Microparticles Are Pathogenic Elements In The Pathophysiology Of Cerebral Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,205.00
Summary
Cerebral malaria (CM) is still a world health problem. We aim to better understand its mechanisms by deciphering the role of small blood elements called microparticles (MP). We discovered elevated numbers of MP in CM patients and demonstrated that preventing MP overproduction in mice protects against this fatal disease. Our research will investigate the mechanisms of action and the fate of MP in the blood vessels during CM and allow us to identify strategies for patientÍs treatment and care.
Targeting Microvascular Dysfunction In Severe Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$871,923.00
Summary
In severe malaria blood vessels cannot make enough protective nitric oxide (NO). The gel-like lining of blood vessels (glycocalyx) is needed to produce NO, but this is damaged in some severe infections. We will test whether glycocalyx is lost in malaria and how it affects blood vessel NO and function in human volunteer infections and in patients with and without severe malaria. We will test whether a salt nitrite, can be used to safely increase NO and blood vessel function in severe malaria.
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
The health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables can in part be attributed to their high content of polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids. These substances can improve functioning of blood vessels and have the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease. This project will examine one of the most common flavonoids in the diet to try and understand how it works and better understand the protective effects.
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.
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.
Imaging Neutrophil And Endothelial Function In Acute Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$545,517.00
Summary
The glomerulus is a group of small blood vessels which form the filtering component of the kidney. In many diseases, it can be the target of an inappropriate inflammatory response during which white blood cells accumulate in the glomerular blood vessels and cause damage. In this project, we will visualise the blood vessel lining of the glomerulus in order to understand how white blood cells damage this region and cause leakage of protein leak into the urine.
Modulation Of Endothelial Junctions As Selective Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$911,387.00
Summary
We have developed a new drug (CD5-2) that targets the junctions of endothelial cells, the cell that lines all vessels. CD5-2 reduces oedema in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and tumours. Thus it has potential as a new therapeutic in chronic inflammatory diseases where leaky blood vessels are central to the pathology. This grant will provide fundamental understanding of how CD5-2 induces such profound effects to alter the levels of oedema and alter inflammatory cell infiltrates in tissues.
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.
Understanding How GATA2 Controls Lymphatic Vessel Valve Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,942.00
Summary
Mutations in the GATA2 gene cause human lymphoedema as a result of the crucial role that GATA2 plays in controlling the expression of genes important for building functional lymphatic vessels. Here we aim to gain a complete picture of the cellular and molecular events that are controlled by GATA2 in lymphatic vessels and in particular, in lymphatic vessel valves.