The Role Of Exosome-like Vesicles In Cell-cell Communication Between P. Falciparum-infected Red Blood Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$629,058.00
Summary
Cell-cell communication is a critically important mechanism for information exchange promoting cell survival by control of features such as population density and differentiation state. Malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We have shown that P. falciparum-infected red blood cells directly communicate between parasites within a population using small vesicles that are capable of delivering genes and signals. Our work aims to understand this process.
Functional Genomics Of Malaria Liver Infection And Transmission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Chemotherapy is the front line defense against malaria but resistance is emerging. The WHO has advised that new drugs should target parasite stages that perpetuate the transmission of malaria to break the cycle of infection. We have identified proteins that are essential for the two transmissive stages of the most deadly parasite to infect their hosts. We will determine the precise function of these proteins and the mechanisms they govern. This may guide the development of new interventions.
Targeting Commitment To Sexual Differentiation In Plasmodium
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,954.00
Summary
Efforts to control malaria in endemic areas are very often thwarted by "carriers", who have transmissible parasites in their bloodstream (called gametocytes), but who suffer no symptoms. These gametocytes serve as a reservoir ready to reinitiate disease transmission when mosquito numbers increase. This project will develop urgently needed strategies to target gametocytes, and thus block malaria transmission.
ATP Release From Gastrointestinal Epithelium: A Potential Target For The Treatment Of Slow Transient Constipation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,775.00
Summary
Slow transit constipation (STC) is a severe condition of the colon, almost exclusively affecting reproductive age women with no effective treatment. We recently found an association between STC and defects in connexin proteins in the large intestine. We aim to reveal the role of connexins and female hormones in the maintenance of normal intestinal function and their involvement in STC. The study will provide completely new perspectives in the understanding of the functional bowel disorders.
Assessing The Role Of The N-terminus Of The Prion Protein, Emphasising Constitutive Cleavage, In Normal Function And Pathogenesis, As Well As Defining The Relationship Between Intensity Of Surveillance And Sporadic CJD Incidence.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,469.00
Summary
As a neurologist undertaking research into prion diseases over an extended period, I have been able to lead and participate in many projects that have made significant contributions, such as validation of new diagnostic tests for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), assessment of potential therapeutics, provide insights into the normal function of the prion protein and the underlying pathways causing cellular damage and determine the real significance of apparent clusters of sporadic CJD.
Identification And Chracterization Of Host Cell Receptors For Influenza A Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Following inhalation, influenza virus infects cells of the immune system and epithelial cells lining the airways. Currently, it is not clear how influenza virus attaches to and infects these cells. This project will use new ways to identify receptors for influenza virus on human epithelial cells and immune cells. The ultimate identification of these receptors would have important implications for the development of new drugs to treat influenza virus infections.
Red Cell Polymorphisms and Malaria. Certain red blood cell disorders have been associated with innate protection against malaria infection. However many early studies were inconclusive. We intend to carry out a comprehensive study to investigate the effect of red blood cell differences on the invasion and/or growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using improved techniques. Identification of red cell components involved in interaction with P.falciparum would give a better understanding of host ....Red Cell Polymorphisms and Malaria. Certain red blood cell disorders have been associated with innate protection against malaria infection. However many early studies were inconclusive. We intend to carry out a comprehensive study to investigate the effect of red blood cell differences on the invasion and/or growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using improved techniques. Identification of red cell components involved in interaction with P.falciparum would give a better understanding of host parasite interactions which may in turn suggest novel approaches or pathways to persue. This may eventually lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
Read moreRead less
Although chronic pain is a serious clinical problem, treatments for its alleviation have largely failed, in part because they have not been tailored to the specific origin of the pain. This proposal focuses on rheumatoid arthritis, a common and incurrable source of chronic pain. This study will investigate how specific changes in spinal cord nerve cells contribute to chronic arthritic pain. The outcomes will help identify new targets to treat chronic pain in rheumatoid arthritis.