De-differentiation Of Committed Cells Into Haematopoietic Stem Cells By The Instructive Role Of The Transcription Factor HOXB4
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$683,040.00
Summary
Blood stem cells are long-lived and can give rise to every cell type of the blood system and due to these properties they are currently used in the clinics. Despite their importance, our knowledge of the mechanisms the control the multiplication of these rare cells is very scarce. This proposal aims to identify key factors that have the potential to convert mature, easy available blood cells into stem cells. This knowledge has to potential to lead to novel system that allow the expansion of stem ....Blood stem cells are long-lived and can give rise to every cell type of the blood system and due to these properties they are currently used in the clinics. Despite their importance, our knowledge of the mechanisms the control the multiplication of these rare cells is very scarce. This proposal aims to identify key factors that have the potential to convert mature, easy available blood cells into stem cells. This knowledge has to potential to lead to novel system that allow the expansion of stem cells for transplantations in the future.Read moreRead less
Does Placental Transfusion Prevent Death And Disability In Very Preterm Infants? Childhood Follow Up In The NHMRC Australian Placental Transfusion Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$889,406.00
Summary
A million babies are born before 30 weeks gestation worldwide each year. Many die or face a lifetime of disability. Enhancing placental transfusion in these infants by deferred clamping of the umbilical cord (DCC) is a simple procedure that may reduce mortality and major disability in childhood. The Australian Placental Transfusion Study (APTS), the largest ever RCT of deferred clamping, will follow up 1200 children born preterm to evaluate if DCC has childhood benefits at 2 years age.
Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Structure And Function In Syringomyelia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,630.00
Summary
Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst forms within the spinal cord. These cysts expand over time resulting in paralysis or even death. Syringomyelia occurs in association with spinal cord injury and a number of congenital conditions. In this project we aim to investigate the underlying cause of cyst formation, which is currently unknown. It is hoped that these studies will improve our understanding of cyst formation and facilitate development of better treatment strategies.
Tumor Targeted T Cells To Enhance Anti-tumor Efficacy And Dictate Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) Engraftment In The Setting Of Double UCB Transplant.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,002.00
Summary
Currently, despite cord blood transplantation, most leukemia patients will ultimately die of disease relapse. Therefore, my proposal is focused on improving the effectiveness of cord blood transplantation by further infusion of gene modified umbilical cord derived immune blood cells designed to specifically target and lyse residual leukemia tumor cells. This novel approach this will decrease disease relapse and lead to better patient survival following cord blood transplant therapy.
Injury to the developing brain, whether sustained during pregnancy or at birth, is the underlying cause of many cognitive and motor disabilities, including cerebral palsy. This project will identify the cellular pathways that cause developmental brain injury in preterm and term infants, and then administer umbilical cord blood stem cells at different timepoints to assess their efficacy at reducing brain injury. This project will inform treatment with cord blood stem cells in high risk infants.
Spinal cord cysts can develop after spinal injury or in association with tumours or congenital abnormalities of the spine. These cysts often cause pain and paralysis. Treatment is often ineffective, partly because the source of the cyst fluid is unknown. We are investigating the origin of this fluid using animal models of spinal cord cysts, computer simulations, and MRI studies of patients with spinal cord cysts. Understanding the origin of cyst fluid will help us to develop improved treatment.
The Potential Of Cord Blood Stem Cells To Reduce Neuroinflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in children and it is well recognised that the brain injury that underlies CP occurs during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood offer a promising new therapy for children with CP. This proposal will explore the mechanism of how cord blood stem cells can reduce brain inflammation and damage caused by hypoxia-ischemia, an event known to lead to cerebral palsy.