Towards Selective Targeting Of HDACs For Anti-inflammatory Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,892.00
Summary
HDAC inhibitors are anti-cancer drugs that kill rapidly growing cells (like cancer cells). These drugs also have anti-inflammatory properties and so may be beneficial in chronic inflammatory diseases such as as Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, it is unknown how they reduce inflammation. In this project we aim to understand how HDAC inhibitors act as anti-inflammatory agents and to design new HDAC inhibitors with reduced side effects for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Identifying New Therapeutic Targets For Preventing The Induction And Progression Of COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$649,314.00
Summary
Smoking leads to lung inflammation that causes emphysema, which is a major health problem in Australia. Once induced there is a progressive decline in health, which continues even after stopping smoking. There are no treatments that halt this decline. Recently small genes have been discovered that control inflammation. We may be able to control these small genes and stop the induction and progression of emphysema. This project may lead to a completely new way of preventing and treating emphysema ....Smoking leads to lung inflammation that causes emphysema, which is a major health problem in Australia. Once induced there is a progressive decline in health, which continues even after stopping smoking. There are no treatments that halt this decline. Recently small genes have been discovered that control inflammation. We may be able to control these small genes and stop the induction and progression of emphysema. This project may lead to a completely new way of preventing and treating emphysema.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of The Anti-inflammatory Properties Of The N-3 Fatty Acid Product, 4-hydroxy-hexenal.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,559.00
Summary
A concerted effort is being made by experts in the field of omega 3 fats (fish oils) to make specific recommendation on their use to improve human health . We have reasoned that the characterisation of a major oxidation product of these oils could be a key to understanding how these fats benefit us. The project is likely to influence the formulation of fish oils to enhance their health promoting properties.
Impact Of Airway Wall Fibrosis On The Efficacy Of Anti-asthma Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,750.00
Summary
Most episodes of asthma are controlled or prevented by current medications. In a small, but significant proportion of asthmatics (5-10%) symptoms persist despite the use of the best combinations of anti-asthma drugs. One of the reasons that acute episodes of asthma occur is that the airway tubes slowly change in structure. These changes involve an increase in the amount of collagen (part of the cement between cells) making the airway stiffer. In this project, we are exploring the impact of the s ....Most episodes of asthma are controlled or prevented by current medications. In a small, but significant proportion of asthmatics (5-10%) symptoms persist despite the use of the best combinations of anti-asthma drugs. One of the reasons that acute episodes of asthma occur is that the airway tubes slowly change in structure. These changes involve an increase in the amount of collagen (part of the cement between cells) making the airway stiffer. In this project, we are exploring the impact of the stiffening of the airway on the way that different cells within the airway wall respond to drugs used to treat asthma. Our initial findings suggest that when the airway wall becomes stiffer with more collagen, there is a diminished benefit from the anti-asthma drugs. This new study is designed to identify the molecular mechanisms for the poor response to the anti-asthma drugs. With this knowledge it will be easier to design and test new drugs that are more effective in severe asthma.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role Of Infectious Agents As A Trigger Of Crohns Disease In Children With Early Onset Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,876.00
Summary
Crohn's disease is a major cause of illness throughout the world. There is no cure and current therapies carry substantial risks. An infectious agent has been suggested as the trigger for disease but research has been inconclusive. Our study focuses on the characterisation of a novel virus we have identified that may trigger Crohn's disease in children at disease onset.
A type of white blood cell, the macrophage, is a key player in determining the chronicity of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, nephritis, multiple sclerosis etc. Two particular proteins can control macrophage development and functions, both under normal conditions and during inflammation. The project aims to understand this control. More rational ways to suppress inflammation due to aberrant macrophage function should result.
Development Of An Immunotherapy Against Kgp Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,710.00
Summary
Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth associated with specific bacteria, which results in the destruction of tooth support and ultimately leads to tooth loss. This project aims to develop an immunotherapy against the major virulence factor produced by bacteria associated with the disease. The immunotherapy will be evaluated in animal models of disease.
Cell Surface Mucins In Gastrointestinal Infection And Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,967.00
Summary
Mucosal tissues, such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, are the most common site of infectious disease. We have found that the cells in these tissues produce molecules on their surface, known as mucins, that protect from infection. In the case of chronic infection the mucins prevent the inflammation that underlies the development of cancer. In this project we will be exploring the mechanisms by which mucins prevent infection and inflammation.
DEFINING SUBPOPULATIONS OF PATHOGENIC MACROPHAGES UNDERLYING LUNG DISEASES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,496.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that afflicts over 1 million people in Australia and adenocarcinoma is a common fatal lung cancer; both are typically caused by cigarette smoking, and macrophage-rich inflammation is a hallmark feature. Macrophages can destroy lung tissue and promote cancer development. Herein we will identify and profile macrophage subpopulations that are associated with lung inflammation and cancer to identify therapeutic targets that may y ....Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that afflicts over 1 million people in Australia and adenocarcinoma is a common fatal lung cancer; both are typically caused by cigarette smoking, and macrophage-rich inflammation is a hallmark feature. Macrophages can destroy lung tissue and promote cancer development. Herein we will identify and profile macrophage subpopulations that are associated with lung inflammation and cancer to identify therapeutic targets that may yield novel intervention strategies.Read moreRead less
Ion channels are complex proteins that regulate salt transport in cells. We have previously cloned, and have been studying, an unusual ion channel called CLIC1, whose function is uncertain. Recent data suggests it is located in areas of white cells that are involved in regulating inflammation and mice lacking CLIC1 are protected from some immune disorders. We wish to determine the role and mechanisms whereby CLIC1 regulates immune and inflammatory responses.