The Effect Of Metals On Neurofibrillary Tangle Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,313.00
Summary
The majority of studies into Alzheimer's disease (AD) have focussed on two brain lesions- the plaque and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT), which are believed to have a causative role in AD. Our lab has made several seminal discoveries about the role that metals play in the development of plaques. We are now extending this work to evaluate the role of metals in NFT formation. These studies will provide insight into the formation and possible treatments for this primary brain lesion in AD.
Zinc: The Molecular Basis Of It�s Toxicity To Gram-positive Pathogens And It�s Exploitation By The Innate Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$588,398.00
Summary
Zinc in excess is toxic to bacteria, and the release of zinc is an important part of the immune response. Dietary zinc deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to pathogenic bacteria. How zinc affords protection has remained a mystery. We have identified a novel mechanism in 2 priority human pathogens by which zinc competes for the essential metal ion manganese. We will elucidate the molecular details of this mechanism and how it is harnessed by the immune system.
Peptides Bound To Commonly Used Orthopaedic And Dental Biomaterials:In Vitro And In Vivo Effect On Osteogenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$273,428.00
Summary
In 1992, the orthopaedics industry fitted some 300,000 prosthetic devices, artificial hips, knees, giving this industry a global market of $2.1 billion with a projected market growth exceeding 10% per annum. In (1994-5) 5,717 prosthetic hips and 4,593 knees were surgically implanted in NSW of which 14% of hips and 9.5% of knees were revisions. Considerable health funding is allocated to joint replacement for the nation, although successful, outcomes are finite. Importantly, and aside from costs, ....In 1992, the orthopaedics industry fitted some 300,000 prosthetic devices, artificial hips, knees, giving this industry a global market of $2.1 billion with a projected market growth exceeding 10% per annum. In (1994-5) 5,717 prosthetic hips and 4,593 knees were surgically implanted in NSW of which 14% of hips and 9.5% of knees were revisions. Considerable health funding is allocated to joint replacement for the nation, although successful, outcomes are finite. Importantly, and aside from costs, patients morbidity is high. The major cause of long-term failure of these prosthetic replacements is aseptic loosening, the result of bone loss at the bone-device interface. Novel approaches to development of more efficient implant materials would ultimately lead to major contributions to the mobility and and quality of life for these patients. Considerable effort has been devoted to alter surface characteristics of orthopaedic implants to improve the interlocking of device and skeleton. We were the first to demonstrate that surface chemical modification of biomaterials using selected ions resulted in an enhanced bone formation. This proposal is aimed at chemically modifying the surfaces of commonly used orthopaedic and dental materials, to improve the biocompatibility of new devices and the surface coatings for existing prostheses. Furthermore, this application will build on the in vitro data showing that particular peptides specifically bind osteoblasts and therefore have the potential to provide a surface on a prosthesis that is conducive to bone formation. To date, we have coupled these peptides to metallic surfaces and will proceed to study the osteoblastic phenotype and subsequent osteogenesis. Development of these novel biocompatible surfaces is anticipated to reduce patient morbidity and result in significant health care savings.Read moreRead less