Identification Of A New Thrombosis Mechanism Triggered By Dying Platelets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$608,742.00
Summary
A severe reduction in blood flow (ischemia) to the intestines can trigger blood clot formation (thrombosis) in multiple organs, including the lungs. We have identified a new thrombosis mechanism that is triggered by the clumping of white blood cells in the intestines, leading to widespread thrombosis in the lung. Here we will investigate the mechanisms triggering this thrombosis mechanism with the ultimate aim of identifying more effective antithrombotic approaches.
Molecular Regulation Of Blood Cell Production And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$18,333,174.00
Summary
The blood-forming system is an intricately controlled balance of cell proliferation, maturation and functional activity that is essential for oxygen transport throughout the body, blood clotting, and effective immune responses. Defining the genes and molecules that orchestrate blood cell production and function is crucial, not only for understanding the role of blood in health, but for establishing the bases of blood cell disorders such as autoimmunity and leukaemia, and for devising new clinica ....The blood-forming system is an intricately controlled balance of cell proliferation, maturation and functional activity that is essential for oxygen transport throughout the body, blood clotting, and effective immune responses. Defining the genes and molecules that orchestrate blood cell production and function is crucial, not only for understanding the role of blood in health, but for establishing the bases of blood cell disorders such as autoimmunity and leukaemia, and for devising new clinical strategies for fighting these lethal diseases. This program is conducted by a large, established team of investigators that have made world-class contributions to understanding blood cell formation and function for more than 30 years. Their work established the modern era of molecular haematology via discovery and analysis of blood cell hormones (colony-stimulating factors or CSFs), their receptors and intracellular mediators, which resulted in development of treatments for millions of cancer patients. The program is a multidisciplinary, team approach to fundamental biological questions with a focus on potential clinical and commercial outcomes involving collaborations with clinical medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. Research will focus on meshing novel genetic approaches in mice with translation studies in humans to identify new validated targets for therapeutic intervention in blood cell diseases, as well as building on the team s expertise in cytokine action with emphasis on the actions of the suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) molecules, a key family of proteins that controls cytokine actions.Read moreRead less
A Virtual Map Of Haematopoiesis Using Cellular Barcoding
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,149.00
Summary
We have different types of infection-fighting white blood - the soliders of the immune system. They can all grow from a single stem cell like a seed grows into a tree. So, by understanding this complex process, new and better therapies for cancer, organ transplantation and infectious disease are constantly emerging. I aim to use a cutting-edge technology called ‘cellular barcoding’ to answer some of the age-old questions about how stem cells grow into white blood cells.
Intravascular Leukocyte Trafficking During Thromboinflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$668,742.00
Summary
Unblocking blood vessels to treat heart attack and stroke can unfortunately cause a paradoxical worsening of organ damage, due to increased inflammation upon blood flow restoration. We have identified a novel way in which this side-effect is regulated by the small blood clotting cells platelets, and the protein fibrin. We will investigate ways to reduce the pro-inflammatory role for platelets, and define safer clot busting treatments.
A-Prof Roberst is a clinical haematologist caring for patients with blood cancers, who is committed to developing new therapies for currently incurable diseases through laboratory and clinical trial research.
Molecular Regulation Of Haematopoiesis In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
The blood forming system coordinates production of cells that confer immunity to infection, transport oxygen and assist blood clotting. When the molecular mechanisms that control these functions go awry, diseases including leukaemia and autoimmunity result. This research will define fundamental molecular regulators of blood cell production and function, assess their role in blood cell diseases and explore their potential to provide leads for development of new therapeutics.