Haematopoiesis, Metabolic Disorders And Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Dr. Murphy’s work is centred on examining how different diseases such as obesity, diabetes and other inflammatory conditions increase people’s risk of heart disease. He will explore how these various inflammatory diseases influence the produce increased levels of white blood cells, which is important as increased white blood cells are positively associated with disease severity. He will also explore the relationship between blood cancers, know as leukaemia and how obesity.
S100A8/A9 As A Target In Metabolic Diseases To Inhibit The Acceleration Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$554,990.00
Summary
Obesity and diabetes are the leading cause of premature death, due to accelerated cardiovascular disease (CVD). The abundance of blood monocytes influences the progression and regression of CVD. We discovered that S100A8/A9 promotes monocyte production in obesity and diabetes. This project will explore how S100A8/A9 is produced in diabetes and obesity and if blocking its function using a novel drug will prevent obesity and diabetes associated CVD.
Macrophages, Cytokines And The Inflammatory Response (Reappointment To Senior Principal Research Fellow)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,008.00
Summary
The project will continue to explore how a type of white blood cell contributes to the pathology associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis and periodontal disease. Success already has been achieved in that clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis have emanated from this project.
Exploring And Targeting The Anti-Inflammatory Signalling Mechanisms Of Interleukin 37
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,018,306.00
Summary
Cytokines are messenger proteins that function as master regulators of biological processes; thus they play central roles in many diseases. The rare cytokines that block inflammation do so by dampening the immune system’s potentially destructive force, making them attractive targets for drug development. We showed that interleukin 37 is a powerful anti-inflammatory cytokine, and will now evaluate its mechanisms of action and its efficacy against several severe diseases, including cancer.
Determining The Contribution Of Peripheral Immune Complement Signalling In The Progression Of Motor Neuron Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,000,871.00
Summary
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a debilitating and lethal neurodegenerative disease, which has no effective treatment. We propose that an overactive immune system is a major contributing factor in this disease. To test this, we will examine immune pathways in patients suffering from MND, and will test a novel immune-modulatory drug in animal models of MND. We hope to identify new therapeutic avenues to slow disease progression, and improve the quality of life in patients diagnosed with MND.