Dynamics And Mechanisms Of Immune Complex-mediated Skin Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,467.00
Summary
Type III hypersensitivity underlies a number of common autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus. These diseases are caused by the deposition of immune complexes (IC) and the accumulation of neutrophils within small blood vessels. We will use real time imaging to dissect in space and time the recruitment of neutrophils and IC deposition during type III hypersensitivity reactions in order to better understand the pathogenesis of these conditions.
Investigation Of Early Cell Surface Rearrangements Mediating Adequate TCR-pMHC Engagement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,708.00
Summary
This project aims to use advanced cell imaging techniques to view precise interactions that occur between cells as our immune system attacks and destroys infected cells. The techniques to be employed are highly advanced and involve cutting edge science. Essentially these techniques allow the production of movies of the body's immune system in action. Determining these interactions in such detail is important for understanding the body’s ability to fight infection.
To Describe The Regional Differences In The Innate Immune System Of The Skin Using Intra-vital Multiphoton Microscopy And Understand Its Functional Consequences In A Cutaneous Parasite Infection Model.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,182.00
Summary
This study is the first of its kind to map the innate immune system, the body's first line of defence, in the skin - coined the "immune atlas". Researchers have shown regional differences in innate immune cells which could explain how infections develop at different sites of the body. Although they have shown this in a cutaneous leishmaniasis model, a parasite endemic in most parts of the world, it may have implications also for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Development Of A New Surgical-guidance Tool For Intra-operative Tumour Margin Assessment In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$557,982.00
Summary
One third of breast cancer patients undergoing breast conserving surgery have insufficient tissue removed, resulting in an increased risk of recurrence. We have developed a high resolution optical imaging probe with the potential to detect small areas of cancer. It could be used to help guide the surgeon to remove all cancerous tissue from the patient. This grant will allow us to develop the probe to a stage that it can be used during surgery, and perform the world’s first clinical scans.
Development Of Microscope-in-a-needle Devices For Improved Clinical Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,746.00
Summary
We have developed a new high-resolution optical imaging technology. The unique aspect of our research has been to redesign the imaging probe, miniaturising it to a few hundred microns in diameter, and encase it in a hypodermic needle – a ‘microscope-in-a-needle’. We are developing specific imaging probes to aid in the assessment of lung disease; the diagnosis of liver disease; and integrated into a brain biopsy needle to enable safer brain biopsies.
Advances in positron emission tomography now allow specific pathological features of many brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease to be measured with a brain scan during life. This Fellowship will assist Professor Rowe and his team in their world leading work on new PET scanning techniques to improve diagnosis and assist the development of treatment for Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases of the brain.
Improving Human FMRI Through Modeling And Imaging Microvascular Dynamics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,144.00
Summary
In this project we aim to establish a reliable vascular baseline to improve mapping of both small-scale functional architecture and large-scale brain networks in functional human brain mapping using MRI. By mapping the grey matter vasculature with high detail in both humans and animals, and by computing and matching of these atlases across species we will be able to validate this approach in vivo to confirm the better spatial specificity of the newly developed approach.
Rhythmicity, Synchronicity And Spasm In Smooth Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$614,520.00
Summary
Many cellular systems undergo rhythmical spontaneous chemical and-or electrical activity . This activity, often referred to as pacemaking, is prevalent in many organs underlying brain waves or causing heart beats or rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle. Our studies on pacemaker rhythmicities in smooth muscle have revealed a novel mechanism, one which is entirely different to that responsible for heart pacemaking, the generally held model for electrical pacemakers. We aim to study the mechanism ....Many cellular systems undergo rhythmical spontaneous chemical and-or electrical activity . This activity, often referred to as pacemaking, is prevalent in many organs underlying brain waves or causing heart beats or rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle. Our studies on pacemaker rhythmicities in smooth muscle have revealed a novel mechanism, one which is entirely different to that responsible for heart pacemaking, the generally held model for electrical pacemakers. We aim to study the mechanism in depth so that we can fully describe its operation. This knowledge will provide insight into phenomena such as spontaneous contractions in blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and in the gastrointestinal tract, activities which are the norm and which are likely to have major influence on blood pressure, the propulsion of lymph and gut peristalsis. The knowledge will in the longer term lead to a better understanding of rhythmicities generally as far ranging as uterine contractions during childbirth to brain waves. An understanding of the pacemaker mechanism may also provide a key to understanding debilitating conditions such as vasospasm which can lead to death or serious disability.Read moreRead less
Non-invasive Near-infrared Optical Imaging Of Neurodegeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,033.00
Summary
Dementia currently affects over 240,000 Australians with an increasing health cost. A common cause of dementia occurs when proteins in the brain form deposits and brain cells degenerate and die. This project will develop a novel medical imaging method that will facilitate the detection of dying brain cells. This will enable a better understanding of the causes of cell death and the opportunity to identify the best time for meaningful therapeutic intervention.