Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) participates in cancer, stroke and heart attack. Studies show that measurement of MIC-1 in blood and cancer tissue might be useful to detect the development of cancer and determine whether it will spread. Also, MIC-1 measurement can identify people who are at risk of dying of cancer, heart attack and stroke. This study will show how MIC-1 may be used to prevent, diagnose and help treat these conditions and reduce healthcare costs.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a major chronic disease affecting over 100,000 Australians. Its treatment and complications impose a significant burden on affected individuals and their families and on the health system. T1D occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the islet cells of the pancreas. The team has developed ways to identify at-risk people, defined immune and genetic causes of T1D and is undertaking prevention trials and Australia's first islet transplant program. Th ....Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a major chronic disease affecting over 100,000 Australians. Its treatment and complications impose a significant burden on affected individuals and their families and on the health system. T1D occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the islet cells of the pancreas. The team has developed ways to identify at-risk people, defined immune and genetic causes of T1D and is undertaking prevention trials and Australia's first islet transplant program. Their multidisciplinary research is taking us closer to the prevention and cure of T1D.Read moreRead less
Investigating The Potential Effect Of A Novel Immune Regulator (JET) In Preventing Graft Versus Host Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,895.00
Summary
Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) is the primary complication of bone marrow transplants, in which the donor T-cells react with the recipient’s cells causing organ damage. Current treatments are not specific and cause further health problems. This research aims to test the therapeutic potential of a newly discovered molecule (JET) in treating and preventing GVHD. If successful, JET has the potential for treating other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and miscarriages.
A Congenic Approach To Analysing The Genomic Control Of Innate Immunity In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,156.00
Summary
In addition to the lymphocytes, which are specialised white cells that can learn to defeat the infections that the body has been previously exposed, the body has a number of other defences. These non-learning systems have been honed by evolution and usually form an effective first-line of defence. This proposal deals with three: complement, and two highly specialised types of white blood cell, the Natural Killer cells and the NKT cells. The project will study mice especially bred to carry differ ....In addition to the lymphocytes, which are specialised white cells that can learn to defeat the infections that the body has been previously exposed, the body has a number of other defences. These non-learning systems have been honed by evolution and usually form an effective first-line of defence. This proposal deals with three: complement, and two highly specialised types of white blood cell, the Natural Killer cells and the NKT cells. The project will study mice especially bred to carry different versions of the genes which control these defences. Particular attention will be paid to their involvement in the autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes and lupus.Read moreRead less
The In Vivo Biology Of The Novel TGF-b Superfamily Cytokine, MIC-1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,430.00
Summary
Cytokines are hormone like messengers that mediate the interactions between cells. We have discovered a new cytokine that we have named macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1). It belongs to a very important familty of proteins that are involved in wound healing, development and inflammation. Our data thus far suggest thatMIC-1 is an antiinflammatory factor that also involved in reproduction, especially in the health of the placenta. To determine the accuracy of these predictions we wish to use ....Cytokines are hormone like messengers that mediate the interactions between cells. We have discovered a new cytokine that we have named macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1). It belongs to a very important familty of proteins that are involved in wound healing, development and inflammation. Our data thus far suggest thatMIC-1 is an antiinflammatory factor that also involved in reproduction, especially in the health of the placenta. To determine the accuracy of these predictions we wish to use genetic techniques to delete this gene from a mouse. Study of this genetically modified mouse will give us a great deal of information on the most important roles of MIC-1.Read moreRead less