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Viral Infection And Transforming Growth Factor-beta Impair Glucocorticoid Activity In Epithelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,299.00
Summary
Anti-inflammatory types of steroid drugs are commonly used in chronic lung disease including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, a significant number of sufferers show resistance to the steroid therapy. Our study is developing an understanding of how inflammation limits the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids and we are identifying novel therapeutic targets to improve the effectiveness of treatment of chronic disease.
Chronic inflammation underlies common and debilitating diseases and causes pain by unknown mechanisms. There is an urgent need to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of chronic pain, which will allow the development of improved therapies with fewer side-effects. Our research program investigates the mechanisms of pain that are associated with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, with the goal of developing more effective and selective therapies.
Understanding The Major Class Of Cell Surface Drug Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,595,840.00
Summary
G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) form the largest family of receptors and drug targets in living organisms. Currently, the major reason that new drugs fail to reach the clinic is lack of appropriate drug effect (approx. 30%). Thus, we need a better understanding of how GPCRs work and how this relates to disease. Our Program addresses this knowledge gap, using GPCR models that are relevant to treatment of metabolic, inflammatory, cardiovascular and central nervous system disease.
Inhibitors Of Secretory Phospholipases In Diet Induced Obese Rats
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,051.00
Summary
A new drug given to rats fed a high fat-carbohydrate diet shows very promising effects in preventing and treating abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and other risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This project will profile biochemical and pharmacological properties of the drug in more detail in order to track down molecular mechanisms of its action and potential therapeutic benefits, guided by studies on rats, biochemical markers, rat and human fat cells.
Glucocorticoid Resistance: Identifying New Anti-inflammatory Drug Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$453,287.00
Summary
The control of chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma involve use of drugs related to the steroid hormone cortisol. Up to 40% of patients with more severe disease respond poorly or not at all to these drugs. The remaining non-steroid treatments are only partially effective. Poor disease control is a great health and economic burden. We have identified a molecular mechanism for steroid resistance and propose new studies to identify novel drugs that act to reverse steroid resistance.