A Phenomic And Genomic Approach To Identifying Pharmaceutical Targets For The Amelioration Of Hematopoietic Deficit
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,000.00
Summary
Mice and humans are genetically and physiologically similar, and are afflicted by many of the same diseases. By introducing random DNA mutations into the germline, mice with diseaseassociated characteristics can be generated, allowing the subsequent identification of genes involved in particular human disease processes. This project will utilise cutting-edge genetic technologies to discover genes that regulate production of the body�s principal blood clotting agents: platelets. This is of partic ....Mice and humans are genetically and physiologically similar, and are afflicted by many of the same diseases. By introducing random DNA mutations into the germline, mice with diseaseassociated characteristics can be generated, allowing the subsequent identification of genes involved in particular human disease processes. This project will utilise cutting-edge genetic technologies to discover genes that regulate production of the body�s principal blood clotting agents: platelets. This is of particular clinical and commercial importance since a reduction in platelet numbers is the life-threatening result of congenital and autoimmune diseases, viral infections (e.g. HIV) and cancer chemotherapy.Read moreRead less
Therapeutic Potential Of Hookworm Secreted Molecules For The Treatment Of Human Autoimmune Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$93,597.00
Summary
In developed countries, the increased incidence of allergic and autoimmune diseases has been related to the decreased prevalence of parasitic infections. The present research will explore the role that parasite molecules play in mechanisms that regulate the immune response of their vertebrate hosts and test their potential to become novel therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Development Of Antibodies To Il-13 Receptor And Their Preclinical Testing In A Sheep Model For Human Allergic Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,375.00
Summary
The increasing prevalence and severity of asthma worldwide highlights the need for novel approaches to treat this disease. This proposal will generate antibodies that can be used to specifically block the action of a key molecule known to regulate many of the hallmark features of asthmatic disease. Preclinical evaluation of these antibodies in an established sheep model of human asthma will allow their assessment as a specific therapy for asthma.
Structure Determination Of Fms And Kit Kinases And Their Inhibtors For Directed Drug Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,250.00
Summary
Tyrosine kinases are a large and important family of enzymes that play a fundamental role in the control and communication between cells. When damaged or uncontrolled, these enzymes can contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer and immune related disorders. This proposal aims to develop therapeutics targeted at the tyrosine kinases using a combination of the Structure Biology expertise at Monash University and the drug discovery platform technologies of Cytopia Pty Ltd. Promising ....Tyrosine kinases are a large and important family of enzymes that play a fundamental role in the control and communication between cells. When damaged or uncontrolled, these enzymes can contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer and immune related disorders. This proposal aims to develop therapeutics targeted at the tyrosine kinases using a combination of the Structure Biology expertise at Monash University and the drug discovery platform technologies of Cytopia Pty Ltd. Promising drug candidates already identified by Cytopia will be analysed at their site of action using X-ray crystallography. This information will enable a rational process of modification and improvement of the candidate drugs. The development of a range of therapeutics for Phase I clinical trials will be of enormous benefit to Australia�s medical industry and pubic health.Read moreRead less
Production Of Human Monoclonal Antibodies In Vitro
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,500.00
Summary
Antibodies are defence molecules that permeate our tissues. The diversity of antibodies in a healthy organism is vast, providing the potential to neutralise almost any biological molecule or pathogen with exquisite selectivity. We have invented a cell culture-based platform to generate and select human antibodies specific for any desired target. Unlike most antibodies currently used in laboratories, these antibodies will be usable as drugs as well as for detection of disease.
Preterm Birth And Exposure To Fine Particulate Matter
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,068.00
Summary
Preterm birth is the single most important cause of perinatal mortality and leading cause of subsequent morbidity in the western world. This project involves an investigation of the effects of fine airborne particulates and their chemical constituents on preterm birth among half a million pregnant women in Australia and the US. Levels of particulates will be rigorously assessed using traditional methods such as chemical analyses of field samples and novel methods such as processing satellite ima ....Preterm birth is the single most important cause of perinatal mortality and leading cause of subsequent morbidity in the western world. This project involves an investigation of the effects of fine airborne particulates and their chemical constituents on preterm birth among half a million pregnant women in Australia and the US. Levels of particulates will be rigorously assessed using traditional methods such as chemical analyses of field samples and novel methods such as processing satellite imagery.Read moreRead less
Examining The Early Origins Of Asthma And Chronic Respiratory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,768.00
Summary
Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease of childhood. Birth cohort studies show that early life environmental stressors may increase asthma risk. This study will examine the impact of multiple early-life stressors using a novel ‘exposome’ model in international birth cohort studies, to identify the most significant factors. This will allow for interventions in a planned Australian birth cohort study, leading to improved health for Australians.