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.
A Novel Treatment For Ischemic Stroke: Preclinical Assessment In The Nonhuman Primate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$762,246.00
Summary
A major source of repair inhibition after brain injury is debris from dying cells, which contains proteins that hinder repair. This project will examine the expression of these proteins in a clinically-relevant model of ischemic stroke and determine if blocking the effect of these proteins neutralises their repair-inhibiting properties. If successful, there is likelihood that this drug, and method of delivery, could be translated into the human for treatment following an ischemic stroke.
Imaging The Human Fundus To Simultaneously Generate An Oxygenation And Blood Flow Map
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,944.00
Summary
This project aims to exploit a novel solution to a problem which has previously limited the potential for clinical diagnosis and monitoring of ischemic retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. We have devised a method of simultaneously recording blood flow and oxygen saturation level using scanning laser techniques that are readily applicable clinically.
The Protective Effects Of Fenofibrate In Diabetes-related Susceptibility To Ischaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,571.00
Summary
Blood flow reduction (blockage of arteries) to local tissue is a common problem for diabetic people. Fenofibrate, a cholesterol lowering drug, dramatically reduces the diabetes-related limb amputation and other vascular disorders. We plan to study the mechanism of fenofibrate to facilitate growth of new blood vessels to sites affected by vascular disease. Ultimately, this may result in new treatment for diabetic vascular complications.
The Role Of Androgens In Cardiovascular Repair And Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$464,468.00
Summary
Increasing evidence indicates that the heart and blood vessels are able to repair themselves in response to disease. Recent evidence suggests that in men, male sex hormones(e.g. testosterone) may play an important role in helping repair blood vessels. As men get older, their testosterone levels get progressively lower - this lead to impairment of vascular repair mechanisms with aging. We will study the effects of androgens on repair and regeneration of the vasculature.
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.
This proposal seeks to determine the therapeutic potential of stem cells for the treatment of brain injury early in life, for example as occurs in cerebral palsy. The project will test the capacity of implanted stem cells to both protect the brain and also to functionally replace cells lost to the injury in order to improve motor and cognitive function.
VCAM-targeted Delivery Of Recombinant CD39 To The Endothelium Is Antithrombotic, Antiinflammatory And Ameliorates Ischaemia Reperfusion Injury.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,327.00
Summary
Blockage of arteries with clots leads to heart attacks and strokes. Reestablishment of blood supply by clot-busting drugs or mechanical interventions paradoxically causes further organ injury. This is due to toxic chemicals generated by inflammatory processes and free oxygen radicals. We have created an unique drug that selectively targets blood vessels that are injured by process. The drug will deliver blood-thinning activity and reduce inflammatory stress selectively at the site of need.
Role Of Insulin-regulated Aminopeptidase In Ischemic Stroke Damage
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,219.00
Summary
Stroke is a neurovascular disease which is the leading cause of adult disability. A focus of our research group is to investigate the role of a protein called insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) in ischemic stroke. We have shown a dramatic protection from ischemic brain damage in mice with deletion of the IRAP gene. The aims of this study are to explore the potential use of the newly developed IRAP inhibitors in protecting brain damage following ischemic stroke and to determine the role of I ....Stroke is a neurovascular disease which is the leading cause of adult disability. A focus of our research group is to investigate the role of a protein called insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) in ischemic stroke. We have shown a dramatic protection from ischemic brain damage in mice with deletion of the IRAP gene. The aims of this study are to explore the potential use of the newly developed IRAP inhibitors in protecting brain damage following ischemic stroke and to determine the role of IRAP in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia.Read moreRead less
This project will test whether activators of a novel estrogen receptor (GPER) can limit brain injury and functional deficits after stroke in mice. Part of the work will evaluate two drugs currently in clinical use for chronic conditions – tamoxifen and estradiol – as potential therapies for use in acute stroke. We will study the therapeutic time window of several drugs over up to a week after stroke, and identify key mechanisms underlying the protection by these GPER drugs.