Therapeutic Targeting Of CD40L-Mac-1 In Inflammatory Disease, In Particular Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$559,642.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis is a major burden for human health resulting in myocardial infarction-stroke. We have previously identified a novel interaction between two adhesion molecules, CD40L and Mac-1, which mediates leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells being a major determinant of atherosclerotic plaque development. We are now developing blocking peptides and recombinant antibodies thereby exploring various anti-inflammatory- anti-atherosclerotic strategies, targeting both Mac-1 and CD40L.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common brain disease which has huge social and economical burdens for the modern society. It is caused by accumulation of the toxic peptides, called amyloid beta, in the brain. There is no treatment for this devastated condition. We have identified a fragment of antibody specifically recognizing amyloid beta peptides which dissolves and remove the plaques from the brain. This project is to further test this novel drug in mouse model of the disease.
Novel Single-chain Antibody-targeted Nanoparticles For Diagnosis Of Vascular Diseases In Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$460,797.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop targeted imaging agents that seek out specific markers for various states of cardiovascular disease. These agents would provide a method for detecting the presence and level of atherosclerosis and thrombotic events. The targeted nanoparticles may provide a unique opportunity to detect very early plaques, the vulnerability of existing plaques and difficult to diagnose vessel blockages such as pulmonary embolism.
Novel Selective Anti-platelet And Clot-specific Anticoagulant Strategies Targeting Conformational States Of GPIIb/IIIa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,517.00
Summary
The inhibition of platelets and the inhibition of coagulation factors are among the most widely used drugs in medicine and provide major benefits for numerous patients. Prevention and treatment of thrombosis, emboli, stroke and heart attack are examples of the many diseases where anti-platelet and anticoagulant drugs are administered. However, the downsides of these drugs are bleeding complications, which can result in death or disability. The consequences of these drug-associated bleeding compl ....The inhibition of platelets and the inhibition of coagulation factors are among the most widely used drugs in medicine and provide major benefits for numerous patients. Prevention and treatment of thrombosis, emboli, stroke and heart attack are examples of the many diseases where anti-platelet and anticoagulant drugs are administered. However, the downsides of these drugs are bleeding complications, which can result in death or disability. The consequences of these drug-associated bleeding complications are also a major financal burden for our health care system. Thus, progress towards therapeutic strategies with less bleeding complications is highly sought-after. The proposed project aims to generate new antibody-based agents for platelet inhibition. One group of these agents do only block platelets when they are activated. Furthermore, these agents allow an enrichment of potent inhibitors of coagulation factors at the site of the clot. Thus, these inhibitors should predominatly act at the site where they are needed. At the same time the overall concentration of inhibitors of coagulation factors can be kept low and the functions of non-activated platelet can be left intact. Overall, the proposed project aims for the development of novel anti-platelet and anticoagulant strategies with high anti-thrombotic efficacy and low bleeding risks.Read moreRead less
Inherited Genetic Variants As Prognostic Markers For Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,972.00
Summary
Bowel cancer is a major health burden. Surgical resection of the primary cancer is often possible at diagnosis, yet in many patients the cancer will recur. Together with mutations, inherited genetic variants influence the rate of bowel cancer growth. This study aims to identify inherited variants predictive of cancer recurrence. Improved prediction of recurrence will permit more targeted use of clinical interventions, tailored to the individual patient, ultimately improving patient survival.