Targeting Hypermutable ‘superbugs’ In Chronic Respiratory Infections By Optimised Antibiotic Combination Dosage Regimens
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,731.00
Summary
Many bacterial ‘superbugs’ can increase their mutation rate, i.e. become hypermutable, and thus rapidly become resistant to multiple antibiotics. Chronic lung infections with hypermutable bacteria cause increased ill-health and death in patients and current treatments do not work well. We will develop improved treatments using combinations of available antibiotics. This project will provide guidance to doctors on how to treat infections more effectively and minimise emergence of resistance.
Novel Prolonged-release Polymeric Microparticles For Relief Of Intractable Cancer-related Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$796,950.00
Summary
For the 10-30% of patients with advanced cancer who experience intractable pain despite administration of large doses of morphine-like drugs by mouth or injection, more invasive dosing routes may be needed. This project will utilise innovative polymer chemistry to develop bioerodable prolonged-release polymer microparticles to deliver pain-killers into the spinal fluid near to the cells that mediate their actions, with a view to producing prolonged periods of analgesia in these patients.
Developing Irreversible Electroporation Non-Thermal Tumor Ablation For Organ-Confined Prostate Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,512.00
Summary
IRE is technique for targeted tissue ablation. Electrodes placed into the targeted area deliver intense, brief electric pulses. Nano-scale pores are created in the cell membrane killing the cells but preserving the extracellular matrix. The pulses do not affect sensitive structures including neurovascular bundles, major vasculature and ductal systems preserving their function. It may address prostate regions implicated in prostate cancer without damaging vital structures, reducing side effects.
Optimisation Of The Safety And Efficacy Of Protein Kinase Inhibitors Using Endogenous And Dietary Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,360.00
Summary
Many new cancer medicines are part of the 'kinase inhibitor' group of drugs. Although these drugs are effective in treating a range of different cancers, opportunities remain to improve the effectiveness and safety by more intelligently deciding the dose of the drug that a specific individual should receive. The research aims to assess whether the levels of chemicals normally present in the blood of individuals being treated can be used to guide the best dose an individual should receive.
The Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic And Pharmacogenomic Outcomes Of Reduced Dosage Of Efavirenz: The Encore1 Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,234,943.00
Summary
Our primary aim is to assess blood concentrations of a drug called efavirenz, an important drug used in the treatment of HIV infection and associate these with variability of genes that control metabolism of the drug. A better understanding of gene variability and how it relates to safety and efficacy outcomes at a reduced, compared to a standard dose of efavirenz could support improved treatment of HIV disease.
Early Indicators Of Noise Injury: Are Decreased Auditory Processing Skills Evident In Noise-exposed Adults Prior To Diagnosis Of Hearing Loss?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,605.00
Summary
Recent research indicates that noise-exposed individuals with similar hearing thresholds to non-noise exposed counterparts are more likely to have diminished temporal and spectral auditory processing abilities. This research aims to determine the relationship between noise exposure levels and auditory processing difficulties; the influence of musical training in ameliorating these difficulties; and a neurological model of causation, operation and possible remediation of these difficulties.
Regulation Of Cortical Excitability By GABAB Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,976.00
Summary
In the brain electrical activity either excites or inhibits nerve cells. Excitation is balanced by inhibition. If these two processes become unbalanced we can become unconscious or go into seizure. These extreme conditions emphasize the importance of the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. While there has been much work on the role of excitation, less is known about inhibition. In this project proposal we will investigate how inhibition regulates excitation in the cortex.
Cochlear Type II Neurons In Contralateral Suppression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,434.00
Summary
Sound in one ear affects hearing in the other ear. This contralateral suppression is important for hearing attention and protection from noise damage. We will test the hypothesis that cochlear type II sensory neurons provide the sensory input for this process using models where neuronal development is altered, or the neurons are removed. The study addresses hearing disability in society, facilitating cochlear prosthesis development and the understanding of hearing loss.
Cell-specific Regulation Of The MicroRNA/RNAi Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$659,390.00
Summary
MicroRNAs are a group of molecules that are critical for controlling the activity of genes. They function in a diverse range of biological systems, such the brain and immune system. Although we know that these molecules are important, how they are made in cells is still poorly understood. Because these molecules have potential therapeutic applications, it is essential that we gain a precise understanding of their biology before we will be able to apply these to medicine.
A Novel Molecular Mechanism Controlling Myelopoiesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,439.00
Summary
The immune system is comprised of many different cell types, each with a specialised function. Many are short-lived and must be continually replenished throughout life. Abnormalities in this process underlie many human diseases, including immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and cancer. We have discovered a novel molecular mechanism that is critical for the production of immune cells. This project will investigate how this mechanism is controlled and the impacts on myelodysplastic syndromes.