Improving Synthetic Methodology To Prepare Pre-clinical Analogues Of Human Insulin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,708.00
Summary
The glucose regulatory hormone, insulin, remains the only treatment for type I diabetes and up to 30% of type II diabetes, both of which are among the world’s fastest growing chronic diseases today. Because insulin, if taken orally, would be broken down quickly, it has usually been given by injection. This project will develop novel chemical methods for the efficient preparation of novel insulin therapeutics with improved stability and oral bioavailability for prolonged treatment of patients.
Improving the function of GABA-A receptors is a key property of several classes of clinically important drugs including benzodiazepines and many anticonvulsants. However, the binding sites and molecular mechanisms of these drugs remain poorly understood. Using compounds similar to those in green tea, we will determine the molecular mechanism of these drugs. This understanding will lead to the development of better drugs for treatment of anxiety, depression, epilepsy, insomnia & schizophrenia.
Development Of Selective Melanocortin Receptor Agonists And Antagonists
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,607.00
Summary
Human melanocortin receptors play a key role in a variety of physiological processes ranging from energy regulation, skin pigmentation and regulation of food intake. This project aims to generate novel peptide based molecules that will selectively interact with different melanocortin receptors to better understand their pharmacology thereby opening the potential for future drug development for obesity, stroke or inflammatory skin disorders.
The WHO estimates there were ~189 million clinical cases & 584,000 malaria-related deaths in 2013. This translates to ~1,600 child deaths daily. There is no licensed malaria vaccine & all available drugs are associated with resistant parasites. This enormous health issue is driving the search for new therapies. We address this issue by identifying new drug candidates for malaria prevention, with unique modes of action to treatment drugs in order to overcome issues of parasite drug resistance.
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.
To Search For Genetic Causes Of Renal Disease In The Tiwi Island Aboriginal Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,721.00
Summary
This project aims to continue work done on identifying the genetic basis to the kidney disease suffered by the Tiwi population from Bathurst and Melville Islands. It is based on the outcomes of the first genome-wide scan in an Aboriginal population. The scan yielded a genetic association to a locus that has led to a very plausible hypothesis. If this hypothesis is correct, and the goal of this project is designed to find this out, then public health measures should be able to halt the progressio ....This project aims to continue work done on identifying the genetic basis to the kidney disease suffered by the Tiwi population from Bathurst and Melville Islands. It is based on the outcomes of the first genome-wide scan in an Aboriginal population. The scan yielded a genetic association to a locus that has led to a very plausible hypothesis. If this hypothesis is correct, and the goal of this project is designed to find this out, then public health measures should be able to halt the progression of this disease in the community.Read moreRead less
Epigenetic Therapies As Molecular Probes To Investigate The Molecular Pathogenesis Of Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$937,402.00
Summary
A major limitation to the success of targeted therapies in cancer is the fact that we have few if any tools to study in detail their mechanism of action within cancerous and normal cells. If we were able to visualise these drugs within cells and precisely characterise the proteins, DNA and RNA within a cell that interact with these therapies we will be able to identify strategies that can optimise their efficacy and reduce the side-effects of these treatments.
The Pharmacology And Toxicity Of Synthetic Cannabinoids
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$744,808.00
Summary
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have been recently linked to many deaths and hospitalizations but there is limited data available that addresses these issues. We have identified SCs which display unprecedented cannabinoid receptor function, unusual selectivity, and SCs with high activity at cannabinoid receptors. This project will define the role of CB receptors in the actions of SCs, and provide an evidence-based rationale for treating SC overdoses.
Combating Giardiasis By Investigating New Potent Compound Series As Leads For Improved Treatment Options
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$776,028.00
Summary
Giardia parasites infect ~1 billion people globally and are responsible for significant morbidity and disadvantage. There is no licensed vaccine and current treatment options are inadequate, resulting in poor compliance, treatment failures, rapid re-infection and drug resistance. New therapies are needed to combat this parasite and improve the health of millions world-wide. We will address this issue by investigating new drug candidates for the treatment of Giardia infections.
A Structural, Chemical And Functional Investigation Into MAIT Cell Receptor Recognition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,196,304.00
Summary
This project is focused on a type of T-cell, termed a MAIT cell, which is found abundantly in the lining of the gut. We are investigating how this MAIT cell is activated by riboflavin and folic acid metabolites. We are also examining how commonly prescribed drugs impact MAIT cells and how such activation may be linked to diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease.