The Involvement Of Extracellular ATP In Photoreceptor Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$155,145.00
Summary
Retinal photoreceptor degenerations account for approximately 50% of all cases of blindness in those aged over 40 in Australia. This work will investigate whether extracelllular ATP, a signalling molecule, contributes to diseases affecting retinal photoreceptors such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
The Role Of Purines In Age Related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,434.00
Summary
Age Related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindess. In this project we will examine a possible cause for the development and progression of early AMD. In particular we will determine whether signaling of immune cells via receptors called purinergic receptors influences the removal of cellular debris as we age, predisposing people to the disease.
Acute injury can lead to chronic immune activation in both chronic kidney disease and in transplantation. We will study the role of a class of molecules, the purines, that are released by injury and lead to immune activation. We will focus on the molecular variations and pharmacological blockade of their receptors as potential treatments for kidney disease and transplant graft failure.
ATP Release From Gastrointestinal Epithelium: A Potential Target For The Treatment Of Slow Transient Constipation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,775.00
Summary
Slow transit constipation (STC) is a severe condition of the colon, almost exclusively affecting reproductive age women with no effective treatment. We recently found an association between STC and defects in connexin proteins in the large intestine. We aim to reveal the role of connexins and female hormones in the maintenance of normal intestinal function and their involvement in STC. The study will provide completely new perspectives in the understanding of the functional bowel disorders.
Muller Cell Reactivity During Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$258,000.00
Summary
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the working population. In some patients with diabetes, blood vessels within the retina proliferate, haemorrhage or cause retinal detachment. The underlying changes within the retina that lead to the proliferation of blood vessels are not well understood. One of the factors that leads to changes in retinal blood vessels is an increase in growth factors from cells within the retina called Muller cells. Muller cells are vital for the normal function of ....Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the working population. In some patients with diabetes, blood vessels within the retina proliferate, haemorrhage or cause retinal detachment. The underlying changes within the retina that lead to the proliferation of blood vessels are not well understood. One of the factors that leads to changes in retinal blood vessels is an increase in growth factors from cells within the retina called Muller cells. Muller cells are vital for the normal function of the retina and are known to be abnormal late in diabetes. They may also be dysfunctional early in diabetes and could play a significant role in causing the early changes seen in diabetes. Therefore a good understanding of how Muller cells change and the time at which they change is vitally important to gain a better understanding of the defects that are associated with diabetes. Furthermore, an understanding of the basic underlying cellular changes that occur in dibaetes will aid the development of more specific therapeutic agents in the future.Read moreRead less