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.
Novel Candidate Genes, Lung Function And Allergic Airways Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,892.00
Summary
We propose to study airway remodelling (structural changes to the airway) and in asthma using human samples and rodent models of asthma. We are particularly interested in investigating the role of trefoil peptide 2 and relaxin, two genes identified as determining lung function. To do this we need to understand the mechanisms of airway remodelling and its impact on disease severity in the patient. A strength of this study is availability of samples from a large study of human asthma.