Molecular And Structural Determinants Of Myocardial Dysfunction And Prognosis In Left And Right Heart Failure.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,608.00
Summary
The aim of this research is to investigate the role of inherited genetic variation on myocardial function and prognosis in patients with cardiomyopathies as well as pulmonary hypertension. Clinical, cardiac genomic and myocardial tissue studies will be undertaken in various patient cohorts. It is hoped that this research will provide new insights into disease mechanisms, and will contribute to new approaches to patient management and risk stratification.
Targeting Complement C5a Receptor 2 As A Disease-modifying Treatment For Motor Neuron Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,329.00
Summary
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a devasting terminal condition that has no effective treatment. We have identified a novel drug which inhibits an immune protein that can potentially treat MND. In this project we will test this drug in rodent models of MND, and validate its effectiveness in relevant MND immune cells. Ultimately, this project will identify a new potential drug for MND.
Novel Actions Of HDL Cholesterol: A Potential New Strategy For Treatment Of Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$74,973.00
Summary
There are currently in excess of 170 million patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes worldwide. Recent studies have identified novel actions of HDL cholesterol in relation to glucose and fat metabolism which provide a rationale for therapeutic approaches to raise levels of circulating HDL to manage the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. This research will investigate HDL signaling pathways and contribute significantly to our understanding of the metabolic actions of HDL in Humans.
Integration Of Novel Biological Targets/biomarkers In The Treatment Of Lethal Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,930,260.00
Summary
Prostate cancer (PC) remains a major cause of cancer-related death. Precision medicine is predicated on the principle of the right drug for the right patient at the right time. This program aims to assess/validate the ability of blood-based molecular markers to predict an individual patient’s response to different treatments and develop new drug strategies based on biological endpoints. Overall, this project has the potential to improve survival and quality of life in men with lethal PC.
Individualising Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy In CML To Facilitate Successful Treatment Free Remission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,449.00
Summary
This project will determine the optimal therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), matching the most appropriate drug to the individual patient, based on each patient's unique biology, thereby maximising the chance of cure. Furthermore, this project will develop novel highly sensitive tests for the presence of residual disease, even if undetectable by current techniques. This will enable crucial, timely treatment changes to be made with curative intent.
Peritoneal Metastases From Colorectal Carcinoma: Exploring The Potential Of Immunotherapy As A Treatment Adjunct
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,197.00
Summary
Twenty percent of patients with bowel cancer have disease involving the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. These patients do poorly. The majority are inoperable, and chemotherapy has poor response in these patients. Therefore, there is a dire need to explore new treatments. Newer drugs that stimulate the immune cells to fight cancer have shown promise in other cancers. We aim to assess the potential of this treatment in peritoneal disease, with the aim of improving patient outcomes.
Fetal Lactate Measurement To Reduce Caesarean Sections During Labour: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,600.00
Summary
Caesarean section rates in Australia are well above the World Health Organization’s recommended level. Many babies appear unhealthy in labour, so they are born by caesarean. They are usually healthy at birth, meaning that the operation could have been avoided. In this study, half the babies who seem distressed will have a blood test for lactate and the other half will not. We will then determine whether having a lactate test makes a difference in the number women having caesarean births.
Salt (sodium) is an essential electrolyte. Our convincing and complementary findings provide compelling evidence for a link between evolutionarily ancient “instincts” and substance abuse. This proposal is translational, including studies in opiate dependent humans. Our studies will establish how and where in the brain endogenous opioids are implicated in the gratification of salt appetite, how salt appetite is altered in opiate dependency and if salt appetite recovers following opiate withdrawal