Plasmin is a complex enzyme that performs major roles in removal of blood clots, wound healing and in tumor metastasis. Here we will understand how plasmin function is regulated at the molecular level. These key insights will be of future use in the development of therapeutics targeting the plasmin system in cancer and clotting diseases.
Phagocytic Clearance And Immune Activation In Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,644.00
Summary
Macrophage white blood cells clear malaria infected cells by eating them, by three routes- by recognising ANTIBODIES or COMPLEMENT on the cell surface, or by the cell BINDING directly to the macrophage. Each has different results, such as amounts of cytokines produced. Cytokines clear malaria; in excess they can cause fatal immune pathology. We will investigate how variations in amount of antibody and complement and route of uptake of malaria infected cells might determine malaria outcome.
A specialised set of T lymphocytes called Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells react against bacteria and yeast, and reside at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are most easily breached, e.g. respiratory tract and intestinal mucosa. This study investigates the role of MAIT cells in both protection and pathology in bacterial infections. Controlling MAIT cells could help in treating these conditions.
A Novel Lipid Sensitive Kinase And Its Role In Obesity-induced Inflammation And Insulin Resistance.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,045.00
Summary
It is now apparent that obesity leads to chronic low grade inflammation which results in insulin resistance or pre-diabetes. The mechanisms that link obesity-induced inflammation to insulin resistance are not well understood, but involve lipid oversupply. We have preliminary data identifying that a protein, not known to previously play a role in metabolic diseases, is a critical mediator of lipid-induced inflammation. We will investigate the clinical potential of blocking this protein.
Information Delivery from Segmented Textual Data Streams. This project will contribute to the advancement of ICT innovation in Australia by developing a robust, reusable language understanding engine. The technology will be tailored to web applications, in the form of a conceptually-aware web search engine capable of tracking cross-document dialogues and identifying the core semantic thread of the dialogue. It will place Australia at the forefront of next-generation language technology developme ....Information Delivery from Segmented Textual Data Streams. This project will contribute to the advancement of ICT innovation in Australia by developing a robust, reusable language understanding engine. The technology will be tailored to web applications, in the form of a conceptually-aware web search engine capable of tracking cross-document dialogues and identifying the core semantic thread of the dialogue. It will place Australia at the forefront of next-generation language technology development, with applications in areas including concept-based multi-document summarisation and email surveillance.Read moreRead less
Targeting Adenosine Mediated Immunosuppression To Enhance CAR T Cell Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,447.00
Summary
The use of white blood cells genetically engineered to eradicate cancer cells specifically has been a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. These cells (CAR T cells) are very effective in blood cancers, but do not currently work well in other cancers. This is due to the immune suppressing nature of the cancer environment. I propose to use strategies to overcome this by genetically reprogramming the CAR T cells to be resistant to suppression by the cancer and therefore be more effective.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0561231
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,715.00
Summary
MRI GRID Computing Facility: Design, Optimisation and Image Processing. The MRI Grid Computing Facility provides the IT infrastructure to achieve effective e-research in the area of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, a field of neuroscience research that revolutionizes the way brain diseases are identified and treated. The facility consists of a dedicated high performance grid compute engine, distributed visualisation workstations, and distributed data warehouse facilities. Software tools acc ....MRI GRID Computing Facility: Design, Optimisation and Image Processing. The MRI Grid Computing Facility provides the IT infrastructure to achieve effective e-research in the area of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, a field of neuroscience research that revolutionizes the way brain diseases are identified and treated. The facility consists of a dedicated high performance grid compute engine, distributed visualisation workstations, and distributed data warehouse facilities. Software tools accessible through the Internet will enable researchers to archive, retrieve and exchange data and software; access distributed MR image databases and the latest MR image analysis tools; schedule analysis tasks on the grid compute engine, the outcomes of which will be visualized by the visualization workstations.Read moreRead less
eResearch in the Neurosciences: Building collaborations in Asia. The proposed Australasian collaboration on eResearch in Neuroscience will promote and maintain the good health of Australians by 'improving critical mass through collaboration and information sharing' through increased access to advanced imaging technology in Korea and analysis techniques in Japan. The collaboration will also promote frontier technologies for building and transforming Australian industries by developing a creative ....eResearch in the Neurosciences: Building collaborations in Asia. The proposed Australasian collaboration on eResearch in Neuroscience will promote and maintain the good health of Australians by 'improving critical mass through collaboration and information sharing' through increased access to advanced imaging technology in Korea and analysis techniques in Japan. The collaboration will also promote frontier technologies for building and transforming Australian industries by developing a creative and innovative research environment and enhancing Australian scientists' participation in breakthrough science. Great national benefit can be derived from international research collaboration, due to the contribution frontier technology can make to science and health. Read moreRead less
The Mezzanine T Cell Response: Intervening At The Coal Face
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,585.00
Summary
In an initial immune response, specialised cells in lymph nodes tell T cells to multiply; the stimulated T cells depart and enter target tissue (e.g. lung in the case of flu). We describe a new response whereby the target tissue itself can tell T cells to multiply further. This response in target tissues reveals a new way of altering immune responses. This is especially important as in many diseases, the primary lymph node response has already occurred, so cannot be therapeutically intervened.
Modelling and Removal of Noise and Artefacts in Surveillance and Security Video for Forensic Image Analysis and Enhancement. This project spearheads research in advanced digital image and video processing technology, placing Australia at the forefront of both theoretical and applied research to safeguard Australia. It tackles fundamental issues identified in our earlier research in this area and consulting work for Victoria and NSW Police Departments in forensic investigations since 2000. Althou ....Modelling and Removal of Noise and Artefacts in Surveillance and Security Video for Forensic Image Analysis and Enhancement. This project spearheads research in advanced digital image and video processing technology, placing Australia at the forefront of both theoretical and applied research to safeguard Australia. It tackles fundamental issues identified in our earlier research in this area and consulting work for Victoria and NSW Police Departments in forensic investigations since 2000. Although the main investigation focuses on video surveillance and security systems for public safety, policing, crime prevention and border control, the outcomes of the investigation will have other applications, including digital photography for fine-art, medical imaging, picture archiving and communication systems for telemedicine and rural healthcare systems.Read moreRead less