Targeting Lipid Signalling Receptors To Promote Remyelination In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,907.00
Summary
Multiple sclerosis is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking and depleting myelin, the fatty substance that insulates neurons in our nervous system. To improve MS therapy and open up the possibility for functional recovery, we must develop drugs that protect and regenerate myelin. We will define how the loss of certain key biochemical signals promotes myelin loss in MS, and how drugs that restore those signals may be used to protect and regenerate myelin in people with the disease.
Oleoyl-ACP-hydrolase As An Early Predictive Biomarker For Severe And Fatal Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$866,807.00
Summary
Millions are hospitalized with severe influenza disease and ~500K die annually but the underlying mechanisms that drive disease are still not fully understood. We have identified a key role for an enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism, which is profoundly elevated in patients who succumb to influenza and is thus a predictor for fatal outcomes. This research aims to investigate how this enzyme affects infection and impairs immune responses to drive severe respiratory viral disease.
Mammalian Endotoxin: Characterisation Of Highly Inflammatory Endogenous Material
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$915,859.00
Summary
Inflammation drives development of many common diseases including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. We understand how bacterial molecules initiate inflammation during infections, but the nature of inflammatory stimuli that promote degenerative diseases of ageing has been elusive. In this project we will identify highly inflammatory molecules that have become altered in cells under stress. Knowledge of these pathways will promote new treatments for chronic diseases.