The Role Of Myo18b In Myopathies And Sarcomere Assembly
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$860,776.00
Summary
Muscle force is provided by a specific structure within the muscle cell termed the sarcomere. Sarcomeres are the engine-room of muscle cells, that act as complex cellular machines to controls muscle contraction. Many muscle degenerative disorders are caused by defects within the sarcomeres, but how this occurs is not well understood. This grant examines how one such muscle waiting disease, or myopathy, results from mutations in a gene encoding a component of the sarcomere called Myo18b.
Exploring The Therapeutic Potential Of TRAIL In Diabetes And The Metabolic Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,374.00
Summary
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a protein with potentially useful actions in human health and disease. TRAIL is able to prevent atherosclerosis, the cause of heart attacks and strokes. In addition, we have recently shown that its actions on fat and the pancreas may prevent the development of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. These studies will explore the therapeutic potential of TRAIL for the prevention of diabetes and heart disease in a range of animal models.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Assisted Cycling (eStimCycle):A Novel Intervention To Improve Outcomes In The Critically Ill
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$868,811.00
Summary
The legacy of critical illness leaves millions of survivors worldwide with long lasting deficits in physical and brain function as well as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early rehabilitation may prevent or minimise these effects. This study evaluates the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation of muscles with assisted in-bed cycling (eStimCycle) on muscle bulk, strength, physical and brain function at hospital discharge, 6 and 12 months.
A Simple Method To Improve Stem Cell Transplant Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,652.00
Summary
Despite the success of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and years of promise, almost all other stem cell therapies are considered experimental and remain in preclinical or early-phase clinical testing. This study aims to improve the efficiency of stem cell transplantation by manipulating cellular metabolism prior to transplantation, if effective these results may offer hope to patients suffering from a broad range of disorders.
AusDiab 3: Emerging Risk Factors For And Long-term Incidence Of Cardio-metabolic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,616,397.00
Summary
This study will track 11,000 Australian adults over 12 years to determine how many develop diabetes, obesity, kidney and heart disease. The study will develop ways to best predict those who are going to develop these conditions before they have arisen, and will explore a range of novel risk factors to better understand these conditions.
Periodontal Disease And Chronic Kidney Disease Among Aboriginal Adults; An RCT
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,035,550.00
Summary
Chronic Kidney Disease is a growing public health concern in Australia, especially among Aboriginal populations. It is associated with progression to end stage kidney disease requiring dialysis, cardiovascular disease burden and high mortality. This study will use a randomised controlled trial design to determine if comprehensive periodontal therapy reduces progression of kidney disease among Aboriginal adults with chronic kidney disease residing in Central Australia.
Regulation Of NOD Signalling By IAPs And RIP Kinases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,172.00
Summary
Alterations in NOD signalling have been implicated in various human inflammatory diseases, particularly in Crohn’s disease and asthma. In this project we will identify new molecules that regulate NOD signalling and test the effect of drugs that inhibit known components of these pathways to determine their utility in treating inflammatory diseases.
Defining Epigenetic Predictors Of Long-term Outcomes Of Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,408.00
Summary
On average, those born premature do worse health-wise than those born at term. However, some do worse than others. Our aim is to identify these people at birth to better help doctors and parents to closely monitor their health. For this, we will be “reading the diary of pregnancy” in the molecules added to chromosomes in blood during pregnancy in young adults with will characterised states of health. We will analyse DNA from blood that we will extract from stored heel prick spots.
Asthma is a National Health Priority in Australia. This project follows the major international study of asthma and allergic diseases in adults. We will re-examine people who have taken part in previous studies in Melbourne. The project also surveys people of the same age currently living in the same area. Participants complete a short postal questionnaire. In the follow-up group, responders complete a more extensive questionnaire and come to our laboratory for clinical assessments.
Inflammation of the kidneys is an important, yet poorly understood cause of kidney disease in Australia. This project will define the role of some of the immune cells, called Th17, that usually act to protect us from infection, but can turn rouge and may cause kidney damage.