Comparative Expression Studies To Identify Cellular Factors Promoting Hendra Virus Replication For A Comprehensive Understanding Of Hendra Virus Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,619.00
Summary
Hendra virus (HeV) is an emerging pathogen indigenous to fruit bats. HeV is associated with limited outbreaks with high mortality in domesticated animals and humans. To advance the understanding of HeV-related pathogenesis, we will perform comparative studies in bat and human cell lines to recognise differences in virus-host cell interactions leading to a comprehensive understanding of the HeV life cycle and pathogenesis.
Early Detection Of Alzheimer's Disease Using Ocular Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,502.00
Summary
Curcumin fluorescence imaging of the retina will be tested for quantification of retinal amyloid plaque burden and rate of change. This will be compared to AD disease status, brain plaque burden and other markers to evaluate retinal imaging as an early test for AD.
Breast CAncer STratification: Understanding The Determinants Of Risk And Prognosis Of Molecular Subtypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,984.00
Summary
Breast cancer is not one disease, but many different types with different causes, treatments and outcomes. The aim of this project is to use genetic, lifestyle/environmental, mammographic breast density, pathologic and clinical data froma very large number of studies from all over the world to develop ways of predicting which women are at risk of particuar types of breast cancer, and if breast cancer develops what the likely outcome will be.
What Can Tau Deposition Tell Us About The Appearance Of Subjective And Objective Cognitive Decline In Older Adults?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,077.00
Summary
Subjective memory concerns are common in older adults, but it is uncertain how they relate to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers. Novel neuroimaging techniques have been developed for measuring tau deposition, a hallmark feature of AD. Using this technique, I aim to determine whether tau is sensitive to certain types of subjective concerns. My findings will reveal which concerns are indicative of AD risk, and which arise from unrelated factors, such as inattention or stress.
Dementia is an urgent global challenge with enormous health and economic cost to Australia. While the hope is for a cure, the number with dementia is growing and diagnosis is often delayed by ~3 years. This project will use innovative neurocognitive methods to achieve earlier diagnosis and develop tailored treatments. This will enhance or maintain function, promoting independence and community living, improving the quality of life and care for persons living with dementia.
Defining The Role Of MiR-146a In Human Hendra Virus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,998.00
Summary
This project aims to improve the medical management of people infected with Hendra virus by defining potential therapeutic windows for treatment with antiviral strategies. The project involves the study of microRNAs, a class of small ribonucleic acid molecules that regulate biological processes in eukaryotes. We will determine the role of microRNAs in the Hendra virus infection process in humans, and their application as diagnostic markers of Hendra virus infection.
Determining The Clinical Effectiveness Of Antiviral Drugs Against Oseltamivir- And Laninamivir-resistant Influenza Viruses In Animal Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$388,067.00
Summary
Currently, the neuraminidase inhibitors are the only drugs that are effective against seasonal influenza viruses. However, viruses can develop resistance to these drugs. Using viruses with varied levels of resistance, the project will determine the effectiveness of different drug treatments in animal models. This will lead to better treatment for those patients seriously ill with drug-resistant influenza viruses.
A vaccine to prevent AIDS is urgently needed. The European Union recently awarded over 20 million euros to a European consortium, called EAVI2020, to advance multiple HIV vaccines into human testing. Five Australian HIV vaccine experts are named investigators on this award to provide advanced laboratory analyses and intellectual input into the 5 year program if this NHMRC-EU Collaborative Research Grant is successful.
Boosting Effectiveness Of New Vaccines For Dengue ,HFMD And Influenza By Targeting Vaccine Antigens To Clec9A On Dendritic Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,332.00
Summary
Australian and Singapore laboratories will collaborate to develop improved vaccines against virus diseases, particularly Dengue, Hand Foot and Mouth Disease and Influenza. A novel technology will be used, the targeting of vaccines to a receptor on the surface of the dendritic cells that control immune responses. This will be used to boost responses to a series of vaccine candidates that are otherwise insufficiently immunogenic.