Epigenetic Reprogramming Of Calcified Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells As A Treatment For Vascular Calcification
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,285,195.00
Summary
Pathological hardening of blood vessels, or vascular calcification, is a frequent and deadly complication of many cardiovascular disorders. It is caused by the irreversible change in mature vascular smooth muscle cells (the main cell type in the blood vessel walls) to a bone-forming cell type. We have now identified a new gene that can potentially revert calcified vascular cells back to their physiological state. This represents a promising new approach for treatment of vascular calcification.
Harnessing Macrophage-derived Cytokine Signalling In Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$991,926.00
Summary
We propose to develop novel therapies and tissue engineering approaches for the treatment of muscle injury and wasting disorders using specific muscle stem cells called satellite cells. Our ultimate aim is to accelerate the development of safe, effective and affordable muscle stem cell-based therapies, in an attempt to lessen the disease burden of muscle wasting disorders. The approach will make use of the novel stem cell activating compounds and immune cells that we have identified.
Targeting Neurovascular Communication As A Novel Way Of Reducing Vision Loss In Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$986,663.00
Summary
Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness. Here, we evaluate whether diabetes causes changes in the way neurons signal to blood vessels, and whether blocking some of the signals from neurons reduces blood vessel abormalities. Overall, this information is critical to our understanding of the early changes that occur during diabetes and whether novel treatments used early in diabetes can prevent long term changes and vision loss.
Dissecting Brain Network Ageing Using Whole Brain Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$692,964.00
Summary
In this proposal, we will make the first attempt to map the whole brain activity change during ageing using a series of state-of-the-art techniques. We will also identify genetic and pharmacological interventions that improve brain network function during ageing. Outcomes from this research will provide an unprecedented understanding of functional ageing within the brain and identify therapeutic interventions to prevent this process.
Organisation Of The Genome During The Development Of Antibody-secreting Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$886,155.00
Summary
Each cell of our body contains over two metres of DNA that must be correctly packaged in order for our cells to function. We are using cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to study how this DNA circuitry is established in the white blood cells of our immune system that produce antibodies. Our novel approaches will reveal unique strategies to modulate immune responses to our benefit.
A Novel Interaction Between The Immune And Vascular Systems In Early-onset Preeclampsia; An Opportunity For New Treatments?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$921,623.00
Summary
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that leads to poor birth outcomes and elevated lifelong cardiovascular disease risk in 4 million women each year. It has no cure and treatments are limited because the causal mechanisms are not understood. We have identified a specialised immune cell in the mother's blood that assists blood vessels to function properly in pregnancy. We will assess whether interventions to enhance these cells can improve poor blood vessel function and pregnancy outcomes.
About one in eight known genetic disorders involve DNA alteration that activates a cellular quality control mechanism that disables the affected gene. This mechanism is more efficient in some individuals than others. It can influence disease outcomes and severity. We will engineer and apply tools and models to measure and manipulate this crucial cellular mechanism. This will allow us to predict disease severity as well as to intervene where a manipulation of this mechanism will be beneficial.