Are Oligodendrocytes The Missing Link In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,054,405.00
Summary
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative disease. Recent research suggests important cells of the central nervous system called glia play a role in disease onset and progression. We are interested in a type of glia called oligodendrocytes; they are crucial for supporting the survival of the cells that die in ALS. Only through understanding the underlying biology of ALS can we aim to identify effective therapies that will benefit patients.
Investigating The Consequences Of Dysregulated Lipogenesis In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,647.00
Summary
Reprogramming of cellular metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. As such, there has been growing interest in developing strategies to exploit metabolism for therapeutic gain. Our ability to do this is dependent on a thorough understanding of the mechanisms by which dysregulation of cellular metabolism contributes to tumour progression. In this project, we seek to the investigate the fundamental mechanisms by which aberrant activation of lipid metabolism contributes to the tumourigenic process.
Oleoyl-ACP-hydrolase As An Early Predictive Biomarker For Severe And Fatal Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$866,807.00
Summary
Millions are hospitalized with severe influenza disease and ~500K die annually but the underlying mechanisms that drive disease are still not fully understood. We have identified a key role for an enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism, which is profoundly elevated in patients who succumb to influenza and is thus a predictor for fatal outcomes. This research aims to investigate how this enzyme affects infection and impairs immune responses to drive severe respiratory viral disease.
The Interactive Effects Of Dietary Saturated Fat And Apolipoprotein-E Genotype On Peripheral Metabolism Of Lipoprotein-amyloid And Neurovascular Integrity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,536.00
Summary
This project is based on a remarkable discovery which suggests that in some individuals, Alzheimer's disease may be a consequence of corruption of microscopic blood vessels that supply brain, damaged as a consequence of exaggerated exposure in blood to a protein produced principally in liver. The project will explore this pathway further in subjects at heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease and in humanised animal models. The findings may provide new opportunities for prevention and treatment.
Characterisation And Targeting T Cellular Metabolism To Improve Control Of Chronic Viral Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$791,427.00
Summary
CD8+ T cells are the frontline warriors of our immune system that can eliminate infected or cancerous cells. However, diseases caused by overwhelming viral infections are associated with widespread impairments in immunity and cellular metabolism. Here, we propose to examine molecular pathways involved in cellular metabolism that could be utilized to improve therapies against viral infection and cancer.