Dairy Milk Phospholipids in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis. The present project is expected to provide novel information pertaining to the separation of phospholipid (PL) fractions from buttermilk. In addition, it will generate scientific/medical knowledge concerning the use of dietary PL preparations in the prevention of arterial atherosclerosis. Together, this innovative research will help support the commercial development of PL separation from buttermilk. It will also lay the ground-wo ....Dairy Milk Phospholipids in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis. The present project is expected to provide novel information pertaining to the separation of phospholipid (PL) fractions from buttermilk. In addition, it will generate scientific/medical knowledge concerning the use of dietary PL preparations in the prevention of arterial atherosclerosis. Together, this innovative research will help support the commercial development of PL separation from buttermilk. It will also lay the ground-work for additional studies into the therapeutic benefit of dietary PLs and the commercialization of milk PL as a nutraceutical or functional food. The present project thus has significant academic, commercial and therapeutic value of potential benefit to all Australians.Read moreRead less
Improved methods for quantitation of acute phase proteins in biological samples. Using monoclonal antibodies and fluorescence polarisation, we aim to develop improved quantitative analytical methods that are superior to the current clinical assays. The initial targets will be C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid precursor protein (SAP), but the technology should be readily adaptable to other serum proteins. Better assays for CRP and SAP will greatly facilitate improved clinical management ....Improved methods for quantitation of acute phase proteins in biological samples. Using monoclonal antibodies and fluorescence polarisation, we aim to develop improved quantitative analytical methods that are superior to the current clinical assays. The initial targets will be C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid precursor protein (SAP), but the technology should be readily adaptable to other serum proteins. Better assays for CRP and SAP will greatly facilitate improved clinical management of those at risk of heart attack, the single biggest contributor to healthcare costs in Australia. We further aim to adapt this technology to enable "point-of-care" assays that would help medical practitioners, especially in rural areas, to make informed diagnoses immediately.Read moreRead less
Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Heart Health in Humans. The primary aims of the project is to assess the effect of DHA rich tuna oil on cholesterol carrying lipoproteins and to determine a quicker method in assessing someone's omega-3 status. The expected outcomes include the determination of: 1) the most appropriate blood sample and a rapid test and for evaluating the omega-3 status; 2) the minimum dose of tuna oil required which will not only improve a person's omega-3 statu ....Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Heart Health in Humans. The primary aims of the project is to assess the effect of DHA rich tuna oil on cholesterol carrying lipoproteins and to determine a quicker method in assessing someone's omega-3 status. The expected outcomes include the determination of: 1) the most appropriate blood sample and a rapid test and for evaluating the omega-3 status; 2) the minimum dose of tuna oil required which will not only improve a person's omega-3 status but also improve their plasma lipid profile and hence reduce their overall risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD); and 3) the use of the Omega-3 Index by medical practitioners. The significance is the increased knowledge of the health benefits of DHA rich tuna oil and that a new CVD risk marker will be generally accepted.Read moreRead less
Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), a peptide biomarker discovery tool using tissue. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Australia. The newly developed technology of Imaging Mass Spectrometry for peptides in tissue has the potential to discover biomarkers for early diagnosis of cancer. This new technology could avoid a number of cancer deaths and reduce suffering of patients through earlier and better diagnosis.
Structure-based inhibitor design of VAP-1/SSAO for the treatment of respiratory dirsorders and other major inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, are widespread and often poorly treated in Australia and elsewhere. Inhibitors of the recently studied VAP-1/SSAO protein are predicted to effectively treat the inflammation symptoms of one or more of these diseases. A structure-based approach to discover these new medicines should pro ....Structure-based inhibitor design of VAP-1/SSAO for the treatment of respiratory dirsorders and other major inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, are widespread and often poorly treated in Australia and elsewhere. Inhibitors of the recently studied VAP-1/SSAO protein are predicted to effectively treat the inflammation symptoms of one or more of these diseases. A structure-based approach to discover these new medicines should provide a means to identify patentable compounds, with high potency, efficacy and safety. If this approach is successful, an Australian pharmaceutical company will be one of the first to the market with this new medicine to treat these chronic diseases.Read moreRead less
Proteomic study of urine to discover novel biomarkers for human prostate cancer. The purpose of this project is to identify novel markers in the urine of patients with prostate cancer. These biomarkers may ultimately prove useful in the development of novel diagnostic tools for the management of this disease.
Proteomic study of tears to discover novel biomarkers for human breast cancer. The purpose of this project is to identify novel markers in the tears of patients with breast cancer. The results from this study may improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients.
Development of a non-invasive diagnostic test of Embryo Viability. A successful outcome will:
. improve the cost effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies resulting in reduced health care costs and allowing greater use of ART in animal production
. by greater cost-effectiveness, facilitate greater access to these advanced technologies in less well developed economies
. build the national capacity in development and validation of biotech diagnostics
. build collaborative relationsh ....Development of a non-invasive diagnostic test of Embryo Viability. A successful outcome will:
. improve the cost effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies resulting in reduced health care costs and allowing greater use of ART in animal production
. by greater cost-effectiveness, facilitate greater access to these advanced technologies in less well developed economies
. build the national capacity in development and validation of biotech diagnostics
. build collaborative relationship between the CI, University of Sydney and a leading industry partner (Cook Australia)
. lead to significant new fundamental knowledge in embryology that will be of major International significance
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Characterisation of plant cysteine proteases with therapeutic potential. This project aims to uncover how plant enzymes have effects on the immune system. This will allow the development of these enzymes as therapeutic agents for cancer and autoimmune conditions.
Identification of novel biomarkers in tears for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The purpose of this study is to identify novel biomarkers in the tears of patients with CaP. The use of the several techniques will increase the chance of success and enable us to find more diagnostic markers. If successful, the identified proteins may be used to diagnose and determine the stage of cancer. This will help guide clinicians in choosing the best treatment methods for an individual patient. The m ....Identification of novel biomarkers in tears for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The purpose of this study is to identify novel biomarkers in the tears of patients with CaP. The use of the several techniques will increase the chance of success and enable us to find more diagnostic markers. If successful, the identified proteins may be used to diagnose and determine the stage of cancer. This will help guide clinicians in choosing the best treatment methods for an individual patient. The markers may also be used to monitor the disease progress and the effects of treatment. The results from this study may improve the prognosis of CaP patients.Read moreRead less