Elastaderm: An Improved Human Skin Substitute For Treating Burns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$326,316.00
Summary
We will focus on proof of concept needed for the commercialisation of improved dermal replacements designed to repair severe skin burns. These novel dermal replacements are a substantial development of and improvement beyond existing technology because they are intended to reduce wound contraction and increase elasticity.
There is an urgent need for engineered tissue repair and replacement components for cartilage implantation in damaged joints due to a shortage of donor tissue. This project will generate smart composite biomaterials with enhanced mechanical strength and physical properties that are desirable for cartilage repair. The fabricated scaffolds will mimic the microstructure of native cartilage and are next-generation biomaterials designed to facilitate cartilage regeneration.
Elastic Fibre-matrix Interactions Important For Tissue Development, Morphology And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,980.00
Summary
The properties of many tissues are controlled by the type, ratio and organisation of structural proteins laid down into extracellular matrices. Molecular interactions between these different proteins are essential for normal tissue strength, form and function. We are investigating the interactions of protein components of elastic fibres, with structural molecules of the surrounding matrix including collagens, proteoglycans and basement membrane components. At present our knowledge of these inter ....The properties of many tissues are controlled by the type, ratio and organisation of structural proteins laid down into extracellular matrices. Molecular interactions between these different proteins are essential for normal tissue strength, form and function. We are investigating the interactions of protein components of elastic fibres, with structural molecules of the surrounding matrix including collagens, proteoglycans and basement membrane components. At present our knowledge of these interactions is limited even though they are essential for anchorage during stretching of elastic fibres in compliant tissues such as arterial walls, lung and skin. In addition several of the elastic fibre-associated proteins appear to be important in the matrix of non-elastic tissues such as bone and cornea. The project will continue to increase our fundamental understanding of the normal development and function of different connective tissues. This knowledge will, in turn, lead to much greater elucidation of the mechanisms leading to a) loss of tissue function in major disease processes such as atherosclerosis, blood vessel aneurysms, pulmonary emphysema and UV-induced skin damage, and b) developmental abnormalities in congenital disorders such as Marfan syndrome and a variety of corneal dystrophies.Read moreRead less
Function Of Matrix Proteins Important For Storage And Activation Of TGF And TGF -induced Tissue Remodelling And Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$690,875.00
Summary
The growth factor TGF is important for tissue development and repair, and in diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, glomerulonephritis, liver cirrhosis, keloid formation and cancers. This project focuses on 2 important matrix proteins first discovered by Dr Gibson, LTBP-2 and ig-h3, that modulate TGF storage and TGF -induced tissue remodelling . We will use knock out mouse and cell culture models to determine the function of these proteins in tissue development and repair, and in diseases.