Peptides Bound To Commonly Used Orthopaedic And Dental Biomaterials:In Vitro And In Vivo Effect On Osteogenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$273,428.00
Summary
In 1992, the orthopaedics industry fitted some 300,000 prosthetic devices, artificial hips, knees, giving this industry a global market of $2.1 billion with a projected market growth exceeding 10% per annum. In (1994-5) 5,717 prosthetic hips and 4,593 knees were surgically implanted in NSW of which 14% of hips and 9.5% of knees were revisions. Considerable health funding is allocated to joint replacement for the nation, although successful, outcomes are finite. Importantly, and aside from costs, ....In 1992, the orthopaedics industry fitted some 300,000 prosthetic devices, artificial hips, knees, giving this industry a global market of $2.1 billion with a projected market growth exceeding 10% per annum. In (1994-5) 5,717 prosthetic hips and 4,593 knees were surgically implanted in NSW of which 14% of hips and 9.5% of knees were revisions. Considerable health funding is allocated to joint replacement for the nation, although successful, outcomes are finite. Importantly, and aside from costs, patients morbidity is high. The major cause of long-term failure of these prosthetic replacements is aseptic loosening, the result of bone loss at the bone-device interface. Novel approaches to development of more efficient implant materials would ultimately lead to major contributions to the mobility and and quality of life for these patients. Considerable effort has been devoted to alter surface characteristics of orthopaedic implants to improve the interlocking of device and skeleton. We were the first to demonstrate that surface chemical modification of biomaterials using selected ions resulted in an enhanced bone formation. This proposal is aimed at chemically modifying the surfaces of commonly used orthopaedic and dental materials, to improve the biocompatibility of new devices and the surface coatings for existing prostheses. Furthermore, this application will build on the in vitro data showing that particular peptides specifically bind osteoblasts and therefore have the potential to provide a surface on a prosthesis that is conducive to bone formation. To date, we have coupled these peptides to metallic surfaces and will proceed to study the osteoblastic phenotype and subsequent osteogenesis. Development of these novel biocompatible surfaces is anticipated to reduce patient morbidity and result in significant health care savings.Read moreRead less
Characterising Protein And Membrane Changes In Age-related Cataract Lenses.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,624.00
Summary
Cataract is the major cause of blindness worldwide. At present the only treatment for cataract, is surgery. This, however, is associated with complications (e.g. posterior capsule opacification), is expensive (a major component of the Health budget) and cannot keep pace with the incidence of cataract in developing nations. In addition, due to the greying of the community , this problem will be of increasing importance in the future. For prevention, we need to understand why cataract develops.
Molecular Characterization Of The Gingipains Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,000.00
Summary
Chronic periodontitis is a bacteria-associated inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth, which results in the destruction of tooth support and ultimately leads to tooth loss. The disease is a major public health problem with a large economic burden and has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and pre-term birth and low birth weight. The bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis has now been identified as a major pathogen in the development of chronic perio ....Chronic periodontitis is a bacteria-associated inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth, which results in the destruction of tooth support and ultimately leads to tooth loss. The disease is a major public health problem with a large economic burden and has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and pre-term birth and low birth weight. The bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis has now been identified as a major pathogen in the development of chronic periodontitis. We have identified a major virulence factor of P. gingivalis which is an extracellular complex of proteins involved in binding and destroying host proteins. The aim of this proposal is to characterize the secretion, molecular processing and assembly of the cell surface complex using state-of-the-art proteomic techniques. This study will provide valuable insight into the molecular processes of a bacterial pathogen that leads to virulence. Detailed knowledge on the unique molecular events involved in secretion, processing and assembly of a major virulence factor will provide molecular targets for the development of specific inhibitors that may have utility as an adjunctive therapeutic and-or as part of a preventive regime or maintenance program for the control of chronic periodontitis. Further, the molecular insight that will result from this study will have broader application in the understanding of virulence factor processing of a Gram-negative pathogen that will provide paradigms for other bacterial pathogens.Read moreRead less
Defining The Role Of A Palmitoylated Variant Of Sphingosine Kinase 1 In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,452.00
Summary
Sphingosine kinase is a protein that when dysregulated is involved in cancer development and progression. We have recently made a substantial breakthrough in this area by identifing a naturally occuring variant of sphingosine kinase that is constantly activated and has an enhanced ability to induce cancer. In this study we will examine and target this form of sphingosine kinase as a potential therapeutic intervention in cancer.
The Role Of Protein Glycosylation In The Malaria Parasite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,428.00
Summary
The parasites that cause malaria have unique proteins on their surface that are essential for infection of humans. These proteins are useful for making vaccines to train our immune system to recognize and block infection by the malaria parasite. Our latest research has shown that these proteins are modified with sugars that enhance parasite virulence. We are studying these modifications more closely to facilitate the development of improved malaria vaccines.
Role Of Sirtuins In The Regulation Of The Carcinogen Metabolising Arylamine N-acetyltransferases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,324.00
Summary
This project will investigate critical biochemical pathways that regulate metabolic differences in normal and cancer cells. By understanding how these processes differ, novel approaches for detecting and managing cancer cell proliferation in humans may be achievable.
New metal-molecule binding motifs for self-assembled monolayers and nanodevices. The goal of this research is to investigate technologically interesting electronic materials using new molecular assemblies. We explore their application in some fundamental components of molecular electronic systems and anticipate that knowledge gained from our investigations will have significant impact on the field of nanotechnology, especially in the area of molecular electronics. Our basic research will contrib ....New metal-molecule binding motifs for self-assembled monolayers and nanodevices. The goal of this research is to investigate technologically interesting electronic materials using new molecular assemblies. We explore their application in some fundamental components of molecular electronic systems and anticipate that knowledge gained from our investigations will have significant impact on the field of nanotechnology, especially in the area of molecular electronics. Our basic research will contribute to Australia's reputation as a source of innovative research and ideas in an area where there is growing international momentum.Read moreRead less