Role Of Nucleocytoplasmic Trafficking Of Matrix Protein In RSV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,041.00
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of viral pneumonia in infants and young children throughout the world. By the age of 3, virtually every child has been infected by RSV at least once. RSV is also an important cause of pneumonia in the elderly and is estimated to cause more deaths each winter than influenza. In Australia, an estimated 100,000 infants are infected by RSV every year. In Victoria, RSV is the most common cause of all reported cases of respiratory tract disease, wit ....Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of viral pneumonia in infants and young children throughout the world. By the age of 3, virtually every child has been infected by RSV at least once. RSV is also an important cause of pneumonia in the elderly and is estimated to cause more deaths each winter than influenza. In Australia, an estimated 100,000 infants are infected by RSV every year. In Victoria, RSV is the most common cause of all reported cases of respiratory tract disease, with an estimated annual cost of $1-4 million. Despite more than 40 years of research there is no vaccine to prevent RSV infection, and the only drug (ribavirin) licenced for treatment of RSV infection is expensive, difficult to administer, toxic, and of doubtful efficacy. We propose to examine one of the RSV proteins, the matrix protein (M). M is very important for virus propagation and is responsible for resultant cell injury. We have observed that M enters the cell nucleus (the location for all cellular DNA and RNA synthesis) where it appears to inhibit host cell RNA synthesis early in infection; later, it exits the nucleus in a step required for virus production in the cytoplasm. The signals that regulate transport of M into and out of the nucleus and the effect on the host cell leading to pathogenesis, are the focus of this proposal. The results of this study will be beneficial in many ways. Most importantly, we will gain knowledge about the processes underlying cell injury caused in RSV disease, which may lead to the identification of novel targets for intervention strategies.Read moreRead less
Methods To Improve Detail Reproduction Of Elastic Impression Materials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,656.00
Summary
If a dental prosthesis is to fit precisely in the mouth, an accurate impression must be taken of the teeth and surrounding tissues. This research aims to evaluate variable surface conditions which may be taken into consideration to achieve an accurate impression, such as moisture, temperature, and the presence of contaminants. Although any distortions as a result of material interactions would be limited to the surface interface, inaccuracies here may ultimately compromise treatment success.
Schizophrenia is classified among the world’s top ten enduring disabilities. Hearing voices are a profound and distressing symptom, which have proven difficult to successfully treat. We plan to use the latest brain imaging techniques and genetic testing to develop the most comprehensive understanding of hearing for voices to date. These data are vital to the development of novel tailored treatment for patients who hear voices.
Study Of Motor Inhibition Deficits In Schizophrenia Using MRI, EventRelatedPotentialsand Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$261,687.00
Summary
The aim of the proposed project is to study the neural mechanism underlying failures of motor-inhibition in patients with schizophrenia. The project will involve the use of fMRI and ERP measures during performance of a Stop-Signal Task, in order to explore the neural substrates of task performance in healthy subjects, and activational differences in schizophrenia patients. In a separate experimental session TMS will be applied in order to disrupt neural processing at cortical sites identified by ....The aim of the proposed project is to study the neural mechanism underlying failures of motor-inhibition in patients with schizophrenia. The project will involve the use of fMRI and ERP measures during performance of a Stop-Signal Task, in order to explore the neural substrates of task performance in healthy subjects, and activational differences in schizophrenia patients. In a separate experimental session TMS will be applied in order to disrupt neural processing at cortical sites identified by fMRI. Systematic use of TMS across different cortical sites will be used to compare effects of cortical site and subject group on task performance.Read moreRead less
Impact Of Somatic Versus Dendritic Inhibition On Neuronal Output
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,047,686.00
Summary
The brain is made up of literally billions of neurons connected in complex networks. These neurons come in two primary flavors - excitatory and inhibitory - which work in balance. Too much excitation and the brain becomes epileptic, too much inhibitory and we go into a coma. This proposal focuses on the role of specific inhibitory cell types in regulating brain function, and has relevant to a range of neurological disorders from epilepsy, to schizophrenia to depression.