Dissecting The Central Organisation Of Cough Neural Networks
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$880,928.00
Summary
Cough is the most prevalent symptom of lung disease and the most common reason for people to seek medical advice. However, cough neural processes are poorly defined and as a result current cough therapies are largely ineffective making cough a significant unmet clinical problem. This project will novel viral strategies to dissect and manipulate cough neural pathways in the brain, providing insights into the neural processing of airway sensations and coughing.
Understanding The Role Of Caudal Auditory Belt Areas In Perception Of Complex Sounds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,518.00
Summary
Although the auditory cortex is key to our understanding of several neurological conditions, including language impairments, the functions of many of its areas are still unknown. Using an animal model, we will examine the roles of different auditory areas in separating important sounds from noise. This is a critical role in coordinating our body’s responses to acoustic stimuli. This study will help clarify how these areas contribute to how we normally process sounds, and what deficits are likely ....Although the auditory cortex is key to our understanding of several neurological conditions, including language impairments, the functions of many of its areas are still unknown. Using an animal model, we will examine the roles of different auditory areas in separating important sounds from noise. This is a critical role in coordinating our body’s responses to acoustic stimuli. This study will help clarify how these areas contribute to how we normally process sounds, and what deficits are likely to occur if they are damaged.Read moreRead less
Characterization Of A Novel Secretion And Attachment System Necessary For The Formation Of A Virulence Coat In Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$828,857.00
Summary
In this study we will characterize a novel bacterial secretion system that we have discovered. This system mediates the secretion of proteins from the bacterial cell and their attachment to the cell surface. This system is essential for the virulence of a bacterium associated with severe gum disease. The chacterization of this system may offer opportunities for the development of new treatments to target this disease.
The Dengue Virus Glycoprotein NS1 Binds Cholesterol And Mediates Cellular Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,029.00
Summary
Cholesterol has been shown to play a vital role in the life cycle of many viruses. This project will investigate the basis of dengue virus interaction with this important host molecule and along with investigations of how dengue is able to stimulate host cells, will provide new insights into the way these viruses cause severe disease. Findings from this study will also aid in the development of new drug strategies for dengue and related viruses such as West Nile virus.
KYNURENINE PATHWAY METABOLOMIC PROFILING IN THE PROGRESSION OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL BIOMARKER TO ASSESS DISEASE SEVERITY AND THERAPEUTIC REGIMEN
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,750.00
Summary
A metabolic process known as the kynurenine pathway (KP) has been found to be dysregulated in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We are currently investigating which components of the KP is impaired that put MS patients in jeopardy. Next, we aim to use specific drugs known to manipulate the KP in order to rectify the impairment and stop MS. Outcome of this study may potentially lead to discovery of new biomarkers to assess severity of MS progression and also novel therapeutic regimen.
Myeloproliferative diseases (MPD) and leukemias arise from blood cells with faulty molecular signalling caused by genetic mutations. We are studying MPD and leukemias that carry over-active versions of the JAK2 signalling molecule. We will use human and mouse leukemias and MPD to discover how these diseases develop, and how we can use specific medications to stop these processes. Our goal is to discover new, improved ways to treat leukemias and MPDs.
The Involvement Of The Kynurenine Pathway In Blood Brain Barrier Disruption And Its Relevance For Neuroinflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,797.00
Summary
We aim to study the involvement of molecules deriving from the degradation of the essential amino acid tryptophan on the breakdown of the ñblood-brain barrierî (the cellular wall separating blood and brain) that is observed in several major brain diseases. Using specific drugs blocking the production or the effects of these toxic compounds we expect to be able to preserve the integrity of the blood brain barrier and so to limit brain inflammation and neuronal loss.
Is Mitochondiral STAT3 Necessary For K-Ras Induced Myeloid Leukaemias?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,326.00
Summary
Myeloid leukaemia (ML) is a family of diseases characterized by the expansion of white blood cells, leading to death from haematopoietic complications. One common mutation that gives a proliferative advantage in ML is in the Ras oncogenes. We recently showed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is necessary for the transforming potential of Ras due to its ability to support the metabolic changes necessary for tumour growth. This research will characterize the STAT3-dep ....Myeloid leukaemia (ML) is a family of diseases characterized by the expansion of white blood cells, leading to death from haematopoietic complications. One common mutation that gives a proliferative advantage in ML is in the Ras oncogenes. We recently showed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is necessary for the transforming potential of Ras due to its ability to support the metabolic changes necessary for tumour growth. This research will characterize the STAT3-dependent metabolic changes in ML.Read moreRead less
Organization Of Descending Auditory Projections From Inferior Colliculus To Cochlear Nucleus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,121.00
Summary
Sensory information gains awareness by ascending brain pathways to reach consciousness. Descending projections, however, have grown in importance because of implications for feedback management of ascending signals. Studies of these pathways will provide insight into auditory processing with respect to selective volume control, calibration adjustments between the two ears, and the extraction of signals from background noise. The data could lead to new strategies for treating hearing disorders.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide. 85% of CRC arises from mutations in the Wnt signalling pathway. We have shown that AZD1480, a drug that blocks Janus kinases (Jak) can prevent the appearance of Wnt mutant tumours and stop the growth of already established CRC in animal models. This project will test whether Jak inhibitors can improve treatment outcome and prolong disease free survival.