Role Of The LIM-only Protein LMO4 In Lung Development And Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$490,395.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in cancer patients in Australia. Although treatments have improved in the past 10 years, new therapeutic strategies are eagerly awaited. Deregulation of molecules driving development of normal tissue is often observed in cancer. Our aim is to identify key regulators of lung development and lung repair after injury. We aim to evaluate the role of these molecules in the initiation and progression of lung cancer to identify new targets for therapies.
Developmental Functions Of A Novel Zinc-finger Protein
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$666,812.00
Summary
Diseases of the respiratory track and the immune system represent major public health burdens, from the common cold and lung cancer, to increased risk of infections and auto-immune diseases. We have identified a new gene that is essential for lung development, and required for normal development of antibody-producing immune cells. Here we want to define the mechanism by which this gene functions, in order to better understand how lungs and immune cells develop.
Modulation Of Lung Regeneration And Remodeling By The Innate Immune System.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,113.00
Summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis results in respiratory failure and death with millions of people affected each year. Current treatments are limited and there is a need to better understand the changes that drive fibrosis. In this study we will investigate how the innate immune system modulates the process of epithelial regeneration, focusing, in particular, on how the innate immune response following severe lung injury initiates a disordered repair processes and drives fibrosis.
Extending Life After Lung Transplantation – Defining The Structural And Immunological Drivers Of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$739,190.00
Summary
Lung Transplantation (LTx) saves life. However, chronic rejection limits survival after LTx compared to other solid organ transplants. Chronic rejection develops when the LTx recipient produces antibodies against the donor lung. With a team of global leaders in the field we will dissect the antibody response to LTx. By better understanding the immune drivers of antibody-mediated rejection, we aim to reduce the incidence of chronic rejection thereby improving survival after LTx.
Identifying, Validating And Exploiting A Novel Dclk1-positive Bipotential Lung Stem Cell
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,648.00
Summary
The discovery of stem cells has changed our understanding and approach to treating chronic diseases. Unlike other organs, the stem cells that maintain and repair the lung remain poorly characterised. I have recently identified a gene that labels a population of cells which contribute to epithelial repopulation of the lung. This project aims to characterise how this population behaves during lung homeostasis and following lung injury, with a view to translating these findings to the clinic.
It has recently become apparent that we all make a substance in the lungs called nitric oxide. The amount that we make is increased in diseases such as allergic asthma. This project will study the connection between the allergen being inhaled and the excess nitric oxide being made by cells in the lung. From this research we will have a better understanding of the processess involved and develop better therapies for asthma.
Career Development Fellowship_Y C Gary Lee_Translational Research On Malignant Pleural Effusion And Pleural Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,489.00
Summary
My pleural research program uniquely combines a clinical and a lab research arm integrated with a tertiary clinical service. It has a strong track record in improving clinical care in pleural cancer and infection through patient-oriented research. My program has a high productivity and strong commitment to training future pleural researchers. This Fellowship will allow me to continue the upward trajectory in research publication, training of fellows, and making advances that impact patient care.
Role Of Amnion Derived Stem Cells In Reducing Lung Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,485.00
Summary
Human amniotic epithelial multipotential cells from the term placenta are being studied in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema to demonstrate their anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, immune-suppresive and lung repair capability. The availability and numbers of these cells from discarded placentas at birth are unlimited and their potential to repair serious lung disease would have strong clinical interest as a new stem cell therapy.