Understanding The Mechanisms Underlying Airway Remodelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
Changes in the structure of the lung contribute to the development of disease, but are not responsive to our current therapies. I have found two key structural proteins that are altered in asthma. This research will characterise the regulation and role of these proteins in the disease process. In addition, it will determine if these proteins also contribute to the development of other serious fibrotic diseases, for which there are no current treatments.
The Central Role Of Connective Tissue Growth Factor In Remodelling Of Asthmatic Airways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$689,019.00
Summary
In the asthmatic airway an increase in the number of blood vessels can affect an asthmatic's ability to breathe. We have recently found that growth factors which can promote vessel growth are increased in the airways of asthmatics. We want to understand how these growth factors act together to possibly control the blood vessels and how their behaviour is different in the asthmatic airways compared to the nonasthmatic airways.
The Mechanisms Underlying Pneumoviral-induced Angiogenesis Of The Lung And Its Impact On The Asthmatic Response.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,625.00
Summary
Asthma, is a serious respiratory disease resulting in structural changes to the lung and breathing difficulties, and is often compounded by respiratory viruses. We have shown that viral infection of newborn mice causes the growth of new blood vessels in the lungs (a feature seen in human asthmatics). This project will investigate the mechanisms involved and determine the potential of this feature as a therapeutic target.