The Genetic And Cellular Control Of Lymphangiogenesis In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,534.00
Summary
Lymphatic vessels and veins play major roles in cardiovascular disorders. In many vascular pathologies we need an ability to promote or restrict vessel formation. This research investigates the genes that control the development of new veins and lymphatic vessels. Outcomes will include a greater understanding of how our vasculature is formed, providing new knowledge that should contribute to future lymphatic and vascular therapeutic approaches.
Patient-specific Modelling Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is undoubtedly the biggest killer in the developed world and accounts for 30% of all deaths in Australia; killing one Australian every twelve minutes. My research group and I, combine medical imaging with biomedical engineering to perform patient-specific modelling. For example, we can predict the likelihood that aneurysm will rupture or the way blood flows through the aorta. My goal is to make these modelling tools accurate and robust enough to be used in the clinic.
Tolerance Induction By Antigen-presenting Cell-targeted Antigen
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
We have found that by ‘targeting’ antigen to the cells that ‘train’ the immune system we have been able to prevent the development of autoimmune disease. In the research proposed here we aim to develop new ways in which antigens can be targeted to these cells so that this approach can be applied clinically. The proposed studies will also determine how antigens targeted in this way restore self-tolerance and prevent autoimmune disease.
The adult heart has an extremely limited capacity for regeneration. In contrast, I recently discovered that the newborn heart can completely regenerate following a heart attack. How and why the heart loses this regenerative capacity after birth is not known. This Fellowship aims to unravel the genetic circuits that govern cardiac regenerative capacity. The proposed research program will develop novel therapies for heart regeneration through molecular targeting of regulatory RNA molecules.
Targeting The Class IIa Histone Deacetylases In Metabolic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Dysfunctional metabolism in skeletal muscle is integral in the development of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This project will examine proteins that alter the way genes are expressed for their role in dysfunctional metabolism in muscle. This project could uncover new therapies for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
The Role Of NKT Cell Subsets In The Regulation Of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$142,717.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of paralysis in young people. EAE is an animal model of MS that recapitulates many features of the human disease. Recent data shows that EAE is mediated by IL-17 producing self-reactive T cells. NKT cells are a group of T cells, whose activation protects against EAE, in an as yet unidentified manner. These studies will provide critical information on the way in which NKT cells regulate immunity and will enhance development of therapies for MS.
The Molecular Mechanisms Of Abscission To Complete Cytokinesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division that produces two daughter cells. Incorrect localisation and modification of proteins that regulate this process cause cell division errors potentially leading to cancer. This project will characterise how key cytokinesis proteins co-operatively function to complete cytokinesis. This research will increase our understanding of the cell division errors that contribute to cancer development, ultimately identifying new targets for cancer therapy.