Development And Pre-Clinical Evaluation Of A Silicone Dressing For Scar Remediation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$163,577.00
Summary
This research is aimed at exploiting advanced polymers as a new therapy for patients with burn related scars, as well as people who are genetically predisposed to scarring due to abnormal healing. In order to progress to clinical trials, the technology needs to be tested on an animal scar model. Successful outcome of these tests will allow the industry partner, Tissue Therapies, to proceed with a clinical trial, paving the way to a therapeutic product available for scar treatment.
Targeting Collagen Cross-linking To Improve Scar Appearance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$873,305.00
Summary
Scarring is a significant problem after injury, and the life-long appearance of scar can be very detrimental to peoples’ wellbeing, both psychological and physical. This work will develop a new drug to improve scar appearance. The drug is likely to be effective even after scar has formed, making it possible to improve scarring in many people. This will improve the quality of life for people after injury.
The Role Of The Actin Remodelling Protein, Flightless I, In Tissue Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,868.00
Summary
Human embryos possess the remarkable capability to repair wounds perfectly with no scarring, unlike adults for whom major trauma can result in life-long disfigurement and immobility. We have identified a method that may be able to reinitiate the ability to repair wounds perfectly and we will test whether this is the case using animal models of fetal repair.
Development Of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy For Treating Wounds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,354.00
Summary
Chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, injuries in response to trauma, burns and scalds form a medical need which will only expand as the population ages and the diabetic epidemic grows. In our studies, we have shown that Flightless I (Flii), an actin-remodelling protein, is a negative regulator of wound healing. We are developing monoclonal antibodies as a new therapy for reducing Flii levels in wounds which leads to improved wound repair outcomes.
Chronic TLR9 Activation As A Mechanism For Granulomatous Reaction In The Cornea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$283,416.00
Summary
Corneal opacities due to microbial infections are a major cause of blindness globally. Our novel data show that the presence of viral/bacterial DNA in the cornea induces formation of multinucleated giant cells, which are hallmarks of granulomatous reaction commonly seen in viral-induced corneal disease. Understanding the mechanisms and kinetics of macrophage differentiation in the inflamed cornea may lead to novel treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions in the eye and in other organs.
Effect Of Cross-linking Cytokines To Natural And Synthetic Matrices On Post-implantation Fibrosis In Animal Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$77,154.00
Summary
My research will focus on the development and in vivo testing of cytokine cross-linked surgical implant materials in selected mouse and rat models. We hypothesise that Follistatin bound to heparin sulphate cross-linked natural and synthetic matrix implants will suppress the formation of Extra cellular matrix around the implant during wound healing in a mouse surgical model.
Novel Ophthalmic Topical Formulation Targeting Molecular Pathogenesis Of Corneal Haze
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$296,090.00
Summary
Presently, no drugs are proven to cure corneal haze/scarring, major leading cause of global blindness. Haze is caused by eye trauma, infections or refractive laser surgeries. We aim to test a non toxic, novel ophthalmic topical formulation developed to act on molecular and cellular targets of haze formation. The successful completion of the study will determine formulation’s optimal dose, safety and efficacy for its future potential clinical use in reversing corneal scarring/haze without side ef ....Presently, no drugs are proven to cure corneal haze/scarring, major leading cause of global blindness. Haze is caused by eye trauma, infections or refractive laser surgeries. We aim to test a non toxic, novel ophthalmic topical formulation developed to act on molecular and cellular targets of haze formation. The successful completion of the study will determine formulation’s optimal dose, safety and efficacy for its future potential clinical use in reversing corneal scarring/haze without side effects.Read moreRead less
Pathogenic Role Of CDA1 Via Its Profibrotic Action In Diabetic Nephropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,737.00
Summary
We cloned a CDA1 several years ago and found that it played a major role in controlling a series of molecular events leading to production and accumulation of extracellular matrix causing scarring, as seen in diabetic nephropathy. This project aims to study the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of CDA1 in the context of diabetic nephropathy, hence allowing us to consider CDA1 as a molecular target for drug development to treat this condition and related complications.