Molecular Mechanisms Underlying The Positive Associations Between Male Gender And Leptin With Barretts Oesophagus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Barrett's oesophagus is a disease of the gullet that can lead to the development of oesophageal cancer, which has a very poor outcome. We have shown that the risk of Barrett's oesophagus is greatest in obese males with a high blood level of leptin, a hormone made in fat tissue. The aim of this study is to examine how leptin causes this increased cancer risk, so that new treatments or tests for Barrett's and oesophageal cancer can be developed.
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.
Competition For Polarity Influences Lymphocyte Differentiation And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
CD46 is a protein on human cells that viruses and bacteria bind to during infection. Our laboratory has found that binding of CD46 on immune cells impairs their ability to recognize and kill target cells and may explain the immunosuppression caused by measles infection. We aim to investigate the mechanisms behind the effect of CD46 on immune cells. The outcomes of this study will define new paradigms in lymphocyte biology and determine how CD46 influences the immune response to infection.
Understanding The Biology Of Pregnancy To Prevent Morbidity And Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,746.00
Summary
Progress in the care of the unborn baby, and thus optimisation of life-long health, will only come with a greater understanding of the fundamental processes that underlie pregnancy. My research is aimed at saving babies lives and reducing the long-term burdens (health, emotional and economic) of major perinatal conditions. I am uniquely placed to carry out this research, using the research tools I have developed to deliver real outcomes that will change clinical practice
Utilising Human Primary Immunodeficiencies To Study Lymphocyte Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,346.00
Summary
Human immunodeficiencies are diseases arising from naturally occurring mutations. In this instance, the specific genes mutated in the immunodeficiencies we study have been identified. However, it is unclear how defects in these genes make an individual manifest as an immune deficient state, rendering them vulnerable to disease. By studying immune cells from these individuals we hope to uncover the normal function of these genes and subsequently provide for new therapies for these conditions.
Using Human 3D Engineered Heart Tissue For Discovery Of Novel Biology And Novel Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
The goal of this project is to develop a model of miniaturised 3D human heart tissue for research into cardiac biology and also drug discovery applications. This will hopefully result in better, cheaper drugs in the future with less reliance on animal testing.
This application proposes to study in detail the main target cell for HIV infection, namely CCR5+ CD4 T lymphocytes. After 30 years of the pandemic, fundamental knowledge of these cells, such as locations in the body, differentiation from other lymphocytes, and survival, is still lacking. These attributes determine whether or not they will be infected by HIV, whether this can be prevented by vaccines or CCR5 blocking drugs, and whether their long-term survival results in an inability to eradicat ....This application proposes to study in detail the main target cell for HIV infection, namely CCR5+ CD4 T lymphocytes. After 30 years of the pandemic, fundamental knowledge of these cells, such as locations in the body, differentiation from other lymphocytes, and survival, is still lacking. These attributes determine whether or not they will be infected by HIV, whether this can be prevented by vaccines or CCR5 blocking drugs, and whether their long-term survival results in an inability to eradicate HIV.Read moreRead less