Prof McGuckin is studying common chronic diseases (gut and respiratory inflammatory diseases, arthritis, and obesity and diabetes) that are major contributors to poor health in the Australian community and are major contributors to healthcare expenditure. His research includes basic studies elucidating the biological basis of these diseases and then uses this new knowledge to develop new therapeutic approaches to treatment. The new therapeutic approaches will be tested in model systems as a prel ....Prof McGuckin is studying common chronic diseases (gut and respiratory inflammatory diseases, arthritis, and obesity and diabetes) that are major contributors to poor health in the Australian community and are major contributors to healthcare expenditure. His research includes basic studies elucidating the biological basis of these diseases and then uses this new knowledge to develop new therapeutic approaches to treatment. The new therapeutic approaches will be tested in model systems as a prelude to clinical trials.Read moreRead less
Solving The Causes Of And Development Of New Therapies For Ankylosing Spondylitis And Related Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a highly heritable and common form of arthritis affecting primarily the spine and pelvis, and is the 2nd most common form of arthritis worldwide (~0.55%). In this fellowship I will extend my world-leading program of AS research by increasing understanding of its basic causes through research into its genetic and environmental triggers, and from this develop new treatments for this and related diseases such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Macrophages, Cytokines And The Inflammatory Response (Reappointment To Senior Principal Research Fellow)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,008.00
Summary
The project will continue to explore how a type of white blood cell contributes to the pathology associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis and periodontal disease. Success already has been achieved in that clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis have emanated from this project.
Toll-like Receptors And Innate Immunity: Genes And Pathways Regulating Infectious And Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,367.00
Summary
The innate immune system is the first line of defence against infectious diseases, but also contributes to the pathology of inflammatory diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis). I study specific genes and pathways used by the innate immune system to (1) understand how the innate immune system prevents infections and how microorganisms overcome these defences, and (2) develop approaches to block inflammation. Outcomes may include new therapies for inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Using cutting edge sequencing and genotyping technology, genes causing common and rare human diseases will be identified, and genetic methods developed to diagnose genetic diseases in both antenatal and postnatal life. Treatments for common rheumatic diseases affecting tens of thousands of Australians will be developed informed by these genetic findings.
I am a cartilage biochemist investigating (1) cartilage remodelling in normal skeletal growth & development and (2) the molecular events that destroy cartilage in arthritic diseases. My research focuses on the molecules that define cartilage structure, and the enzymes that degrade and remodel it. Our analyses include work with molecules in test tubes, genetically modified mice with degradation-resistant cartilage, and synovial fluid samples from arthritis patients.
There are two arms to the immune system, one that learns and adapts, which can cause autoimmune disease, and another that is immediate and innate, and can cause autoinflammatory disease. This proposal continues our work in the characterization of rare genetic autoinflammatory disesaes and extrapolates these studies to more common chronic inflammatory diseases. This stands to improve current diagnosis and treatment, and elucidate future drug targets that could be targeted clinically.
Delivering On The GWAS Promise: From Genetic Discoveries To Novel Drug Targets For Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,605.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to identify new drug targets for asthma. This is important because for 6 in 10 asthma patients, current treatments do not adequately control disease symptoms and so these individuals are at a higher risk of having severe exacerbations. I propose that identifying asthma risk genes represents our best chance to identify novel drug targets for asthma. In this study, I will identify new asthma risk genes and test whether blocking these genes can alleviate disease symptoms.
Development Of Novel Resorbable Biomaterials For Regeneration Of Human Tissue
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,484.00
Summary
Large skeletal defects resulting from congenital defects or disease processes are difficult to regenerate and represent a major financial burden to our health system. Bone graft treatments are widely used but have considerable drawbacks. Available synthetic alternatives lack the physical/biological properties necessary. We have developed new scaffolds with improved mechanical/biological properties for bone and cartilage regeneration.
Prevention Of Pancreatic Beta Cell Destruction In Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,458.00
Summary
Associate Professor Helen Thomas is a molecular and cell biologist with a particular interest in pancreatic islet biology, studying the mechanisms of pancreatic beta-cell destruction in diabetes. The aim of this work is to develop strategies to protect these cells. Such protection will improve our ability to preserve beta-cell mass in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and after islet transplantation.