Using Gene Delivery Tools To Understand And Treat Skeletal Muscle-related Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
As a muscle biologist, I study the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle size, so that we can develop therapies for muscle wasting. What sets my research apart is my combination of expertise in muscle biology, and the use of recombinant viral vectors for altering the expression of specific genes exclusively in skeletal muscles. Our approaches enable us to study the inner workings of muscles in ways others cannot, and develop promising new therapies for treating muscle diseases.
Tolerance Induction By Antigen-presenting Cell-targeted Antigen
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
We have found that by ‘targeting’ antigen to the cells that ‘train’ the immune system we have been able to prevent the development of autoimmune disease. In the research proposed here we aim to develop new ways in which antigens can be targeted to these cells so that this approach can be applied clinically. The proposed studies will also determine how antigens targeted in this way restore self-tolerance and prevent autoimmune disease.
The adult heart has an extremely limited capacity for regeneration. In contrast, I recently discovered that the newborn heart can completely regenerate following a heart attack. How and why the heart loses this regenerative capacity after birth is not known. This Fellowship aims to unravel the genetic circuits that govern cardiac regenerative capacity. The proposed research program will develop novel therapies for heart regeneration through molecular targeting of regulatory RNA molecules.
Discovering And Targeting Genes Regulating Skeletal Muscle Function, Metabolism, And Adaptations To Exercise Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Muscle wasting and decreased in mitochondrial function due to ageing or lack of physical activity are associated with reduced quality of life. The overarching aim is to develop a unique research program focusing on targeting specific genes, and to discover novel genes regulating muscle wasting and mitochondrial (dis)function. I anticipate this approach to assist in the development of targeted and personalised prevention and therapy for diseases associated with muscle (dis)function.
Targeting The Class IIa Histone Deacetylases In Metabolic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Dysfunctional metabolism in skeletal muscle is integral in the development of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This project will examine proteins that alter the way genes are expressed for their role in dysfunctional metabolism in muscle. This project could uncover new therapies for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
The Role Of NKT Cell Subsets In The Regulation Of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$142,717.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of paralysis in young people. EAE is an animal model of MS that recapitulates many features of the human disease. Recent data shows that EAE is mediated by IL-17 producing self-reactive T cells. NKT cells are a group of T cells, whose activation protects against EAE, in an as yet unidentified manner. These studies will provide critical information on the way in which NKT cells regulate immunity and will enhance development of therapies for MS.
The Molecular Mechanisms Of Abscission To Complete Cytokinesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division that produces two daughter cells. Incorrect localisation and modification of proteins that regulate this process cause cell division errors potentially leading to cancer. This project will characterise how key cytokinesis proteins co-operatively function to complete cytokinesis. This research will increase our understanding of the cell division errors that contribute to cancer development, ultimately identifying new targets for cancer therapy.