Regulating Astrocytosis For Appropriate Defence And Repair Of The Brain After Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,742.00
Summary
An inflammatory process, designed to clean up cell debris and maintain tissue integrity following brain insult, also results in an astrocytic scar that biochemically impedes nerve repair. After 8 weeks astrocytes switch to become supportive, however once a scar is formed repair is permanently inhibited. Here, we will test the ability of biomaterials to optimise the timing of the necessary inflammatory phase, to encourage repair by converting astrocytes to their tropic phase more rapidly.
This project aims to develop a novel class of drugs with the potential to overcome the stability problems previously associated with protein-based drugs. We will develop novel molecules for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease. This project has the potential to lead to major economic and social benefits to Australia via royalty returns from drug sales and reduced costs for health care for patients with these diseases.