The Role Of Estrogen Signalling In The Development And Progress Of Neovascularisation In Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye disease. In the advanced stages of the disease, abnormal and leaky blood vessels form, causing permanent and severe vision loss. A novel treatment is the application of the sex hormone, estrogen, which could halt abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. This project aims to confirm the protective effects of estrogen on eye health and whether mutations in estrogen-related genes alter the risk of vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth.
The Role Of Microglia In Regulating Photoreceptor Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,405.00
Summary
This project will examine a novel way that photoreceptors in the eye are regulated. In particular, the communication between resident immune cells and photoreceptors will be examined. The results will form an important foundation on which to develop novel treatments for diseases like Age Related Macular Degeneration.
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection Of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$460,668.00
Summary
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a vision-threatening parasitic eye infection that is common in Australia and worldwide. No treatment cures the disease. This work will characterize cellular and molecular events occuring in the eye during an infection, which is an important first step toward the development of more effective treatments for patients with the condition.