Targeting A Novel Anti-platelet Mechanism For Improved Anti-thrombotic Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$985,938.00
Summary
Blood clots cause heart attacks and most strokes, which are the most common cause of death in the world. Platelets are the cells in the blood that form these clots, and drugs that prevent platelet function are the major approach for heart attack and stroke prevention. However, many patients are resistant to the effects of existing therapies. These studies will develop a unique approach to prevent platelet function that may help overcome the limitations of current drugs.
Characterisation Of Autophagy Deficiency In Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$956,237.00
Summary
Defects in skeletal muscle are a cause of muscle disease, and also have broad health implications for diabetes, obesity and liver disease. As such, it is important to understand the processes required for healthy muscle and how signals communicate from muscle to the liver and fat, which integrate whole body metabolism. This application examines how the cellular degradation process known as autophagy integrates these important processes by investigating a novel gene regulator of this pathway.
The Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On Novel Anti-Inflammatory Metabolites And Telomere Length In Early And Later Life: Potential Implications For Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$870,091.00
Summary
Exciting new effects of omega-3 fats from fish oil have recently been discovered which actively reduce inflammation and help prolong cell life. These mechanisms are relevant to the risk of complications of obesity and cardiovascular disease. We will study the effects of fish oil given in pregnancy, infancy and later in life, with a view to using omega-3 fatty acid supplements for both early prevention and later treatment of obesity and cardiovascular disease.
The immune system usually rapidly responds to eradicate infectious pathogens. However patients with mutations in the gene PI3KCD, which is important for delivering messages within immune cells, are unable to control infections with some bacteria and viruses. We will study the effects of these mutations on B cells, the immune cells produce antibodies that bind to and remove pathogens from our body. This will explain some of the clinical features of this disease and reveal potential new treatments
Investigation Of The Role Of PI3-kinase In The Regulation Of Angiogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$837,660.00
Summary
The formation of blood vessels is critical for the development of embryos, but also after birth in processes such as wound healing. However, the uncontrolled formation of new blood vessels is also a feature of many human diseases such as cancer, and eye diseases that lead to blindness in adults or in premature infants. We propose to identify new regulators of blood vessel development, in order to improve current treatment therapies for these debilitating diseases.
Efficacy And Safety Of Omega-3 DHA Supplementation In Preterm Infants: Childhood Follow-up Of The N3RO Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,218.00
Summary
Giving babies born 3 to 4 months prematurely the omega-3 DHA has been thought to improve their mental development. But we don’t yet know if this is indeed so. In this follow-up study, we will be able to find out the important longer-term effects at 5-years of age of extra DHA in the first months of life by assessing the children’s mental development.
Molecular And Therapeutic Interactions In Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,409.00
Summary
This project will use our unique preclinical models to unravel the molecular and cellular events underlying the cooperation between two important cancer-causing pathways, PI3K and Apc/Wnt, in driving the development of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. Our studies will provide critical new insights into the clinical significance of this interaction as well as the potential role of these pathways in the prophylactic and therapeutic actions of aspirin in the context of colorectal cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among females which affects 1 in 8 women. Normal cells only divide when they receive a stimulus however cancer cells divide uncontrollably and are able to spread to other sites in the body, a process known as metastasis. We have identified a cancer suppressing gene which regulates cancer spread. This grant aims to characterise the mechanisms by which this gene controls cell movement and breast cancer spread.
Characterisation Of PI3-kinase-dependent Signalling Networks In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$915,182.00
Summary
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in Australia. Cancer cells are able to spread to other sites in the body by a process known as metastasis which is the leading cause of breast cancer death. We have identified a gene which controls breast cancer growth and metastasis. This grant aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which this gene co-operates with another gene to regulate breast cancer growth and metastasis which thereby may affect disease outcome.
Reducing Cardiovascular Risk In Children Born With Poor Fetal Growth: The Small Baby Omega-3 (SO3) Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$999,791.00
Summary
Poor fetal growth affects about 10% of people, and is a risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease in adults. There is no current treatment to reduce the increased risk of heart disease due to poor fetal growth. This study will determine whether taking fish oils during infancy reduces arterial wall thickness, a sign of the disease that causes the majority of heart attacks, and lowers blood pressure in children who had poor fetal growth.