The Role Of Interleukin-21 In The Pathogenesis Of Autoimmune Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,060.00
Summary
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a soluble protein that is produced by cells enabling them to communicate with other cells. IL-21 helps cells to clear viruses and bacteria from the body. However, our studies show that IL-21 also generates T cells that destroy beta cells and cause diabetes. IL-21 is produced at abnormally high levels in an important murine model of spontaneous type-1 diabetes (T1D) and if we block IL-21 we prevent diabetes. This projects' aims assess IL-21 as therapeutic target for T1D.
Pesonalised Risk Prediction For Severe Treatment-related Gastrointestinal Toxicity In Paediatric Cancer Patients Using Pre-treatment Gut Microbiome Analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
The gut is home to trillions of good and bad bacteria, critical to human health. Each person has a different balance of bacteria, unique to their gut, which shapes their immune system and susceptibility to disease. I will investigate how the unique gut bacteria, in children with blood cancer, can be used to predict which children will develop severe gut side effects (diarrhoea) from their chemotherapy. This will identify high-risk children, enable personalised treatment and improve survival.
MicroRNA Expression Profiling Of Eutopic Endometrium In Women With Versus Without Endometriosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$224,211.00
Summary
Endometriosis is a medical condition where endometrium grows outside the womb. About 10% of women have this condition that can cause abdominal pain, painful periods and difficulty conceiving a child. Now endometriosis can only be diagnosed by surgical procedure. We believe that the presence of endometriosis causes particular small molecules called microRNAs to be present in the lining of the womb or in the blood only in women with endometriosis, and we could develop a test for endometriosis with ....Endometriosis is a medical condition where endometrium grows outside the womb. About 10% of women have this condition that can cause abdominal pain, painful periods and difficulty conceiving a child. Now endometriosis can only be diagnosed by surgical procedure. We believe that the presence of endometriosis causes particular small molecules called microRNAs to be present in the lining of the womb or in the blood only in women with endometriosis, and we could develop a test for endometriosis without resorting to surgery.Read moreRead less
Identification And Molecular Characterisation Of High-risk Premalignant Breast Lesions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,382.00
Summary
Understanding the full repertoire of genetic events that underlie the development of breast cancer may allow development of prevention strategies. This study will analyse genetic data of benign breast lesions that may be non-obligate precursors of breast cancer. Importantly, clinical management of these lesions is difficult. A reliable method of predicting the risk of progression to cancer would be a significant advance, with benefits to individual patients and also the health system.
Personalising Care In Operable Pancreas Cancer. GAP-T: A Study Of Imaging And Molecular Biomarkers To Guide Treatment Of Patients Receiving Preoperative Chemotherapy Followed By Surgery.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,345.00
Summary
We are studying ways to improve how we treat patients with pancreatic cancer. We will use a novel imaging tool, the PET scanner, to show where active cancer is and how quickly and how well a new drug combination (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) is affecting the cancer. We will also study if measuring the expression of specific proteins (SPARC and hENT1) in the cancer affects the outcome and will allow us to determine ahead of time which patients will benefit most from the drugs.
Improving Treatment Outcomes For Malignant Mesothelioma Patients Using Biomarkers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$795,262.00
Summary
The deadly asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma is continuing to kill tens of thousands of people each year. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. In this study we will use novel biomarkers to help the diagnosis of mesothelioma and potentially improve treatment options for patients.
Assessment And Prediction Of Blood Flow Dynamics In Congenital Aortic Abnormalities Using Image-based Computer Modelling And Wave Intensity Analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,925.00
Summary
Severe aortic abnormality is a serious problem in many infants with congenital heart disease, but it is often unclear what type of treatment will optimise blood flow and minimise the risk of later complications. This study aims to harness recent developments in blood flow modelling, magnetic resonance imaging and advanced blood flow analysis techniques to determine the factors that lead to complications in these children, thereby providing crucial information for improving treatment strategies.