Models Of Cerebellar Function During Motor Learning
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,775.00
Summary
The cerebellum is responsible for smooth movements and for learning new patterns of motions, but many details of how it works are unclear. We aim to describe neural activity in the cerebellum while motor learning is in progress, and determine exactly what patterns of activity lead to the acquisition of new types of learned movement. The basic knowledge gained will contribute to a better understanding of cerebellar disorders including nystagmus, ataxia, and loss of motor control with ageing.
The Unstable, Rupture-prone Atherosclerotic Plaque: Innovative Methods For Its Detection And Stabilisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$748,447.00
Summary
Heart attacks and strokes are most often caused by rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques resulting in clotting and vessel occlusion and ultimately irreversible damage of the heart or brain. We have generated a mouse model that reproduces these plaques as seen in humans. Based on this model and human unstable plaques 1) we have discovered/developed imaging technologies that can identify these dangerous plaques and 2) we will develop drugs that prevent plaque rupture.
Diabetic foot ulcers are a common and costly complication associated with Diabetes. Current treatments are only modestly effective in promoting healing, and in many cases amputation is necessary. Through this project we will develop a new treatment strategy that involves the combination of adult stem cells and powerful signal molecules to promote robust diabetic foot ulcer repair.
Development Of Specific Inhibitors Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis Gingipains Based On Their Cognate Propeptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,655.00
Summary
Gum disease (periodontitis) is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial pathogens that is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also associated with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. In this study we will develop novel peptide-based therapeutics to inhibit the proteases that enable these bacteria to cause disease.
The Role Of The Chemosensory Receptors Of The Enteric Pathogen C. Jejuni In Virulence And Host - Bacterial Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,897.00
Summary
Campylobacter jejuni is the greatest cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the world. Consumption of contaminated meat or untreated water leads to disease often requiring hospitalisation. Campylobacter infection is also linked to the development of neoroparalytic disorders and reactive arthritis. This project aims to determine how this pathogen utilises surface molecules to sense its environment and cause disease. This information may be exploited to develop new treatments for mucosal infections ....Campylobacter jejuni is the greatest cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the world. Consumption of contaminated meat or untreated water leads to disease often requiring hospitalisation. Campylobacter infection is also linked to the development of neoroparalytic disorders and reactive arthritis. This project aims to determine how this pathogen utilises surface molecules to sense its environment and cause disease. This information may be exploited to develop new treatments for mucosal infections.Read moreRead less
REVERSING EPITHELIAL TO MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION BY TARGETED EPIGENETIC EDITING IN BREAST CANCER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,352,322.00
Summary
Cancer cell spread around the body involves changes in the cells which allow them to migrate into blood vessels, travel and then invade other organs, a process called epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT also makes cells less sensitive to our best treatments. EMT involves switching on genes that activate these changes and switching off genes that silence them. We will develop therapy that will reverse this process, both reducing cancer spread and making cancer treatment more effective.
Each year more than one million people in the US alone suffer serious nerve injury significantly impairing quality of life and costing more than US$7 billion. This research will develop nerve conduits based on polymers and the natural constituents of nerve to provide an alternative to the current practice of nerve grafting. It is envisaged that this conduit will provide an effective platform for nerve repair and will expedite the development of regenerative platforms for other neural tissues.
Investigating Novel Antibody Drug Conjugates For Treating Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,447.00
Summary
Chemotherapy is first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients. Most patients inevitably develop chemotherapy resistance. To increase chemotherapy effectiveness, we are developing a new antibody-based approach to target cancer cells that die because of chemotherapy. The antibody is armed with a very potent drug released specifically at the cancer to cause death of surrounding, chemotherapy-resistant cells. Killing these cells may reduce rebound cancer growth and cause an immune reaction.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption And Metabolic Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,018.00
Summary
Shiftwork is an under-researched risk factor for obesity and diabetes. Because shiftwork disrupts hormonal and sleep rhythmicity, eating patterns and light exposure, abnormal rhythmicity may be a causal factor in metabolic disease. Direct evidence for the link is lacking and the underlying mechanisms responsible are unknown. This project aims to understand how shiftwork may lead to diabetes and obesity, knowledge essential for the design and testing of potential interventions.
The Role Of Bisphenol A In The Development Of Chronic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,549.00
Summary
There is accumulating evidence to suggest that the environment we live in may be important in the development of chronic disease. This project examines a key environmental toxin Bisphenol A (BPA) and explores the role it has in the development of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this project, we will explore whether there is an independent relationship between BPA and the development of diabetes, CVD and obesity in humans in a prospective setting.