A Suite Of Engineered Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines To Facilitate The Generation Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$881,221.00
Summary
Our goal is to develop tools that address major bottlenecks that have prevented the generation of blood forming stem cells in culture for therapeutic use. We will generate human embryonic stem cell reporter lines that can be used to monitor key milestones in blood stem cell development. These lines will serve as tools to identify growth conditions to improve the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to functional blood stem cells.
An Integrated Analysis Of Gene Expression And Chromosome Copy Number In Malignant Mesothelioma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,697.00
Summary
Mesothelioma is an aggressive, asbestos related cancer which causes more than 20,000 deaths worldwide per annum. Mesothelioma is characterised by a long latency between exposure to asbestos and development of the disease, estimated to be between 20 and 40 years. As such, the peak number of cases of mesothelioma is not expected in Australia until 2010, as asbestos use reached its peak in the 1970-80's. In 2010, deaths from mesothelioma will be more common than ovarian cancer and melanoma. This st ....Mesothelioma is an aggressive, asbestos related cancer which causes more than 20,000 deaths worldwide per annum. Mesothelioma is characterised by a long latency between exposure to asbestos and development of the disease, estimated to be between 20 and 40 years. As such, the peak number of cases of mesothelioma is not expected in Australia until 2010, as asbestos use reached its peak in the 1970-80's. In 2010, deaths from mesothelioma will be more common than ovarian cancer and melanoma. This study aims to explore the molecular defects that are involved in initiation and progression of mesothelioma. Using array comparative genomic hybridisation, a technique which allows comparison of the DNA of normal cells with that of cancer cells, we will classify chromosomal changes in the cancer cell and identify candidate genes which are involved in mesothelioma development.Read moreRead less
Bioactivated Hierarchical Hydrogels As Zonal Implants For Articular Cartilage Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,161.00
Summary
Cartilage is frequently damaged, but does not repair on its own, and degenerates in osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, current treatments are also not able to regenerate the structure of normal cartilage and fail to restore joint function long-term. Our project, HydroZONES, brings together expertise from 16 partners to tackle this problem and regenerate cartilage with the appropriate structure to help the millions of people worldwide suffering from cartilage problems such as osteoarthritis.
Anti-inflammatory Copper Complexes For Treatment Of Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,622.00
Summary
Brain inflammation and disrupted metabolism of the biologically important metal, copper, play key roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. Our team has developed new copper-based therapeutics, but limited knowledge of how they work impedes clinical trials. My recent findings indicate that these drugs potently prevent inflammation. My proposal seeks to understand how copper-complexes reduce damaging inflammatory responses in novel human cell models of AD.
The Role Of Oligodendrocytes In Frontotemporal Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,292.00
Summary
Dementia affects 35.6 million people world-wide; this number is projected to double every 20 years. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common type and has been found to have similar cause and pathology to common neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We ultimately require treatments to slow, stop and repair the damaged brain of FTD patients and this is only possible by understanding the mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of disease.
Neuronal Membranes And Connections In Dementia: Targets For Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,144.00
Summary
This research aims to understand why some people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) progress to dementia, whilst others do not. The fact that some people’s cognitive abilities can improve provides an opportunity to study the mechanisms that protect their brain cells from the degeneration associated with dementia. Understanding the cellular changes will lead to therapies that can be tested in the lab for individuals.
Dementias affect a large number of Australians each year with the number of patients expected to triple by 2050. As such, there is need to develop a better model of this debilitating disorder to provide improved treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells, are relatively easy to obtain and grow, and are able to produce the key cell types in the brain. We can use these cells to identify the processes that control the production of brain cells, which will likely provide better treatment of this disease.
Multiple Sclerosis Therapy: Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Precursor Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,775,225.00
Summary
Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often have unsatisfactory outcomes. The limited ability of the body to repair damaged nerve tissue highlights a critically important need for MS patients. The long-term goal of our research is to develop a stem cell-based therapy that halts disease progression and repairs damaged nerve tissue. Research efforts will refine techniques to make safe and clinically-compatible cells from human stem cell lines and verify the therapeutic activity of these cells.