Inflammation is essential to help fight infection and repair tissues. However when overactive it causes diseases such as psoriasis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Less well known, inflammation also helps drive development of cancers. My research aims to understand inflammatory signalling at the molecular and organism level. Experience has shown that this knowledge can be translated to improve existing therapies or generate new ones, and that is the ultimate aim of my research.
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation And Other Novel Therapeutic Microbial Manipulation Strategies In Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
There is growing interest in the role of microbial-based strategies including faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. This project will develop such strategies into valid treatment options through a combination of clinical & basic science work including (1) characterising viral & fungal factors of importance, (2) evaluation of novel orally-delivered formulations of FMT, and (3) development of better defined, more reproducible microbial treatments.
From Bench To Bedside: A New Treatment For Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,360,520.00
Summary
My research focuses on diseases of the upper airways, in particular chronic relapsing infections and inflammation of the nose and sinus mucosa and on improving wound healing after surgery. My research is translational, aimed at defining new treatments for these diseases. I have invented novel products that improve wound healing after surgery and instruments that help surgeons perform their surgeries in a better and safer way.
Mechanisms Of Cell Death Driven Inflammation In The Skin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Inflammatory skin conditions are a leading cause of disease. Current therapies treat symptoms not causes of inflammation. Skin cells constantly interact with cells of the immune system, and with a diverse array of helpful and harmful microorganisms. My data suggest a role of the skin flora and resident immune cells in the initiation and progression of skin disease. I will investigate how the microbiota and immune cells can initiate cell death and drive excessive immune responses in the skin.
Targeting The Immune Cells Of The Brain To Develop Novel Treatments For Neurodevelopmental And Mental Health Problems In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,800,000.00
Summary
Neurodevelopmental and mental health problems are common in children and cause major impairment and cost to society. This research will define how the maternal immune system while pregnant can affect the baby brain. Using patient studies and laboratory research, this research will result in novel ways to reduce the prevalence and severity of developmental and mental health problems in children and adults, by targeting the immune cells resident in the brain.
Optimizing The Management Of Osteoarthritis Through Research And Innovation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,889,164.00
Summary
I will test new treatments aimed at slowing disease progression and reducing pain in osteoarthritis (OA) by targeting specific disease pathways (metabolic factors and inflammation). I will undertake work examining the causes of hip OA where little is known. All required methodologies and resources to undertake this work are available and the trials underpinned by strong scientific rationale. This research program has high potential for translation and for reducing the burden and cost of OA.
Controlling The Haematopoietic System To Treat Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,163,220.00
Summary
The Murphy laboratory studies how the body makes blood. In people with heart disease too much blood is made that quickens the progression of heart disease. Slowing the production of blood back to normal seems to slow this progression. In this project, they will discover how and why more blood is made and ways to limit this.
Next Generation Of Medical Devices And Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,738,220.00
Summary
This Investigator Project will deliver innovative technologies that improve patient wellbeing, make significant economic impact and contribute to answering complex biological questions. This will happen via delivering breakthrough technologies to prevent infections and diagnose diseases – two area that currently require substantial technological advances. In addition to helping patients and clinicians, the project will also deliver solid body of new knowledge that is currently missing.
Developing Novel Therapeutic Approaches To Treat Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,173,545.00
Summary
Progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to endstage is characterised by inflammation and fibrosis. No current treatment effectively halts CKD progression. We are using protective immune cells to treat CKD and have invented a genetically-engineered immune cell which uses damaging inflammatory signals to switch them into protective cells which reverse inflammation and fibrosis where they occur, to prevent progression of CKD and other diseases, such as those of heart, lung and liver.
Reprogramming Innate Immunity To Combat Inflammatory And Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,788,220.00
Summary
Our immune system protects us from infection, but also drives cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and many other conditions. Innate immunity, a key component of our immune system, mediates the pathology that is associated with these diseases. This research program aims to define innate immune mechanisms that combat infection and/or drive inflammation-mediated diseases. It also aims to deliver novel anti-infective and anti-inflammatory strategies.