Tolerance Induction By Antigen-presenting Cell-targeted Antigen
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
We have found that by ‘targeting’ antigen to the cells that ‘train’ the immune system we have been able to prevent the development of autoimmune disease. In the research proposed here we aim to develop new ways in which antigens can be targeted to these cells so that this approach can be applied clinically. The proposed studies will also determine how antigens targeted in this way restore self-tolerance and prevent autoimmune disease.
The adult heart has an extremely limited capacity for regeneration. In contrast, I recently discovered that the newborn heart can completely regenerate following a heart attack. How and why the heart loses this regenerative capacity after birth is not known. This Fellowship aims to unravel the genetic circuits that govern cardiac regenerative capacity. The proposed research program will develop novel therapies for heart regeneration through molecular targeting of regulatory RNA molecules.
Targeting The Class IIa Histone Deacetylases In Metabolic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Dysfunctional metabolism in skeletal muscle is integral in the development of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This project will examine proteins that alter the way genes are expressed for their role in dysfunctional metabolism in muscle. This project could uncover new therapies for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
The Role Of NKT Cell Subsets In The Regulation Of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$142,717.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of paralysis in young people. EAE is an animal model of MS that recapitulates many features of the human disease. Recent data shows that EAE is mediated by IL-17 producing self-reactive T cells. NKT cells are a group of T cells, whose activation protects against EAE, in an as yet unidentified manner. These studies will provide critical information on the way in which NKT cells regulate immunity and will enhance development of therapies for MS.
The Molecular Mechanisms Of Abscission To Complete Cytokinesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division that produces two daughter cells. Incorrect localisation and modification of proteins that regulate this process cause cell division errors potentially leading to cancer. This project will characterise how key cytokinesis proteins co-operatively function to complete cytokinesis. This research will increase our understanding of the cell division errors that contribute to cancer development, ultimately identifying new targets for cancer therapy.
Understanding How The Brain Senses And Encodes Hunger And Satiety
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,477.00
Summary
Obesity is the most important health concern in the world today. Despite all the epidemiology evidence and despite the intervention approaches, obesity and type-2 diabetes continues to rise in Australia and worldwide. Clearly, a greater biological understanding of the mechanisms driving increased calorie intake and decreased calorie expenditure. This fellowship explores the different neural circuits in the brain and how they regulate motivation for food and food consumption
Unravelling Gene Networks In Heart Development And Congenital Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,724.00
Summary
One in 100 Australian babies are affected by heart malformations. The heart is a complex organ and its formation is likewise orchestrated by a complex network of genes. As our current knowledge of this network is limited, I aim to employ cutting-edge bioinformatics approaches to draw a comprehensive picture of genes required to build a healthy heart and to reveal which gene interactions are altered in congenital heart disease, thereby opening new perspectives for network biology-based therapies.
Understanding The Molecular Basis Of Central Nervous System Myelination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Oligodendrocytes are the cell type in the central nervous system that produce myelin, the insulating layer around nerve cells. Loss of oligodendrocytes and myelin are key features of multiple sclerosis. This project aims to clarify the mechanisms that control the myelination of nerve cells during normal development, allowing the development of strategies to promote myelin repair in human diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis.