The Mechanism Of Action Of IVIg In Inflammatory Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$452,141.00
Summary
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is the major therapy used for the inflammatory neuropathies GBS, CIDP and for multifocal neuropathy. The cost of IVIg for these neuropathies in Australia is approximately 60 million dollars per year. As new indications for IVIg continue to be developed the resource becomes more valuable. We plan to explore the mechanism of action of IVIg with the aim of saving this precious resource and providing significant financial savings to the health service.
After The Cloning Of The HMSNL Gene: Molecular Pathogenesis Of The Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$258,564.00
Summary
We have completed an NHMRC-funded study, where we identified the gene for a severe disorder of the peripheral nervous system. The disease, hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy - Lom (HMSNL), presents with gait disturbances, difficulty in using the hands, muscle weakness and wasting and sensory loss. The concomitant impairment of the insulating myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibres (facilitating nerve conduction) and of the nerve fibres themselves suggests that the molecular defect lies in th ....We have completed an NHMRC-funded study, where we identified the gene for a severe disorder of the peripheral nervous system. The disease, hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy - Lom (HMSNL), presents with gait disturbances, difficulty in using the hands, muscle weakness and wasting and sensory loss. The concomitant impairment of the insulating myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibres (facilitating nerve conduction) and of the nerve fibres themselves suggests that the molecular defect lies in the basic mechanisms of interaction between the two main types of cell in the peripheral nervous system: the myelin-producing Schwann cell and the neuron. The two cells form the most complex system of communication in the human body, where signaling from one is vital for the development, functioning and survival of the other. Very little is known about the molecular mechanisms of this communication. At the same time, knowledge of the normal mechanisms of interaction is the key to better understanding of the mechanisms of disease in the peripheral nervous system and of the causes and possible prevention of the impairment of function. The newly identified HMSNL gene is probably involved in the signaling necessary for the development and functioning of the Schwann cell and for the survival of the nerve fibres. To gain an insight into the nature of the signaling cascade, we propose to use several complementary experimental approaches. We will create a mouse model of the human disease, to study its very early stages and subsequent evolution. In parallel, we will use molecular techniques and a yeast model, to identify other steps in the signaling cascade. The NHMRC-funded study will be part of a larger project conducted in collaboration with leading laboratories in the UK and the Netherlands, where other aspects of the molecular basis of the disease and of the role of the new gene will be examined.Read moreRead less
Identification And Function Of Kv7-M-channels In Axons Of Cortical Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,930.00
Summary
Membrane proteins permeable to potassium ions provide an important break during hyperexcitability of nerve cells in the brain. In this proposal I will study the function of a unique member of potassium channel protein (the M-channel) located at key regions of nerve cells; the axon. The results will provide important insights into the elementary steps of nerve cell excitability, and a better understanding of M-channel related diseases including neonatal epilepsies and chronic nerve pain.
Towards Selective Targeting Of HDACs For Anti-inflammatory Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,892.00
Summary
HDAC inhibitors are anti-cancer drugs that kill rapidly growing cells (like cancer cells). These drugs also have anti-inflammatory properties and so may be beneficial in chronic inflammatory diseases such as as Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, it is unknown how they reduce inflammation. In this project we aim to understand how HDAC inhibitors act as anti-inflammatory agents and to design new HDAC inhibitors with reduced side effects for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Oxidative Phosphorylation Regulation And Neuroprotection In Optic Neuropathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,231.00
Summary
We have shown clear differences in the mitochodria, cellular organelles that generate energy, between optic atrophy patients who have good vision and those of patients who have poor vision. We believe that these changes represent a compensation mechanisms that preserves mitochondrial energy production and protects optic nerve cells. This study will characterize these differences further with the aim of identfying new treatments for preventing nerve loss and preserving vision.
What drives the pain associated with inflammation is unknown as is the relationship between pain and the extent of tissue damage associated with disease, for example, arthritis. Our laboratory has shown that a particular protein is a key mediator of inflammatory pain. The project is to understand how this particular protein promotes pain, including how it sensitzes neurons.
Proatherogenic CD4 NKT Cells And Atherosclerosis: Molecular Mechanisms And Therapeutic Strategies For Suppression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$504,348.00
Summary
Immune cells called CD4+ iNKT cells are known to be activated by lipids which initiate development of atherosclerosis, a disorder of blood vessels which is responsible for most heart attacks and strokes. We aim to investigate how these cells contribute to the development of this important blood vessel disoder and examine potential ways of inhibiting their activation to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Consequences Of Dynamin 2 PH Domain Dysfunction In Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$665,267.00
Summary
Our team has just discovered a new gene mutation that causes Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. CMT is a clinically and genetically diverse family of human peripheral neuropathies. CMT neuropathy is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy, affecting approximately 1 in 2500. It is the most common human genetic disorder known and is caused by fifty or more genes. CMT is of large economic significance since many of the affected individuals are on lifetime invalid pensions and require contin ....Our team has just discovered a new gene mutation that causes Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. CMT is a clinically and genetically diverse family of human peripheral neuropathies. CMT neuropathy is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy, affecting approximately 1 in 2500. It is the most common human genetic disorder known and is caused by fifty or more genes. CMT is of large economic significance since many of the affected individuals are on lifetime invalid pensions and require continual medical and paramedical support. The new mutation we discovered is in a variant form of CMT and affects the protein dynamin 2, in an important region called the PH domain. The normal function of Dyn2 is to retrieve activated receptors for hormones and growth factors from the membrane of cells (caller receptor mediated endocytosis or RME) and it is also required for other functions like cell proliferation. The PH domain is the part of Dyn2 that allows it to move to the appropriate part of the cell when needed to do its job, but it is not known whether the mutation disrupts this function of Dyn2. Since Dyn2 has multiple cellular functions, it is not understood why it might cause the disease. Our goal is to understand why this mutation causes peripheral nerves to degenerate, by revealing which of dynamin's many functions are primarily affected. We expect to uncover a new concept in how RME links to neuronal degeneration. In previous studies we developed the first drugs that interact with PH domains. We will now fully develop these, and synthesise new drugs that interact with the PH domain, as candidates to effect some repair of the damaged PH domain. A better understanding of Dyn2 and endocytosis is crucial to understanding both CMT and ultimately for developing therapies.Read moreRead less
Natural Killer (NK) Cells And Development Of Atherosclerosis: Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$729,571.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fat and white cells in the blood vessel wall is the major cause of heart attacks, stroke and death. Cholesterol lowering drugs reduce the risk by only 40%. Targeting cells that promote inflammation is one approach to further reduce risk. We have shown that a specific cell type called a natural killer (NK) cells contributes greatly to development of atherosclerosis. Our aim is to understand how these cells promote development of atherosclerosis.
Protease Activated Receptor 2 Antagonist In Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,347.00
Summary
The immune response to infection involves a network of proteins that produce an inflammatory response. Sometimes this response is prolonged or uncontrolled and can lead to a large number of inflammatory and other diseases. We have discovered a class of drugs that can bind to a particular protein on the surface of human cells and control this inflammatory response. This property has the potential to treat a wide range of inflammatory and other diseases in humans.