Molecular Public Health In Australian Indigenous Communities And Developing Countries In Our Region To Improve Ear And Respiratory Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Prevention of pneumonia and ear disease is of global importance. This study aims to improve outcomes for children living in remote Indigenous communities and Developing countries in our Region. Vaccines and antibiotics are powerful health tools, but often fail in high-risk populations for these diseases. Technological advances allow us to better examine the causes of pneumonia and ear disease and measure effects of vaccines and antibiotics. This will allow us to design improved interventions.
Novel Pathomechanisms And Therapeutic Targets In Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,038.00
Summary
This fellowship will provide new insight into the molecular processes underlying onset and progression of common brain conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease. Furthermore, new therapeutic targets for these diseases will be developed and tested in model systems, to facilitate future translation into clinical application, and to overcome the lack of treatments.
Phase Variable Protein Glycosylation In Bacteria Mucosal Pathogens And Its Role In Immune Evasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,728.00
Summary
The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae is a leading cause of ear infections. Hearing loss from these infections can seriously affect literacy and educational performance. As no vaccine is available, we will research how the bacterium makes the HMW protein that is important in infection. We will study how sugars are added to the surface of this protein so that the bacterium can escape the immune system, its role in related bacteria and how it may be used in a vaccine.
Understanding Respiratory Infections To Improve Vaccines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$268,497.00
Summary
Indigenous children have the highest rates of ear disease (OM) and associated hearing loss in the world. Papua New Guinea has the highest child mortality rates in the Western Pacific Region with 23% of deaths from pneumonia. OM and pneumonia vaccines can be improved through broadening their coverage of disease-causing pathogens. This study will identify the pathogens that currently cause OM in Indigenous children and pneumonia in PNG, and will measure the immune responses to these pathogens, in ....Indigenous children have the highest rates of ear disease (OM) and associated hearing loss in the world. Papua New Guinea has the highest child mortality rates in the Western Pacific Region with 23% of deaths from pneumonia. OM and pneumonia vaccines can be improved through broadening their coverage of disease-causing pathogens. This study will identify the pathogens that currently cause OM in Indigenous children and pneumonia in PNG, and will measure the immune responses to these pathogens, in order to develop improved vaccines.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Regulation Of Cell Polarity In Development And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
Cell polarity is the property of cells to be spatially oriented in a tissue or organ. We have now shown that the gene Scribble, a key regulator of cell orientation, may keep tumour development in check. In this proposal, we will examine how disruption of Scribble and associated molecules affects normal development and promotes cancer using a combination of tissue culture studies and a newly established mouse model. These studies may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer.
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex Physiology, Pathology And Diagnosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
A sensation of movement from the inner ear is used to stabilise vision during head movements. Without it, every time you walk, run, or drive on a bumpy road, the world would appear to bounce. It can be debilitating when this sense doesn't work due to various diseases. This research examines what causes these disorders and how the brain responds to help recovery. A diagnostic technique, that we will develop for wide clinical use, will be used to assess and identify treatments.