Molecular Regulation Of Blood Cell Production And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$18,330,902.00
Summary
This Program comprises an established team of investigators that have made world-class contributions to the understanding of blood cell formation and function. Research will combine novel multidisciplinary genetic/genomics approaches, expert biochemistry, cell and molecular biological techniques with translational studies in humans to provide new insights into blood cell control and novel avenues for therapies in blood cell diseases such as leukaemia and autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Stroke outcomes directly relate to brain tissue rescue. We have contributed to changes in clinical practice through many clinical trials of new protocols and therapeutic strategies. Our program will focus on brain salvage in the pre-hospital setting and the acute hospital environment. We will use novel approaches to enhance brain recovery and design new implementation strategies to maximise the benefits of these therapeutic advances.
Understanding The Major Class Of Cell Surface Drug Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,595,840.00
Summary
G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) form the largest family of receptors and drug targets in living organisms. Currently, the major reason that new drugs fail to reach the clinic is lack of appropriate drug effect (approx. 30%). Thus, we need a better understanding of how GPCRs work and how this relates to disease. Our Program addresses this knowledge gap, using GPCR models that are relevant to treatment of metabolic, inflammatory, cardiovascular and central nervous system disease.
Depressive And Bipolar Disorders: Causes, Presentation And Treatment Innovations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,100,605.00
Summary
Depression and bipolar disorder are two of Australia’s leading causes of disease burden, with 3-4 million Australians affected during their lifetime. However, despite being such a serious health burden, there are major shortcomings to current understanding and management. This research program aims to further our knowledge of the causes and presentations of the mood disorders, and to improve and “tailor” treatment for the many Australians who suffer from these highly disabling illnesses.
Biomarkers To Aid Clinical Trials For Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$13,179,875.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease continue to affect more Australians every year, due to an ageing population and the lack of effective drugs currently available. Whilst these diseases present with different symptoms, we’ve discovered that they share a common underlying feature; the inability to clear certain metals and proteins from the brain. Our program aims to explore these clearance pathways in the brain and identify new targets to help us better diagnose and treat these diseases.
Optimising Heart Disease Prevention And Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,647,175.00
Summary
As we become older and risk factors such as obesity become more common, our biggest contributor to death and disability, cardiovascular disease (including heart disease), will continue to exert an enormous burden on our health care system and society. We will extend our ground-breaking research on multidisciplinary teams to create new and innovative health care programs to optimise the prevention and management of new heart disease and chronic forms of heart disease.
Optimisation Of Wolbachia Based Control Strategies To Reduce Dengue Incidence And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,073,640.00
Summary
The project will build on recent advances in the use of Wolbachia infected mosquitoes to limit dengue transmission. Key outcomes will include improved understanding of Wolbachia spread after release, development of techniques for regional spread, understanding the epidemiology of dengue transmission in Vietnam and preparing a panel of new Wolbachia:A. aegypti strain combinations for evaluation for implementation programs.
Clinical, Public Health And Policy Interventions To Combat Cardiovascular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$24,025,090.00
Summary
This program will generate and translate evidence from high-quality research designed to inform the decisions of health care providers and policy makers about best strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic conditions. The program, with both domestic and global relevance, will address a spectrum of issues, with translational outcomes for clinical research.
Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya are viral diseases transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Our research uses a naturally-occurring bacteria, Wolbachia, to stop mosquitoes transmitting these viruses to humans. Our proposal addresses critical knowledge gaps in the biology of mosquitoes and Wolbachia to enable large-scale field-deployment optimisation in affected countries. The outcome of our research will immediately translate to disease control efforts in northern Australia, Asia and Latin America.