Novel Functional Imaging For Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,848.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition which affects the central retina (the macula) resulting in a loss of central vision. The lack of appropriate clinical tests to monitor the progression of AMD at the early stages of disease hampers the discovery of novel interventions aimed at preventing the development of advanced vision-threatening AMD. In this project, we will investigate the use of a quick and non-invasive imaging technique for monitoring AMD progression.
The Use Of MicroRNA As Novel Therapeutic Targets For Reducing Retinal Inflammation And Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,076.00
Summary
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in Australia. We aim to investigate a new class of potential therapeutics, microRNA which are involved in the regulation of many biological processes, including inflammation. A greater understanding of these miRNA will enable discovery of novel therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases like AMD, and will have further reaching applications in other inflammatory disease such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The Role Of Microglia In Regulating Photoreceptor Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,405.00
Summary
This project will examine a novel way that photoreceptors in the eye are regulated. In particular, the communication between resident immune cells and photoreceptors will be examined. The results will form an important foundation on which to develop novel treatments for diseases like Age Related Macular Degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration, involves the progressive loss of light sensitive cells from the retina, and is a major cause of loss of vision, and quality of life, in people over 60. Activation of immune mechanisms have been implicated in the disease, but it is not understood, why the immune system attacks vision cells. This study looks at the mechanisms of the activation of immune cells and will test treatment strategies to minimize immune activation, and thereby prevent blindness.
The Role Of Purines In Age Related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,434.00
Summary
Age Related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindess. In this project we will examine a possible cause for the development and progression of early AMD. In particular we will determine whether signaling of immune cells via receptors called purinergic receptors influences the removal of cellular debris as we age, predisposing people to the disease.
Novel Mechanisms Of Early Age Related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$933,953.00
Summary
Age Related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in Australia. In this project we will examine a novel mechanism by which the cells at the back of the eye, called retinal pigment eptihelial cells contribute to vision loss early in the disease. In addition we will examine the potential for two currently used drugs as well as a novel laser treatment in slowing the progression of disease.
The Role Of Redox-related Post-translational Changes Of Complement Factor H (CFH) In Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,019.00
Summary
Patients with AMD experience loss of central vision and this disorder is the leading cause of blindness in those aged over 50 years in Australia. There are currently no effective treatments for dry AMD. We have identified a protein that undergoes a modification in the blood and the eyes of humans with AMD that has given us new insights into how AMD develops. Specific therapies targeting this modified protein may offer a new treatment for this important cause of blindness.
Uncovering The Pathogenesis Of Age-related Macular Degeneration Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,289.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the Western world. There is currently no treatment designed to prevent this loss of vision. We have identified patients with specific genetic risks associated with AMD. We will generate stem cells from these patients, allow the cells to be affected with AMD, then assess the differences and thus establish cellular features associated with each risk. This understanding may lead to uncovering new targets for novel treatments ....Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the Western world. There is currently no treatment designed to prevent this loss of vision. We have identified patients with specific genetic risks associated with AMD. We will generate stem cells from these patients, allow the cells to be affected with AMD, then assess the differences and thus establish cellular features associated with each risk. This understanding may lead to uncovering new targets for novel treatments to prevent this common and devastating disease.Read moreRead less
Low Dose Aspirin And Age-related Macular Degeneration: Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,043,189.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of visual impairment in advanced countries, responsible for nearly half of all legal blindness in Australia. Due to increased life expectancy, the number of people with this progressive late onset disease will double by 2025. Aspirin could prevent or delay the onset of AMD in older persons but its bleeding risk also needs to be considered. This project will determine whether treatment with low dose aspirin reduces incidence or progression o ....Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of visual impairment in advanced countries, responsible for nearly half of all legal blindness in Australia. Due to increased life expectancy, the number of people with this progressive late onset disease will double by 2025. Aspirin could prevent or delay the onset of AMD in older persons but its bleeding risk also needs to be considered. This project will determine whether treatment with low dose aspirin reduces incidence or progression of AMD.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Reduced Phagocytosis In The Pathogenesis Of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$786,742.00
Summary
Understanding the underlying mechanisms which lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is critical if we are to ultimately develop novel treatments. We hypothesise that there is a defective ability to remove debris that accumulates in the retina as we age and this is a crucial step in the development of AMD. We will investigate this hypothesis in an AMD cohort and in a pre-clinical model where we will test the efficacy of an intervention that improves the ability to clear debris.