods form, and examine their role in the setting of elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory disease.Read moreRead less
Pulmonary hypertension is a disease affecting the blood vessels in the lungs that causes severe shortness of breath and early death. Genetic mutations are known to cause this disease but the precise link between these mutations and the changes in the lungs are poorly understood. If we could understand this process better, we could design better treatments. This project will look at how the cells in the lungs communicate with each other and how this process is disturbed in pulmonary hypertension.
Activin Mediated Endothelial Dysfunction: Novel Therapies For Preeclampsia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,582.00
Summary
Preeclampsia remains a major cause of death of both pregnant women and their babies. The treatment for preeclampsia has not changed in decades. New insights into underlying causes of the disease have offered opportunities for the development of better, more effective treatments. This project aims to test such new therapies in an animal model of the disease with a view to future clinical trials.
Investigating A Novel Agent To Limit Brain Injury And Post-stroke Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,429.00
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but treatment options remain limited. The goal of this research project will be to examine the potential of new agent to protect the brain against stroke and to also treat complications that typically occur after stroke including infection and weight loss. It is anticipated that this project will ultimately lead to the development of an effective stroke therapy.
Does Inhibition Of Myeloperoxidase Attenuate Atherosclerosis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,659.00
Summary
This project examines whether inhibition of a protein that produces bleach and is part of the immune system inhibits the stiffening of arteries, i.e. the major cause of cardiovascular disease that leads to heart attack and stroke. The project uses a pharmacological approach, employing a new class of chemical compounds. If successful, the project will contribute to the establishing of a novel therapeutic target to combat cardiovascular disease.
Understanding The Role Of Cell Death In Blood Vessel Regression And Regrowth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,059.00
Summary
Blood vessels are essential to distribute oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies, and as such, disruptions to normal blood vessel behaviour can have significant impacts on health. This research is aimed at understanding how blood vessel networks can regrow after damage in order to maintain healthy blood supply to a tissue. This work will be particularly relevant to diseases where blood vessel loss or inappropriate blood vessel growth occur.
Local Sleep In The Awake Brain: An Underlying Cause Of Neurobehavioural Deficits In Sleep Apnea?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,330.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder which significantly impacts daytime functioning leading to excessive sleepiness, and problems with attention and thinking. Currently, the causes for cognitive impairment in OSA (including attentional lapses and performance deficits) are poorly understood. In the awake state, groups of neurons can briefly go “offline” as they do in sleep. These periods of “local sleep” may explain impaired task performance in OSA.