Function And Molecular Mechanism Of Histidine-rich Glycoprotein In Necrotic Cell And Pathogen Clearance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,957.00
Summary
This research proposal is to investigate the molecular mechanism and function of a blood serum protein, histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), in protecting against tissue injury caused by inflammation and infection. HRG has been implicated in controlling important aspects of tissue injury by aiding removal of dead cells and pathogens. Understanding the role of HRG in these disease settings may allow the development of approaches for the treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune and infectious disease.
Genomic And Proteomic Profiling Of Dendritic Cell Heterogeneity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,971,250.00
Summary
Dendritic cells (DC) present antigens to T cells and regulate immunity and tolerance. DC are heterogeneous, comprising seven functionally distinct subsets. We will use genomics and proteomics to identify the plasma membrane and endosomal proteins that underpin this functional heterogeneity. Such proteins are potential targets for improved protocols of vaccination and prevention of autoimmunity. This project will thus provide further opportunities for high-quality research and commercialisation.
Pathogenic Mechanisms In Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,750.00
Summary
The causes and disease mechanisms of inflammatory neuropathy remain mostly unknown. Although treatments have been developed (intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange) they are extremely expensive, non-specific in action, beyond the means of the worlds most populous nations and a considerable burden to health resources in developed nations. These studies aim to understand better the mechanism of disease production so that better and more affordable therapy can be developed. In our current g ....The causes and disease mechanisms of inflammatory neuropathy remain mostly unknown. Although treatments have been developed (intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange) they are extremely expensive, non-specific in action, beyond the means of the worlds most populous nations and a considerable burden to health resources in developed nations. These studies aim to understand better the mechanism of disease production so that better and more affordable therapy can be developed. In our current grant we have made a most important breakthrough - which is that antibodies to a major structural protein of the myelin sheath are responsible for disease production in one subgroup of patients. We plan to search for other antigenic targets in other patient groups and to see whether we can regulate the disease by new mechanisms which would be cheaper and more effective.Read moreRead less
Use Of Snake Venom Prothrombin Activators In Blood Collection Tubes To Produce High Quality Serum To Improve Patient Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$284,706.00
Summary
The timely availability of high quality serum and plasma samples are of the utmost importance for accurate biochemical analysis in a clinical setting. This requirement is particularly true for patients on anti-clotting therapeutic agents such as warfarin and heparin. In this study we will employ potent prothrombin activators purified from snake venom to enhance the clotting efficiency of blood for serum preparation for biochemical analysis.
Identification Of A Plasma Factor Of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning And Its Effect On The Proteome After Heart Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,197.00
Summary
Heart surgery with the heart placed into arrest causes inflammation and tissue damage due to interrupted circulation. We know that prior brief interruption and restoration of blood supply called remote ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can protect heart and lungs against damage. Our previous studies indicate that IPC involves a circulating factor that protects the tissue by optimizing energy preservation. This knowledge can be applied to organ transplants, protection from stroke and heart attack.