Genomic-based Tools To Support The Control Of Urogenital Schistosomiasis And Hepatic Opisthorchiasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Over 100 million people are affected by parasitic flukes that promote malignant tumours. Parasite control depends on a single drug, making resistance an imminent threat. I will deliver new genomic tools to unravel the complex interactions between parasites and humans, and explore parasite population diversity on a continental scale. I will then prioritise a panel of anti-parasitic drug targets and vaccine candidates to deliver the next generation of interventions against parasitic diseases.
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasites known as schistosomes. As the current use of a single drug could lead to resistance, there is an urgency for new drugs. I discovered a novel cell death machinery in schistosomes and I now aim to unravel how this cell death pathway works and to identify the players required for parasite survival. The next step will then be to develop molecules that neutralize the activity of these pro-survival molecules hence leading to parasite death.
The Role Of The Complement System In Neurodegeneration And The Therapeutic Potential Of Complement Inhibition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
This project aims to identify the role of immune and inflammatory components in the pathology of neurodegenerative disease. Additionally, this research will determine whether a new class of novel anti-inflammatory drugs can alter the neurodegenerative process. This will allow for an increased understanding of the biology of neurodegenerative disease, and also may lead to the development of new treatments for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and motor neuron disease.
Investigatin The Causes Of Failed Efferocytosis In COPD-emphysema With A View To Identifying Novel Theraputic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
COPD is a leading cause of death. Smoking is the major cause of COPD and many sufferers are left with permanent damage and need ongoing treatment even after smoking cessation. Current treatments for COPD generally have limited efficacy. The project will identify the reason for the large number of dying cells and defective clearance of these cells that we have identified in the airways in COPD and study novel treatments that we hope will improve the health and well being of those with COPD.
Gene Discovery And Pathobiology In Muscle Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
I aim to find the genetic causes of muscle diseases that are lethal or severely debilitating. These diseases result in a significant burden to the affected individuals and their families and also on Australia’s Health care system. A genetic diagnosis provides families with answers, allows family planning, such that couples do not have another affected child, enables appropriate clinical management and gives researchers evidence as to how to develop treatments.