Making Human T- And B-lymphocytes For Immunotherapy And Antibody Production
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$795,880.00
Summary
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are involved in producing antibodies, killing defective cells, or killing cells infected with viruses. In recent years, researchers have found ways to harness lymphocytes to develop medicines for treating a variety of different cancers. In this project, we will establish methods to make human lymphocytes in the laboratory from stem cells, paving the way for the broader application of this cell type to new therapies.
Mechanisms Of Premature Cranial Fusion: Role Of Retinol Binding Protein 4 In Osteogenesis And Suture Fusion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,855.00
Summary
Craniosynostosis is a condition where the skull bones fuse prematurely, affecting skull shape, vision and cognition. It occurs in 1 in 2,500 births. The only treatment is surgery, which is life-threatening, costly and may need to be repeated. By studying how fusion happens in this project we may be able to devise therapies to minimize the risks and need for re-operation. Here, we hope to show that modification of a single substance in the skull of mouse models can prevent premature bone fusion.
Investigating B Cell Development, Maintenance And High-affinity Antibody Production By ENU Mutagenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
B cells are essential for the protection against infections. This application aims to identify new genes that are crucial for the development or function of B cells and will investigate how mutations in newly discovered genes contribute to defects in the development and function of B cells and the pathogenesis of B cell leukaemia.
Actin cytoskeleton regulation by E-cadherin and Src. This project examines a fundamental, novel mechanism of how cells work together in tissues. It will provide important new knowledge about how tissues become organized in health, and how organization might be disturbed in disease. It will build Australia's skill base in cutting-edge scientific research, and promote knowledge directed to the research priority area of Promoting and Maintaining Good Health.
How the Y Chromosome makes a male: Molecular genetic analysis of key sex-determining genes. Sex reversal and intersex syndromes are among the most common and highly stigmatized disorders affecting newborn babies. Our research will reveal how the Y chromosome regulates normal male development, identify the steps that go wrong in many male babies, and suggest ways to diagnose and deal with these conditions. It will also pave the way for biotechnological applications in the areas of stem cell techn ....How the Y Chromosome makes a male: Molecular genetic analysis of key sex-determining genes. Sex reversal and intersex syndromes are among the most common and highly stigmatized disorders affecting newborn babies. Our research will reveal how the Y chromosome regulates normal male development, identify the steps that go wrong in many male babies, and suggest ways to diagnose and deal with these conditions. It will also pave the way for biotechnological applications in the areas of stem cell technology, pest management, wildlife conservation and animal breeding.Read moreRead less
MOLECULAR GENETICS OF MAMMALIAN SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT: Molecular roles of SRY and SOX9. The development of sexual characteristics is critical to the survival of almost all animal species. This project seeks to clarify how male and female embryos develop differently, focusing on the Y-chromosome maleness gene Sry, and a closely related and equally important gene Sox9. We will study how these genes are switched on in developing gonads and how they interact with other genes to bring about testis forma ....MOLECULAR GENETICS OF MAMMALIAN SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT: Molecular roles of SRY and SOX9. The development of sexual characteristics is critical to the survival of almost all animal species. This project seeks to clarify how male and female embryos develop differently, focusing on the Y-chromosome maleness gene Sry, and a closely related and equally important gene Sox9. We will study how these genes are switched on in developing gonads and how they interact with other genes to bring about testis formation in male embryos. In this way we will discover new genes and mechanisms that are important for sexual identity and also other aspects of embryo development.Read moreRead less
Sex Hormones And Heart Disease In Older Women Study (The SHOW Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,672.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD, heart disease and stroke) is the leading cause of death in women aged 65 and over. Counter-intuitively, androgens may be as, or even more important, than estrogens in determining CVD risk and all-cause mortality in women, but this is yet to be verified. We will document blood levels of androgens in women aged 70+ and determine whether androgens are associated with CVD and death in this large cohort of elderly well women.
A Unique Network Of Phagocytic Cells At The Interface Between The Liver And Peritoneal Cavity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$787,521.00
Summary
This project aims to characterise the nature and ontogeny of a novel population of cells with phagocytic capacity that forms a network underlying the capsule of mouse and human liver reminiscent of that formed by Langherans cells in the epidermis of the skin. In this project we will characterise this newly described liver capsular macrophage subset, define their ontogeny and assess their specific functions.