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 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.
Molecular Characterization Of Human Caliciviruses Causing Gastroenteritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$173,380.00
Summary
A common cause of outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea in the community are small viruses approximately 30 nm in diameter. During outbreaks of such viral gastroenteritis, large numbers of people may become ill. The viruses may be transmitted in contaminated food or drink, or passed from person to person. Outbreaks have been associated with hospital wards, nursing homes, school camps, cruise ships and airline flights. The viruses causing these outbreaks are human caliciviruses. They have a structu ....A common cause of outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea in the community are small viruses approximately 30 nm in diameter. During outbreaks of such viral gastroenteritis, large numbers of people may become ill. The viruses may be transmitted in contaminated food or drink, or passed from person to person. Outbreaks have been associated with hospital wards, nursing homes, school camps, cruise ships and airline flights. The viruses causing these outbreaks are human caliciviruses. They have a structural resemblance to the rabbit virus recently released in Australia, but possess an alternative host range, and they produce different symptoms in the infected host. The human caliciviruses are difficult to study in the laboratory. They do not replicate in cell culture systems and no animal is known to show symptoms of infection. In this project, the techniques of genetic engineering are being used to develop diagnostic reagents for the viruses, and to study the functions of the proteins encoded by the viral genes. In the longer term, it may be feasible to develop vaccines and drugs against these viruses, but first it is necessary to discover how many types are circulating world-wide and in Australia, and to identify potential targets for antiviral drugs during virus replication.Read moreRead less