Potential Novel Pharmacological Strategies To Prevent Atherosclerotic Plaque Rupture
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,584,568.00
Summary
Most heart attacks are the consequence of the acute rupture of plaques in arteries that supply our heart with oxygen and nutrients. Current standard tests cannot distinguish plaques that likely rupture from plaques that do not rupture. Similarly, little is known about the processes that determine whether a plaque is vulnerable to rupture or stable. The current project examines the involvement of two processes - either alone or in combination - in determining plaque stability/vulnerability.
Investigating Deregulation Of Mitosis As A Mechanism Of Tumourigenesis In MYCN-driven Neuroblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,298.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma chemotherapy often only works temporarily because a small number of tumour cells can resist drugs and eventually regrow as a new tumour. These resistant cells resemble the very first cells that turn into a cancer cell at tumour initiation. We have used single cell technology to uncover genetic markers of tumour initiating cells. In this project we will determine how these marker genes cause tumour initiation and develop therapies that target them in drug resistant neuroblastoma.
The Unstable, Rupture-prone Atherosclerotic Plaque: Innovative Methods For Its Detection And Stabilisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$748,447.00
Summary
Heart attacks and strokes are most often caused by rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques resulting in clotting and vessel occlusion and ultimately irreversible damage of the heart or brain. We have generated a mouse model that reproduces these plaques as seen in humans. Based on this model and human unstable plaques 1) we have discovered/developed imaging technologies that can identify these dangerous plaques and 2) we will develop drugs that prevent plaque rupture.
Mechanistic And Functional Drivers Of Neochromosome Evolution
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,771.00
Summary
Neochromosomes are Frankenstein chromosomes--massive extra chromosomes that are stitched together from 100s of pieces of normal chromosomes. They are found in 3% of cancers, but are common in some types, such as liposarcoma. We have mapped their structure and found they form through punctuated chromosome shattering and gene amplification. We will investigate the precise molecular mechanisms that cause this and the recurrent transcriptional and epigenetic drivers lead to their formation.
A Study Of The Plaque-modifying Actions Of Colchicine In Stable And Unstable Atherosclerosis: From Mouse Models To Clinical Imaging.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,198,460.00
Summary
Inflammation causes the plaques in arteries that cause heart attacks and strokes. There is major interest in developing drugs that reduce this inflammation for patients with heart disease. We are studying the effects of colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat the joint disease, gout, in order to see whether it also prevents the build up of plaques and their progression to heart attacks and strokes.
Delivering Nanoparticles To Prevent Rupture Of Unstable Arterial Plaques
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,652.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop an immune-mediated ‘smart bomb’ concept of drug delivery into atherosclerotic plaques for the prevention of plaque rupture. An overwhelming majority of fatal heart attacks and sudden death all over the world result from plaque rupture; making this research highly important in finding a bio-technologically advanced way of preventing heart attacks and sudden death in patients with coronary artery disease.
The Genetic And Environmental Determinants Of Amyloid Deposition In Older Individuals: An Amyloid Imaging Study Using The Twin Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,267.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the deposition of amyloid plaques in the brain. We don’t fully understand how amyloid deposition occurs and what contribution is made by genetic and environmental factors. Amyloid deposition in the brain can now be quantified during life using positron emission tomography. In this study, we will examine brain amyloid in twins, which will determine what proportion of the pathology is attributable to environmental factors that may be modifiable.
METABOLOMIC INSIGHTS INTO THE PATHOGENESIS AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF UNSTABLE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,896.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the single most common cause of cardiovascular disease and is the major contributor to the development of angina, heart attacks, coronary heart disease and stroke. Early identification and characterisation of the disease, is critical for effective treatment. In this project we will develop a new test to identify those individuals with unstable disease that are at greatest risk of a coronary event (heart attack).
Optimising Non-invasive Ventilation At Birth For Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,912.00
Summary
Infants born very premature require respiratory support at birth to make the transition to newborn life. As these infants are very immature and prone to injury, modern respiratory care strategies utilise the least invasive approaches mainly applied using a facemask. However, we have discovered that the larynx is closed at birth and thereby prevents air from entering the lung. This application is focussed on optimising the efficiency of facemask ventilation at birth and stimulating breathing.
Assessment Of Markers Of Genomic Instability For The Prediction Of Treatment Response In Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,086.00
Summary
The success of therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia depends on close monitoring during therapy for early recognition of pending relapse, and the selection of appropriate treatment if drug resistance occurs. This project aims to identify patients at the start of therapy who are at risk of treatment failure by investigating their genetic profile. An increased frequency of gene mutations may indicate that patients require more aggressive therapy to achieve an optimal response.