Osteal Macrophages: Novel Regulators Of Osteoblast Function And The Endosteal Stem Cell Niche
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,125.00
Summary
Bone diseases are a major health problem and current treatments are inadequate. We are investigating a novel role for macrophages (cells important in tissue maintenance and immune responses) in bone growth, repair and disease. Greater understanding of this will provide new ways to treat bone disease. We will also determine if these macrophages help support stem cells that reside near bone surfaces, which may provide new treatment strategies to improve bone marrow transplantation in cancer.
Caltrin As A Calcium Transport Inhibitor During Osteoclastic Bone Resorption
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
Excessive bone resorption has been observed in many common bone diseases such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease and arthritis. These are major health problems in Australia and other developed countries. Increased activation or formation of osteoclasts is responsible for the excessive bone resorption. Understanding the mechanisms by which the osteoclasts exert its function and activation is an important step toward developing strategies to combat excessive bone resorption for the treatment and pre ....Excessive bone resorption has been observed in many common bone diseases such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease and arthritis. These are major health problems in Australia and other developed countries. Increased activation or formation of osteoclasts is responsible for the excessive bone resorption. Understanding the mechanisms by which the osteoclasts exert its function and activation is an important step toward developing strategies to combat excessive bone resorption for the treatment and prevention of osteolytic disorders. This project attempts to address the important and fundamental issue of osteoclast function. We have identified caltrin, a known calcium transport inhibitor, that is likely to be biologically important in osteoclast calcium homeostasis. This project intends to investigate the role of caltrin in calcium-induced apoptosis, osteoclast bone resorption and the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlined. It will enhance our knowledge of calcium regulation in osteoclasts and provide information to facilitate the development of new anti-resorptive agents.Read moreRead less