Role Of Transition Metal Ions And Redox Activity In The Development Of Atherosclerotic Plaques
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,018.00
Summary
Metal ions such as iron and copper have been reproted to be present in the lesions present in diseased human arteries and it has been suggested that these metal ions contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) via their ability to catalyse the formation of highly reactive molecualr fragments called free radicals. Though metal ions are known to catalyse such reactions in test-tube experiments, both the presence of metal ions in diseased arteries and their ability ....Metal ions such as iron and copper have been reproted to be present in the lesions present in diseased human arteries and it has been suggested that these metal ions contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) via their ability to catalyse the formation of highly reactive molecualr fragments called free radicals. Though metal ions are known to catalyse such reactions in test-tube experiments, both the presence of metal ions in diseased arteries and their ability to generate free radicals is controversial. This study will employ a novel, minimally-invasive, technique to assess the nature and quantity of metal ions present in well-defined human and animal lesions at different stages of lesion development. The ability of these metal ions to catalyse free radical formation from components present in the artery wall will also be assessed. The release of these metal ions from the artery wall to added organic molecules will be assessed as this might minimise their potential to cause damage, and provide a possible therapeutic strategy. These studies will therefore provide valuable information as to the significance and role of reactive metal ions in the development of human artery disease and the possible prevention, or minimisation, of such processes.Read moreRead less
Towards the sustainable discovery and development of new antibiotics. This project aims to define how to access silent biosynthetic genes within microbial genome to facilitate access to new chemical diversity hidden within microbial genomes. Using interdisciplinary approaches in genome mining and metabolomics technologies, the project expects to inspire and enable the future design of more effective antibiotics. Expected outcomes from this program include define new microbial defence molecules, ....Towards the sustainable discovery and development of new antibiotics. This project aims to define how to access silent biosynthetic genes within microbial genome to facilitate access to new chemical diversity hidden within microbial genomes. Using interdisciplinary approaches in genome mining and metabolomics technologies, the project expects to inspire and enable the future design of more effective antibiotics. Expected outcomes from this program include define new microbial defence molecules, to meet future demands in agrochemical and environmental sciences. It will also train future scientists and develop international collaborations. This should provide significant benefit, including a higher-quality workforce for research and innovation, positioning Australia at the forefront of drug discovery. Read moreRead less
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.