Aberrant Signalling Through Gp130 In The Pathogenesis Of Fibrotic Lung Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,500.00
Summary
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic diffuse interstitial lung disease of unknown cause, characterised pathologically by inflammation and fibrosis of the lung tissue. The prognosis is poor with a 50% mortality at five years after diagnosis and considerable morbidity during those years. Previous investigations have documented the role for inflammation in the development of pulmonary fibrosis and current therapeutic strategies are aimed at suppressing the inflammation. Data generated over the past deca ....Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic diffuse interstitial lung disease of unknown cause, characterised pathologically by inflammation and fibrosis of the lung tissue. The prognosis is poor with a 50% mortality at five years after diagnosis and considerable morbidity during those years. Previous investigations have documented the role for inflammation in the development of pulmonary fibrosis and current therapeutic strategies are aimed at suppressing the inflammation. Data generated over the past decade also have established the concept that the molecular processes underlying the fibrogenesis component may represent a new opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Attempts to treat fibrosis have for the most part consisted of anti- inflammatory drugs, almost exclusively steroids. The effectiveness of steroids is variable and can be associated with significant side effects. This project will examine the effects of a family of molecules called cytokines that signal through gp130 as critical determinants of disease susceptibility and progression. gp 130 is a shared component in the receptor complexes for IL-6 family cytokines (IL-6, IL-11, LIF, OSM) which are important regulators of both the phenotype and proliferation of fibroblasts in health and in response to injury. Our data raises the possibility of developing pharmacological manipulators of gp130 signalling pathways that would suppress fibrosis but leave normal cellular defense mechanisms necessary for host defense in the lung intact.Read moreRead less
NOVEL NON-INVASIVE METHODS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF PULMONARY VASCULAR DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,463.00
Summary
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, progressive disorder. Current non-invasive diagnostic modalities are insensitive for detecting early disease, thus preventing early intervention with therapy. We aim to develop novel and reproducible ways to assess the pulmonary circulation, which will ultimately allow for the early diagnosis of PAH and in turn facilitate early initiation of treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Novel Methods For The Early Identification Of Progressive Disease In Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$676,685.00
Summary
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a severe and progressive lung disease with no proven treatment. IPF causes persistent scarring in the lungs that reduces the lungs ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. The rate at which the disease progresses is highly variable, some patients remain stable while others deteriorate rapidly. This research will look for indicators that predict the rate of disease progression. Understanding this will assist doctors to improve the management of IPF.
Airway fibrosis or scaring causes significant morbidity in both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma . These diseases affect 10-15% of the population, and cost the health system $1.15 billion per year. Airway fibrosis is not decreased by the current therapeutics used to treat COPD and asthma, and as such there is a pressing need to develop therapeutics to specifically treat airway fibrosis. Dr Brian Oliver has partnered with Pharmaxis to develop new therapeutics to specificall ....Airway fibrosis or scaring causes significant morbidity in both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma . These diseases affect 10-15% of the population, and cost the health system $1.15 billion per year. Airway fibrosis is not decreased by the current therapeutics used to treat COPD and asthma, and as such there is a pressing need to develop therapeutics to specifically treat airway fibrosis. Dr Brian Oliver has partnered with Pharmaxis to develop new therapeutics to specifically treat fibrosisRead moreRead less
Targeting IL-33 In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Asthma And Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Lung diseases (emphysema, severe asthma & pulmonary fibrosis) are major burdens on Australian community and economy. Airway wounding is a key feature of all these diseases. Patients experience severe breathlessness seriously impacting quality of life and frequently leading to death. We will assess the potential of a new target (IL-33), & therapy (anti-IL-33) in suppressing wounding in experimental models and human tissues. This may lead to a new treatment to reverse and/or prevent lung diseases.
Fibroblast Senescence As A Driver Of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$845,611.00
Summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has no cure. Currently we think that IPF develops like normal wound healing, but the normal “braking” mechanisms in the myofibroblasts (the cells that produce the connective tissue) don’t work, such that too much connective tissue is produced and oxygen transfer to the blood is stopped. We have identified a protein we think stops, the myofibroblasts from dying. Reducing the activation of this protein should return the myofibroblasts function to normal.
Understanding The Mechanisms Underlying Airway Remodelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
Changes in the structure of the lung contribute to the development of disease, but are not responsive to our current therapies. I have found two key structural proteins that are altered in asthma. This research will characterise the regulation and role of these proteins in the disease process. In addition, it will determine if these proteins also contribute to the development of other serious fibrotic diseases, for which there are no current treatments.
Centre For Research Excellence In Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,498,607.00
Summary
The Centre for Research excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis (CRE-PF) aims to develop a sustainable nation-wide network, consisting of world recognized experts. The group will enable an integrative approach to solving PF through a layered strategy extending from molecules germane to disease pathogenesis, to human studies. With this approach the CRE-PF will set a new paradigm for synergy between academia, health care, health policy and the public, placing Australia at the forefront of innovation.