This project aims to improve the acute treatment of children with burn injuries through developing more effective and novel treatments and understanding the conditions required for burn injuries to occur.
Stem And Progenitor Cell Contribution To Skin Wounds And Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Skin wounds represent a major health and economic burden. Although skin stem cells have been used routinely for the treatment of wounds, they cannot reconstitute a fully functional skin given the complexity and the many cell types usually involved in wound healing. In this project, we intend to evaluate the role of different cell populations on modulating skin wound healing to produce more regeneration and less scaring.
Modulating Skin Regenerative Responses To Improve Wound Repair And Fight Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Skin disorders, such as hard to heal wounds or the most common skin cancers, are a major burden on the national health system. Despite their different nature they employ similar mechanisms of response to injury. In this project we intend to develop a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms at play to allow clinical interventions to prevent or to cure these disorders.
Wounds, burns and scalds are frequent injuries which can lead to deformity, disfigurement and loss of movement. We have shown that the cytoskeletal protein, Flightless I (FliI), is an important regulator of wound repair. We plan to further investigate FliI in wound and burn injuries using new cell-specific transgenic animal models and to develop a new FliI-antibody based therapy to treat wound and burn injuries.
Understanding The Regulation Of Cell Polarity In Development And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
Cell polarity is the property of cells to be spatially oriented in a tissue or organ. We have now shown that the gene Scribble, a key regulator of cell orientation, may keep tumour development in check. In this proposal, we will examine how disruption of Scribble and associated molecules affects normal development and promotes cancer using a combination of tissue culture studies and a newly established mouse model. These studies may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer.
The Epidemiology And Control Of Sexually Transmitted Infections Within Australia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia are increasing. Without effective vaccines, STIs can only be controlled by behavioral or screening interventions. This program of research will help us understand how STIs such as chlamydia, Mycoplasma genitalium, HPV and bacterial vaginosis spread among Australians and will help us to determine how best to control them.
Addressing Important Evidence Gaps In The Management Of Severe Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$256,839.00
Summary
There are currently large gaps in the evidence base for management of common severe bacterial infections. My research plan focuses on the most common of these: Staphylococcus aureus infections, bone and joint infections, skin infections, and severe sepsis. In order to both generate important evidence to inform practice, as well as to develop my own skills and experience as an expert in clinical trials, I have initiated randomised controlled trials in each of these areas.
Optimising Interventions For Staphylococcus Aureus And Skin Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,381.00
Summary
Staphylococcal and streptococcal infections are major causes of illness and death, particularly in Indigenous Australians. These include invasive bloodstream infections and skin infections that lead to chronic kidney and heart disease. I will conduct clinical trials to optimise the management of staphylococcal bloodstream infections using novel trial methods, and use genomics and mathematical modelling to understand and reduce the burden of skin infections in Indigenous communities.