Roles Of Vitamin D In Skeletal Muscle And Satellite Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,891.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency leads to muscle pain and weakness that are reversible with vitamin D supplementation. However, precise biological effects of vitamin D in skeletal muscle are unclear. In this fellowship, novel mouse models and innovative techniques will be used to examine vitamin D signalling pathways in whole muscle and muscle stem cells. Ultimately, the therapeutic potential of the vitamin D pathway in treatment of muscle disorders and age-related muscle wasting will be explored.
The Influence Of Aqueous And Plasma Cytokines In Treatment Outcomes For Diabetic Macular Oedema
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
Diabetic macular oedema (DME) is the commonest cause of central visual loss in diabetics and has been linked to increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the eye. DME is treated with anti-VEGF injections, but these need to be repeated, with some patients failing to respond. We plan to see if levels of VEGF and other inflammatory markers will predict treatment response, so those unlikely to respond can be spared futile treatment and receive alternative treatment earlier.
Preeclampsia (PE) is the most common serious medical disorder of human pregnancy and leads to life-threatening problems for both mother and baby. Currently, the only cure for PE is delivery of the baby, even if the baby is not ready for birth. My research focuses on understanding how PE develops. Understanding how PE develops will help us to treat this disease and thereby improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) To Improve Understanding Of Knee Osteoarthritis And Develop Effective Therapeutic Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is increasing markedly due to an ageing population. This program of research uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve our understanding about knee osteoarthritis. It will examine knee structural change over time using unique 10-year follow-up MRI measures from a pre-existing case-control study. This program of research will also examine two randomised controlled trials which aim to evaluate therapeutic treatments for the disease.