Statistical Analyses Of Whole Genome Genotype Data To Better Understand Psychiatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$543,755.00
Summary
Until now, determining an overlapping genetic aetiology between disorders, required large study cohorts of family records. Here we will use genome-wide genotypes available on independent case-control samples to estimate a shared genetic aetiology directly from the molecular data. In this way we will explore previously intractable questions, such as the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis in people with schizophrenia, a well-recognised epidemiological puzzle.
How Are Periodontal Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis Inter-related?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,262.00
Summary
Periodontal (gum) disease and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases affecting humans. These two diseases have remarkably similar patterns of tissue destruction. It is possible that chronic periodontitis may prime or predispose susceptible individuals to developing rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment of periodontal disease may help reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
Understanding The Development Of Autoimmunity In Response To Citrullinated Peptide Antigen Presentation To T Cells In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,181,793.00
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease predominantly affecting synovial joints, in 1% of adults worldwide. HLA-class II genes underlie the major genetic susceptibility to RA. The programme of work brings together 7 investigators from 3 countries to determine how autoimmunity develops to self antigens in individuals at genetic risk of RA and why resistance alleles are protective against RA, in Caucasian, Asian and North American Native populations. We will provide a molecular
Human Fc Receptors In Antibody Mediated Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,824.00
Summary
A series of major Australian discoveries is leading to the development of therapies to treat major inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and similar autoimmune diseases where there is a significant unmet need for new therapies. A major molecule, caled Fc receptor was discoverd by the researchers who have now found new ways to prevent it activating inflammatory cells and therby preventi tissue destruction.
Inhibitors Of Class II HDACs In Inflammatory And Metabolic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$615,774.00
Summary
Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel syndrome are major social and economic burdens on Australian communities. Obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are also now widely viewed as inflammatory diseases. New specialised types of anti-inflammatory drugs are urgently needed to treat such diseases. This project proposes to create new classes of anti-inflammatory drugs by altering anti-cancer drugs called histone deacetylase inhibitors.
Improving Treatment Strategies For Chronic Alphaviral Arthritic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,624.00
Summary
Chikungunya virus and Ross River virus cause epidemics of acute and chronic arthritic disease in humans, which is often poorly managed with current treatments. This grant seeks to understand the mechanisms that give rise to disease in order to identify improved treatment strategies. Both the persistence of viral replication in joint tissues and unnecessary inflammatory responses appear to be important factors driving chronic disease.
Are Chondrocytes The Target Cells Of Glucocorticoid Therapy In Autoimmune Arthritis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,619.00
Summary
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects due to the effects GCs on immune cells or synovial fibroblasts. Recently, we have made the exciting discovery that arthritis mice with glucocorticoid receptor knock-out in chondrocyte are completely resistant to glucocorticoid treatment. This study will identify the mechanisms underlying these hormonal effects with the aim to find new targets for efficient treatments for arthritis.
This proposal aims to examine how the oral bacterial pathogen, P.gingivalis, interacts with the host to worsen the severity of disease in rheumatoid arthritis. We propose a new mechanism whereby the pathogen directly activates a major destructive host pathway to promote tissue and bone destruction, which are two of the clinical hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis. We also propose that this host-pathogen interaction occurs in periodontal disease.
Novel Insights Into The Mechanisms Of How Chikungunya Virus Cause Disease In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$554,808.00
Summary
Many of the most dangerous and easily transmitted infectious agents are viruses. The emergence of chikungunya virus globally and the recognition of this pathogen in the aetiology of chronic diseases show the need for a better understanding of how the virus cause disease. The expected outcomes are a better understanding of human alphaviral diseases, with a view to improving prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the disease burden of CHIKV and related viruses.
Dissecting The Great Ophthalmic Masquerade: The Global Giant Cell Arteritis Genomics Consortium.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,269.00
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of vasculitis in people over 50 years of age. If untreated it can cause catastrophic complications including blindness, though this can be prevented if treated early. Although there is clear evidence for a role of genetic factors in GCA, these have been little studied. We have established an Australian-led International consortium, with clinical, basic science and statistical expertise to thoroughly investigate this devastating disease.