Activated Protein C Suppresses The Abnormal Immune Response In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
This project will determine whether activated protein C (APC) reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by altering the abnormal response of a type of white blood cells known as the T cells. Experiments will utilise T cells isolated from patients with RA, normal controls and an animal model of RA, to examine a newly discovered immune pathway now thought to play a major role in causing RA. The results will help clarify whether and how APC prevents joint destruction in RA
WHY YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP OLD KNEES: PREDICTORS OF EARLY JOINT CHANGES FOLLOWING KNEE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
My research investigates how muscles & movement patterns (i.e. biomechanics) contribute to early adverse knee cartilage & bone changes in young individuals at risk of developing premature knee osteoarthritis (OA): a debilitating disease causing pain & diminished quality of life. Biomechanical measures selected can be modified with interventions such as exercise & gait retraining. Ultimately, my research could reduce future risk of knee OA & its resultant personal & societal costs.
Development Of Endogenous Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Antagonism As A New Therapeutic Approach To Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,561.00
Summary
Neutrophils play a pivotal role in inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). G-CSF is a growth factor that is important to neutrophil survival and function. We have shown that in the absence of G-CSF the incidence and severity of experimental autoimmune arthritis are reduced. We will investigate the mechanisms by which this occurs as well as studying the effects of G-CSF blockade on function and survival of human neutrophils from healthy donors and RA patients.
Addressing Missing Links In The Care Of Older People To Improve Practice And Outcomes: Program Efficacy, Implementation Effectiveness And Knowledge Translation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$259,507.00
Summary
Many older people live with disability and can struggle to perform even simple day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, disability escalates with age. Our population is ageing rapidly—one of the fastest in the world—due to a world-class health system and low fertility. Despite a growth in health and research initiatives over the last decade, there remains much room to improve the health and well-being of older people. This research addresses this need by undertaking an innovative and targeted progr ....Many older people live with disability and can struggle to perform even simple day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, disability escalates with age. Our population is ageing rapidly—one of the fastest in the world—due to a world-class health system and low fertility. Despite a growth in health and research initiatives over the last decade, there remains much room to improve the health and well-being of older people. This research addresses this need by undertaking an innovative and targeted program of work.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Cell Death Pathways In Inflammation And Pathogen Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
Cell death and inflammation are essential for protection against pathogen infection but can also cause human diseases. Inflammation caused by the IL-1? protein has been implicated in diseases such as type II diabetes, arthritis and cancer. This project aims to elucidate how IL-1? protein activity is regulated at the molecular level. It also seeks to understand how the pathogen responsible for Legionnaires’ disease manipulates cell death to allow for successful invasion of the human host.
Novel Genetic And Environmental Modifiers Of The Risk Of Iron Overload-related Disease In HFE-associated Hereditary Haemochromatosis In Cohort Of Middle-aged Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
People who carry mutations in the HFE gene are pre-disposed to body iron overload but not all of them developed subsequent disease. According to the investigators of the “HealthIron” study in Melbourne, only 28% of men and 1% of women with faulty HFE genes go on to develop disease. This study has recruited more than 1,000 people from the community, and will determine which environmental and genetic risk factors stop people with iron overload from getting symptoms of disease.
Novel Insights Into The Mechanisms Of How Viruses Cause Arthritis/Arthralgia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,187.00
Summary
Viruses cause many diseases today and new viruses emerge to post threats to future health and well being. The proposed work investigates how viruses cause disease in people, particularly how viral infections can lead to arthritis or muscle pain. This understanding will be used in the development of new prevention strategies and treatments.