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.
Developing Robust Biomarkers For Vascular Cognitive Impairment And Dementia: Adding V To The ATN Research Framework
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,289,215.00
Summary
The main objective of this research is to develop biomarkers for vascular dementia. It builds upon the longitudinal studies and international consortia that I lead. The studies will use multimodal MRI, advanced retinal imaging, mass spectrometry and other techniques to establish and validate robust biomarkers of vascular contributions to dementia. The findings will help achieve a definitive diagnosis of vascular dementia and quantify vascular pathology in someone with dementia.
The Bacterial Type IX Secretion System In Polymicrobial Dysbiosis And Chronic Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,900,000.00
Summary
Periodontitis (severe gum disease) affects 1 in 3 adults and has been linked with heart attacks, cancer and dementia. I will lead a multidisciplinary team investigating the interaction between disease causing bacteria in the mouth and the immune response which results in destruction of the tooth’s supporting tissues and allows bacteria to enter the blood stream. The expected outcome is the development of a novel therapy which will stop progression of disease associated with these pathogens.
Reducing The Burden Of Physical Inactivity And Excessive Sedentary Behaviour Through FIT (Feasible, Inclusive, Thorough) Guidelines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,060,520.00
Summary
Public health guidelines concentrate on the least feasible (for the average adult) types of physical activity and place little emphasis on light intensity movement or sitting. My research program will inform future FIT (Feasible, Inclusive, Thorough) guidelines to assist policymakers, health professionals, and members of the public to improve healthy lifestyles in Australia.
Optimising Engagement In Cardiac Secondary Prevention: A Health Literacy Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,562,250.00
Summary
Many people struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle after a heart attack. Health literacy is the ability to understand and use health information for better health, but little is known about its role in long-term behaviour change. This research will follow 408 people over 2 years to identify whether health literacy impacts upon lifestyle change after a heart attack. The study will also co-design interventions with consumers and clinicians that aim to improve people’s health literacy.
Adolescent investments can create a triple dividend for health: across adolescence; through late life; and into the next generation. Yet adolescence remains neglected and health trends over time have been unfavourable. This application focuses on the most neglected aspects of adolescent health. It builds on earlier work with the Lancet, longstanding Australian cohorts and a recently awarded NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence to answer the most pressing questions of policy makers.
Appropriate growth of organs is essential for life and can go awry in diseases such as cancer. A crucial regulator of organ size and cancer that I co-discovered is the Hippo pathway. I aim to understand how this pathway relays information and controls gene expression to regulate organ size, and its role in mesothelioma and other human cancers. A better understanding of Hippo’s role in organ growth and cancer will allow it to be targeted for therapeutic benefit in human diseases.