Long Term Outcomes Of Infant Lung Function In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,456.00
Summary
We have shown that babies with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are apparently well can still have lung problems. As lung disease is the major cause of death in CF we need ways to monitor the condition in babies, identify those at greatest risk of lung changes and predict which children should receive newer treatments. We have developed a unique program for the measurement of lung function in babies. We now aim to find out the long term consequences of lung function changes detected in infants with CF.
Closing The Gap In Early Childhood Development: Community Driven Evidence, Translation, Policy, And Practice - Grow Children Up Strong
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,656,625.00
Summary
This project aims to provide novel insights into the factors that facilitate good early childhood outcomes among Aboriginal children. It will take a different approach to the interrogation of a series of large, robust datasets by increasing the meaningful participation of Aboriginal parents, families and communities in the design of the research as well as the subsequent development of policy and practice solutions to the key challenges faced in early development.
REACH: Randomised Trial Of EArly Rehabilitation In Congenital Hemiplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$972,777.00
Summary
Infants with asymmetric brain lesions are at high risk of congenital hemiplegia. This study compares modified CIMT to an equal dose of bimanual training in 150 infants recruited at 3-6 months. Both therapies will be parent-delivered supported by experienced clinicians. Outcomes include use of the impaired hand in bimanual tasks, cognitive and motor development at 12 and 24 months c.a. with measures of neural structure and functional connectivity at 24 months. Early interventions that attenuate
Prospective Methylation Biomarker Validation Study In Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$528,281.00
Summary
Lung cancer is a major public health burden with increasing incidence every year. Despite advances, the biology of lung cancer associated with its recurrence either local or distant, with non-smoking lung cancer subtypes and asbestos-related lung cancer remains unexplored.
RZR-alpha In The Control Of Proliferative Vascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,706.00
Summary
Four million Australians have cardiovascular disease accounting for 35% of all deaths. CVD is the most expensive disease burden and a National Health Priority. Smooth muscle cell growth is a cause of CVD. However, the mechanisms controlling SMC hyperplasia are poorly understood. This project will provide key insights on the role of RZR-alpha in the pathogenesis of blood vessel disease, and develop novel gene-targeting approaches for new opportunities to control complications of CVD.
Therapeutic Potential Of Transforming Growth Factor-beta Proteins For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Female Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$942,961.00
Summary
We discovered and manufactured a growth factor produced uniquely by the egg. We named this growth factor cumulin. It is a powerful regulator of ovarian function and egg quality. This project will study the basic mechanisms of how cumulin works in the ovary. We will then develop an assay to measure it as a biomarker of human egg quality and quantity. New approaches in fertility preservation for cancer survivors will be developed using cumulin.
Mapping The TNF Pathway: A Qualitative And Quantative Molecular Analysis Of The Components And Post-translational Modifications Involved In Physiological And Pathological TNFR1 Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,258.00
Summary
TNF is a master regulator of the inflammation response and dysregulated TNF signalling causes many human diseases. We will use a cutting edge mass spectrometry technique that we have developed to analyse molecules required for TNF signalling. Understanding how the TNF signalling works in all cell types and with different forms of ligands will open up therapeutic opportunities to selectively target TNF signalling in inflammatory diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer.
Activation Of GDF9 Regulates Human Folliculogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
GDF9 is a key regulator of fertility in female mammals, as it controls the process of folliculogenesis. In this grant, we will demonstrate the importance of GDF9 in human folliculogenesis, determine the mechanisms that activate GDF9 and show why aberrant GDF9 activation leads to ovarian disorders. Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis and provide new avenues to manipulate this process.
Characterising Signals Important For Lymphangiogenesis During Development And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,938.00
Summary
Lymphatic vessels are a vital component of the cardiovascular system. Abnormalities in the growth and development of lymphatic vessels are associated with human disorders including cancer, lymphoedema and inflammatory diseases. The focus of this application is to characterise signals that direct the construction of lymphatic vessels, with the aim of identifying targets to which novel therapeutics for the treatment of lymphatic vascular diseases could be generated.
We will investigate how the master control gene, Kruppel-like factor 1, orchestrates production of red blood cells. We will use genetic and cell biology approaches to determine exactly how this factor interprets the genome blueprint in a cell specific manner. We will also determine how mutations in KLF1 cause human diseases such as congenital dyserythropoietic anemia and hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin. This has implications for reactivation of HbF in adults with sickle cell disease.