Towards A Diagnostic Test For Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,670.00
Summary
Childhood arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects around 6000 Australian children. It can be difficult to diagnose, but quick diagnosis is important to prevent ongoing pain and limit long term damage to joints. We have been able to use genetic information to predict which people have autoimmune celiac disease. In this project, we will find out how well genetic information can predict which children have childhood arthritis, and whether genetics can be used as a diagnostic test.
The Role Of Vitamin D In Determining Risk Of Developing Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,485.00
Summary
Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease that occurs in up to 1/250 Australian children. Growing evidence suggests that low vitamin D increases risk of autoimmune disease, yet no-one has looked at its effect on JIA. We will compare vitamin D in blood, and also exposure to sun through life, between children with and without JIA. We will also look to see if vitamin D interacts with autoimmune disease risk genes. The outcomes of this study will help to inform policy on the impor ....Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease that occurs in up to 1/250 Australian children. Growing evidence suggests that low vitamin D increases risk of autoimmune disease, yet no-one has looked at its effect on JIA. We will compare vitamin D in blood, and also exposure to sun through life, between children with and without JIA. We will also look to see if vitamin D interacts with autoimmune disease risk genes. The outcomes of this study will help to inform policy on the importance of sun exposure to health.Read moreRead less
I am a cartilage biochemist investigating (1) cartilage remodelling in normal skeletal growth & development and (2) the molecular events that destroy cartilage in arthritic diseases. My research focuses on the molecules that define cartilage structure, and the enzymes that degrade and remodel it. Our analyses include work with molecules in test tubes, genetically modified mice with degradation-resistant cartilage, and synovial fluid samples from arthritis patients.
Investigating Low Sun Exposure And Other Possible Early Life Determinants Of Type 1 Diabtes Mellitus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,795.00
Summary
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is becoming more common among Australian children. The project explores aspects of the modern child's environment that may increase the risk of type 1 diabetes. In particular it aims to assess whether very low sun exposure in early life is adverse. Low sun exposure may be adverse because sun exposure -derived vitamin D is vital for the developing child's immune system. We need to know what level of sunlight and vitamin D children need to prevent disease.
Defining The Role Of GILZ In Inflammatory Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,030.00
Summary
Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Their action is based on effects on natural inflammation control pathways. One such pathway is that mediated by the protein known as GILZ (glucocorticoid induced leucine zipper). The function of this protein in disease is not well understood, and the research proposed here will increase understanding of its role. This knowledge could yield new treatments for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Using cutting edge sequencing and genotyping technology, genes causing common and rare human diseases will be identified, and genetic methods developed to diagnose genetic diseases in both antenatal and postnatal life. Treatments for common rheumatic diseases affecting tens of thousands of Australians will be developed informed by these genetic findings.
Glucocorticoids (or 'steroids') are among the most commonly used drugs in the world, chiefly used for inflammatory diseases. However, they have major predictable side effects that have been known for over 60 years. Science has, til now, failed to deliver an alternative that delivers the effects of steroids without the side effects. This application is for funds to support the development of the discovery of the protein known as GILZ towards a treatment to help patients.