Developing New Therapies To Combat Tuberculosis Through Inhibition Of Vitamin B5 Metabolism In The Organism That Causes The Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,760.00
Summary
The metabolism of vitamin B5 by pathogenic microorganisms has been recognised as an attractive target for developing drugs to combat various infectious diseases. The aim of the proposed work is to develop inhibitors of vitamin B5 metabolism in the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, using a powerful, multidisciplinary approach known as “fragment-based drug discovery”. This work is likely to yield potent inhibitors of the target bacterium, which could ultimately be used to treat tuberculosis.
Combinatorial Therapeutics In High-risk Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,891.00
Summary
Modern therapies for children with leukaemia are curative in more than 90%. In contrast, survival for infants less than one year of age at the time of diagnosis is less than 50%. Better therapies are desperately needed. From laboratory testing we have discovered effective novel cancer drugs, which are not currently used for treatment of babies with leukaemia. We will evaluate novel drug combinations and test them in model systems, such that they can be fast-tracked to the clinic.
Development Of An Antibody-targeted Drug/miRNA/peptide Delivery System For Effective Prevention Of Restenosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$319,064.00
Summary
The re-blocking of vessels after surgery occurs up to 50% of patients, and none of the preventive approaches are cost-effective and safe enough. This project aims to develop a nano-scaled therapeutics delivering combination therapies to effectively prevent the re-blockage after surgery. If successful, this research will present a whole new range of therapeutic agent that prevents the patient from developing clots after surgery, improving the productivity and health of patients with reduced cost.
Immunological Changes During Pregnancy And The Impact On Viral Hepatitis Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,355.00
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause long term health problems particularly affecting the liver and can be passed from mother to baby. Despite the availability of a HBV vaccine babies can still become infected. During pregnancy there are changes in a woman’s immune system which may impact on HBV infection and make transmission to the baby more likely. This research aims to explore the changes in a woman’s immune system and the impact this has on risks for hepatitis and transmission to the baby.
Interaction Of Amyloid-beta And Tau Pathology In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,592.00
Summary
Currently, over 200,000 Australians are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related forms of dementia, causing a huge socio-economic damage. To overcome the lack of effective treatments, we need to understand the underlying causes and translate them into therapy. Using state-of-the-art cell culture and genetic mouse models, I will reveal fundamental processes in AD and related dementias, and develop tailored treatments to battle these devastating disorders.
Neutrophil-macrophage Co-operation In The Resolution Of Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,854.00
Summary
Failed inflammation resolution is at the core of many diseases and has a significant impact on the progression of cancers and atherosclerosis. Visualising and manipulating inflammation in zebrafish has led to key discoveries. Neutrophil-macrophage interactions may be a key process regulating inflammation resolution, and understanding this process better at a molecular level is likely to identify important pathways that might be manipulated for the benefit of patients with chronic inflammation.
Improving The Outcomes For Mothers And Babies After IVF Using Big Data Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,754.00
Summary
This Fellowship by using an array of modern and advanced research methods will evaluate whether IVF is safer and more effective by freezing embryos and transferring them in a subsequent menstrual cycle as compared to transferring the embryo in the same cycle where ovarian stimulation and egg collection have been performed. It will provide high quality evidence that will allow clinicians and patients to make informed choices regarding the safest IVF method for the health of mothers and babies.