Development Of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy For Treating Wounds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,354.00
Summary
Chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, injuries in response to trauma, burns and scalds form a medical need which will only expand as the population ages and the diabetic epidemic grows. In our studies, we have shown that Flightless I (Flii), an actin-remodelling protein, is a negative regulator of wound healing. We are developing monoclonal antibodies as a new therapy for reducing Flii levels in wounds which leads to improved wound repair outcomes.
Wounds and burn injuries are frequent injuries which can lead to deformity, disfigurement and loss of movement. The cytoskeleton is integral to the wound healing process and we have shown that a specific cytoskeletal protein, Flightless I (Flii), is an important regulator of wound repair. During the course of this fellowship I plan to further my investigations into the function and regulation of Flii in wounds and aim to develop new therapies for treating wounds and reducing scar formation.
Targeting Collagen Cross-linking To Improve Scar Appearance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$873,305.00
Summary
Scarring is a significant problem after injury, and the life-long appearance of scar can be very detrimental to peoples’ wellbeing, both psychological and physical. This work will develop a new drug to improve scar appearance. The drug is likely to be effective even after scar has formed, making it possible to improve scarring in many people. This will improve the quality of life for people after injury.
The Role Of The Actin Remodelling Protein, Flightless I, In Tissue Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,868.00
Summary
Human embryos possess the remarkable capability to repair wounds perfectly with no scarring, unlike adults for whom major trauma can result in life-long disfigurement and immobility. We have identified a method that may be able to reinitiate the ability to repair wounds perfectly and we will test whether this is the case using animal models of fetal repair.
Development Of New Therapy For Children Suffering From Epidermolysis Bullosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
Skin blistering diseases affect 1:17,000 live births. Constant skin blistering affects the quality of life and is often fatal in the first 2 years. For those children that survive, skin blistering leads to scarring, fusion of the fingers, infections and skin cancers. To date, the management of blistered children is mainly supportive and no specific cure exists. This study will develop new therapies for children with skin blistering diseases and will significantly improve their quality of life.
Wounds are not just the simple cuts and abrasions that can be covered with a band-aid and healed within days with no major consequence. They are a largely unrecognised spiralling epidemic that is affecting millions of people world-wide. This project aims to develop new approaches to heal wounds with research that is innovative, cross-disciplinary and has the ability to transform current approaches for wound management.
Function Of Flightless I In The Skin Blistering Disorder Epidermolysis Bullosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,796.00
Summary
Skin blistering disorders are painful and debilitating. They can lead to permanent scarring and may be life threatening within two years of birth. No specific cure exists. Our previous studies have identified the important role of Flii in wound healing. We now aim to investigate the potential function of Flii in skin blistering disorders. We will also determine whether modulating Flii reduces blister formation. This research could lead to new therapies for treating people with fragile skin.
Identification And Characterization Of A Novel Tumor Suppressor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,997.00
Summary
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with over 380,000 people diagnosed every year. Of these, over 370,000 have non-melanoma skin cancers including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Our laboratory has identified a gene in mice that protects animals from squamous cell cancer. The studies proposed in this grant examine the mechanisms underpinning this protective role and may have important implications for the prevention of skin cancers in humans.