The Role Of The Intestinal Epithelium In Gliadin Peptide Influx In Coeliac Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$503,566.00
Summary
Food products made from cereals such as wheat are part of the staple diet for much of the world but unfortunately they trigger coeliac disease in 1:100 individuals including more than 100,000 Australians. This project aims to determine where the disease inducing proteins cross the cells that line the intestine to enter the body. It also aims at increasing the health of these cells to produce a barrier that can prevent the disease inducing proteins from entering the body.
Maternal Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy Influences Offspring Atopy And Asthma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,622.00
Summary
Allergic diseases such as food allergy and asthma have increased significantly as our exposure to bacteria has reduced. Many studies have explored exposure to bacteria in early life but few have examined the maternal bacteria we are exposed to while we develop in the womb. New studies indicate that we are exposed to many different components of our mothers gut bacteria and this might change our developing immune system and determine whether or not we get diseases like food allergy and asthma.
Platelet And Endothelial Function In Atrial Fibrillation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,825.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance in the adult population and leads to substantial increased death and disability from stroke. In this research scheme, we will study the contribution of platelet (clot forming cells) and endothelial (lining of blood vessels) dysfunction in atrial fibrillation. The successful outcome of this project will lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of clot formation and may lead to a better target for future drugs.
Biomarkers For The Diagnosis And Prognostic Analysis Of Male Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Male infertility is a common condition, affecting 1 in 15 men. Although a standard semen analysis is often performed to test whether a man is infertile, it is far from definitive. We have developed a new approach, by looking at proteins that are commonly missing from infertile sperm cells. From this analysis, we can definitively diagnose male infertility and are beginning to understand why men are becoming infertile.
Innovative Use Of Hydrogel Technology To Recapitulate And Investigate Cardiac Pathology.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,162.00
Summary
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of sudden death in the young. No treatment exists that can reverse or prevent it, primarily because the underlying mechanisms of the disease have not been fully elucidated. I will use innovative hydrogel technology to simulate the disease state. I will use this as a tool to identify the mechanisms involved with development of the disease. This will enable identification of potential therapeutic targets for prevention of the disease.
The Role Of Dynamin In Spermatogenesis, Sperm Maturation And Sperm-oocyte Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,950.00
Summary
Male infertility is an extremely common condition affecting 1 in 20 Australian men. One of the major reasons for this pathology is that the spermatozoa have lost their ability to interact with the egg and penetrate its outer vestments. In this project we shall investigate the role of dynamin in the regulation of these events. This research will provide new and powerful insights into the causes of male infertility, with practical implications for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
InTOUCH: Tactile Assessment In Children With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$176,571.00
Summary
Recent research finds that over 70% of children with unilateral cerebral palsy have impairments in touch function that affect how well they can use their hands. Until now, the severity and extent of this deficit has been unknown, and so children with cerebral palsy have not been receiving touch assessments. This project aims to increase awareness of touch impairments and achieve integration of touch assessment into routine examaination.
Understanding The Human Hand In Grasping And How This Changes After Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,855.00
Summary
The hand allows remarkable feats of dexterity. But, paralysis of the hand severely limits daily activities and is common after stroke. We will determine key mechanisms that control the hand at the level of the brain and spinal cord. We will assess some limits that develop in the muscle itself. Stroke patients will be tested so that we can better understand the brain�s control of the hand and use this to enhance recovery of hand performance in those with impaired function.