Dissecting The Great Ophthalmic Masquerade: The Global Giant Cell Arteritis Genomics Consortium.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,269.00
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of vasculitis in people over 50 years of age. If untreated it can cause catastrophic complications including blindness, though this can be prevented if treated early. Although there is clear evidence for a role of genetic factors in GCA, these have been little studied. We have established an Australian-led International consortium, with clinical, basic science and statistical expertise to thoroughly investigate this devastating disease.
Improving Cancer Diagnostic Imaging And Drug Delivery By Breaking Down Extracellular Matrix Barriers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$748,152.00
Summary
Solid tumours are stiffer than normal tissues. This stiffness is caused by over-production of non-cellular components known as extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM creates a barrier that restricts drug access in tumours. New methods to overcome tumour stiffness are crucial to improve drug delivery. We will study the use of a new compound to degrade tumour ECM to improve anti-cancer drug delivery. Our compound will be useful in treatment-resistant solid tumours such as breast and liver cancers.
Functional Assessment Of CD40 In The Development Of Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,910.00
Summary
Many of the genes which affect susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have recently been identified. Two of these genes were first discovered in an Australian study published in Nature Genetics in 2009. One of these is CD40, which controls immune cell activation. In this project we aim to establish how the genetic variant identified affects the function of the CD40 gene in MS. CD40 may prove to be a good therapeutic target, with agents available to modulate CD40 available already.
Role Of Insulin-regulated Aminopeptidase In Ischemic Stroke Damage
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,219.00
Summary
Stroke is a neurovascular disease which is the leading cause of adult disability. A focus of our research group is to investigate the role of a protein called insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) in ischemic stroke. We have shown a dramatic protection from ischemic brain damage in mice with deletion of the IRAP gene. The aims of this study are to explore the potential use of the newly developed IRAP inhibitors in protecting brain damage following ischemic stroke and to determine the role of I ....Stroke is a neurovascular disease which is the leading cause of adult disability. A focus of our research group is to investigate the role of a protein called insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) in ischemic stroke. We have shown a dramatic protection from ischemic brain damage in mice with deletion of the IRAP gene. The aims of this study are to explore the potential use of the newly developed IRAP inhibitors in protecting brain damage following ischemic stroke and to determine the role of IRAP in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia.Read moreRead less
Human Fc Receptors In Antibody Mediated Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,824.00
Summary
A series of major Australian discoveries is leading to the development of therapies to treat major inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and similar autoimmune diseases where there is a significant unmet need for new therapies. A major molecule, caled Fc receptor was discoverd by the researchers who have now found new ways to prevent it activating inflammatory cells and therby preventi tissue destruction.
Perioperative Administration Of Dexamethasone And Infection- The PADDI Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,832,815.00
Summary
The PADDI Trial is a large (8,800 patients) international, multicentre, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority safety and effectiveness study that will run for five years. It will examine the benefits and complications of administering 8mg of a steroid drug (dexamethasone) to adult patients undergoing non-urgent surgical procedures who receive general anaesthesia. The main outcome is surgical site infection 30 days after surgery. The influence of diabetes will also be investigated.
Determining Regulators Of ILC3 In Mucosal Barrier Function And Immune Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,209.00
Summary
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are specialized cells that defend the body against invading microorganisms at the body’s surfaces, mediate pathogen clearance and tissue repair but may also drive inflammatory conditions such as allergic asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. We will investigate the molecular switches that regulate this novel cell type and potentially uncover novel molecules or pathways for therapeutic targets.
The Role Of Cytokines In Tumor-induced Immunosuppression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,473.00
Summary
Cancer-induced immune suppression is a major obstacle to the effective treatment of many cancers. We have shown that the cytokine IL-23, plays an important role in cancer initiation, growth and development. My project aims to characterize the cells that produce IL-23 in the cancer microenvironment and define how it suppresses cells of the immune system. A greater understanding of this cytokine’s mechanism of action will enable the rational improvement of treatments for patients with cancer
Exploring The Role Of Arrcd4 In Extracellular Vesicle Biogenesis And Its Implications In Tissue Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$678,742.00
Summary
Most cells in the body release small packages known as extracellular vesicles (or EVs in short), which carry proteins and other cellular material. EVs transport important cellular messages required for the everyday function of cells and play crucial roles both in normal wellbeing and disease. This proposal will investigate how EVs are formed, how they select their protein content and how they contribute to the maturation of some cell types in the body.
Characterising An Important Control Point In Cholesterol Synthesis Beyond HMG-CoA Reductase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$480,739.00
Summary
The statins are the ‘go-to’ drugs for treating heart disease; blocking a very early, highly-controlled step in the pathway producing cholesterol. However, they inhibit the production of other vital molecules which explains why some patients do not tolerate them. We have identified that a later enzyme in this pathway is also highly controlled and here aim to characterise the molecular mechanisms involved. This work could translate into the development of even safer drugs for treating cholesterol- ....The statins are the ‘go-to’ drugs for treating heart disease; blocking a very early, highly-controlled step in the pathway producing cholesterol. However, they inhibit the production of other vital molecules which explains why some patients do not tolerate them. We have identified that a later enzyme in this pathway is also highly controlled and here aim to characterise the molecular mechanisms involved. This work could translate into the development of even safer drugs for treating cholesterol-related diseases.Read moreRead less