Role Of Microparticles In Cardiac Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$55,575.00
Summary
Interventional cardiology has reduced the mortality rate associated with heart attack, unfortunately the prevalence of heart failure has subsequently increased, caused in part by reperfusion injury of previously occluded vessels. We aim to identify novel insights into the pathogenesis of IR injury in the heart, as well as the development of new approaches to prevent cardiac damage during cardiac surgery, transplantation, post-angioplasty and coronary artery stenting.
“I am a biomedical scientist undertaking basic and clinical research on the pathophysiology of growth plate injury and repair, which critically impacts on children’s bone growth and growth disorders. I aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms and deve
Identification Of Mechanisms By Which Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Ameliorate Renal Ischaemia Reperfusion Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$104,985.00
Summary
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical entity which is associated with an increased risk of death and chronic kidney disease. Infusing adult mesenchymal stromal cells (cells which usually reside in the bone marrow but migrate to sites of inflammation or injury) has been shown to be beneficial in animal models of AKI, but it is not known how they have this effect. This project is designed to investigate the mechanism of action of mesenchymal stromal cells in AKI.
To Understand The Role Of The Plasminogen Activating And Matrix Metalloproteinase Systems In Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,321.00
Summary
Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is known for its role as a clot dissolving protein. It is present in the brain and following traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can worse brain cell damage. We have established a mouse model of TBI . We will compare brain damage in mice that are deficient in or have high amounts of t-PA. We will also determine whether the recovery rate post-TBI can be improved using specific t-PA blockers. This project may provide new therapies for TBI.
Identifying Genetic Pathways Underlying The Development Of Distinct Neuronal Subtypes Among Midbrain Dopamine Neurons.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,709.00
Summary
There is an urgent need in the field of Parkinson's disease (PD) research to develop new strategies aimed at halting progression of the disease (neuroprotection) and alleviaing the symptoms (restorative therapy). This project employs a novel and innovative design to identify genes expressed specifically by the cell type most effected in PD and therefore provide new genetic targets for neuroprotective and resorative therapy.
Changes In Motoneurone And Motor Axon Properties Distal To The Lesion In Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,530.00
Summary
Following a stroke, adaptive changes occur in spinal cord motoneurones below the level of the stroke, but these are poorly understood. Apart from the exaggeration of spinal reflexes, distal changes have largely been neglected by clinicians. Even the mechanisms responsible for the exaggeration of spinal reflexes are still debated, in part because no single process can account for it. Using novel experimental techniques originally developed to study biophysical properties of human peripheral nerve ....Following a stroke, adaptive changes occur in spinal cord motoneurones below the level of the stroke, but these are poorly understood. Apart from the exaggeration of spinal reflexes, distal changes have largely been neglected by clinicians. Even the mechanisms responsible for the exaggeration of spinal reflexes are still debated, in part because no single process can account for it. Using novel experimental techniques originally developed to study biophysical properties of human peripheral nerves, this project will quantify the changes in excitability that occur in motoneurones and their peripheral extension, the motor axon, and compare these with the findings on the non-paralysed side of the same patients and with healthy matched control subjects. The changes that occur over time will be documented in longitudinal studies. The findings will be correlated with the patient's clinical status, providing insight into the extent to which changes in motoneurone properties drive clinical manifestations such as spasticity. In addition, control studies will provide further insight into whether disturbed transmission in some specific spinal reflex pathways contributes significantly to spasticity. The project is important for understanding the nature of adaptive changes (plasticity) in neural structures following lesions in the central nervous system and will shed light on the remote changes that occur in stroke. The studies are relevant not only for understanding current deficits but also for understanding and perhaps altering outcomes using rehabilitation procedures.Read moreRead less
Immunotoxic Effects Of Engineered Nanomaterials Used In The Australian Workplace
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,816.00
Summary
Certain engineered nanomaterials are more toxic than their bulk material forms. We urgently need the ability to re-engineer these nanomaterials to reduce their toxicity and potential health risks, but lack the necessary knowledge. This project directly addresses the NHMRC Strategic Initiative on Nanotechnology and Health, by providing essential information for designing safer nanomaterials from systemically studying the immune effects of metal oxide nanoparticles used in Australian industry.
Neural Plasticity Following Lesions Of The Central Nervous System In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,487.00
Summary
The brain and nervous system can adapt to injury and disease. The compensatory changes underlying this plasticity can ameliorate disability. This project will investigate the underlying mechanisms in patients with multiple sclerosis, by examining changes in the properties of nerve fibres in the peripheral nerve. The rationale for the project is that the properties of peripheral nerve fibres can reflect, at least in part, the properties of their cell bodies within the spinal cord.