Blood clotting is the underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes. We have discovered that the protein, ERp5, is essential for normal blood clotting. Our preliminary findings indicate that ERp5 controls the function of blood platelets in clotting. Our overall aim is to elucidate how ERp5 regulates platelet function. It is crucial that we understand how ERp5 functions in blood clotting if we are to effectively target it in disease.
Thioredoxin Interacting Protein: A Novel Regulator Of Angiogenesis And Impaired Neovascularisation In Diabetes Mellitus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
Heart disease is the leading cause of death and treatment options such as bypass surgery are unsuitable for many sufferers, particularly those with diabetes. This project investigates the regulation of new blood vessel growth through the action of antioxidants and also examines the contribution of adult stem cells to this process. Regulating new blood vessel growth provides a novel means to overcome current problems in the management of both non-diabetic and diabetic patients with heart disease.
PYROXD1 - A Novel Myopathy Disease Gene Identifies A Redox Pathway Essential For Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,247,992.00
Summary
An Australian family with a rare myopathy has led to the discovery of a new gene called PYROXD1; a gene that all cells need to survive. PYROXD1 plays a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. We are using patient samples and mouse models to find out what PYROXD1 does that is vital for cell and animal life. We will test whether redox therapies developed for neurodegenerative disorders might help patients with rare neuromuscular disorders, for whom there are no treatment options.
Consequences Of Disulfide Exchange In CD4 For Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,580.00
Summary
CD4 is a particular type of receptor on the surface of immune cells that participates in our response to infection. CD4 is also the primary receptor for the HIV virus which causes AIDS. We have discovered that a particular type of chemistry is occurring in CD4. This chemistry, which is known as redox chemistry, changes the shape of CD4. The shape change appears to be controlled by the immune cell. We have suggested that the redox chemistry in CD4 is important for controlling how immune cells res ....CD4 is a particular type of receptor on the surface of immune cells that participates in our response to infection. CD4 is also the primary receptor for the HIV virus which causes AIDS. We have discovered that a particular type of chemistry is occurring in CD4. This chemistry, which is known as redox chemistry, changes the shape of CD4. The shape change appears to be controlled by the immune cell. We have suggested that the redox chemistry in CD4 is important for controlling how immune cells respond to infection and how the HIV virus infects immune cells. Moreover, we have designed a small synthetic compound that blocks the redox chemistry in CD4 and prevents HIV infection in the test tube. We propose to investigate how the redox chemistry in CD4 controls the function of immune cells and infection by HIV.Read moreRead less
This program of research is firmly focussed on the basic mechanisms involved in normal functioning of cells and tissues, followed by a step by step process to understand the abnormal or the diseased. The disease states we are investigating involve the blood and blood vessels, and when there is malfunction it may contribute to conditions as diverse as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, inflammation and cancer. The program thus addresses the fundamentals of diseases which are responsible for most deaths ....This program of research is firmly focussed on the basic mechanisms involved in normal functioning of cells and tissues, followed by a step by step process to understand the abnormal or the diseased. The disease states we are investigating involve the blood and blood vessels, and when there is malfunction it may contribute to conditions as diverse as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, inflammation and cancer. The program thus addresses the fundamentals of diseases which are responsible for most deaths in our society. We will use technology which is proven to provide precise information, the molecular and biochemical processes responsible for cell function (or malfunction). However in each individual project there will be a clear path to a clinical use, diagnostic or therapeutic. Indeed in a number of the components of the program there are already potential treatments and diagnostics in development and trial.Read moreRead less
The Physiological Role Of Glutathione-S-Transferase In The Intracellular Storage And Transport Of Nitric Oxide And Its Biomedical Effects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,839.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to elucidate the mechanisms behind the intracellular regulation of nitrogen monoxide (NO) levels, which has broad implications for understanding NO activity in many processes which have major vital health implications, including the cytotoxic of macrophages and the control of blood pressure.
Post-translational Control Of Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,294.00
Summary
It is apparent that a protein called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase is important for controlling the immune system of relevance to various normal and disease conditions including pregnancy, cancer, inflammation, infectious disease and autoimmunity. Despite this little is known about how this important protein is controlled. The aim of this project is to better understand how this protein is regulated that can highlight ways in which to alter the enzymes activity to modulate immune responces.
Understanding The Contribution Of Iron In Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,263.00
Summary
Our group has discovered a novel role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in cellular iron balance similar to another protein called ceruloplasmin (CP). Both, prevalently found in the brain, convert a damaging iron variety into the safer form. Disruption in either protein leads to cell death. We aim to establish how failure in APP and CP response may be detrimental to traumatic brain injury recovery. Understanding the iron role of APP and CP will lead to therapeutics to counter traumatic injury.