A Universal Prophylactic Vaccine For Hepatitis C Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,337.00
Summary
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infects 200 million people world wide. An effective vaccine to prevent HCV is urgently needed but must afford protection against the 7 diverse genotypes. In this project grant we aim to further define the quality of the immune response that is generated by a novel HCV vaccine candidate that generates pan-genotypic immunity, its unique structural features, and methods of manufacturing so that it can be tested in a future phase I human clinical trial.
Identification Of Parkinson's Disease Genes In Queensland Families Showing Patterns Of Mendelian Inheritance.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,759.00
Summary
In rare cases, Parkinson's disease can be inherited through the generations of a family and it is possible to identify genetic changes that lead to this type of disease. This project aims to use new genetic sequencing technologies in several Australian families with inherited PD to find new genes that cause disease. This research will not only help these families but will teach us more about the reasons brain cells degenerate in this condition and other similar age-related brain diseases.
Developing Functionalised Microbubbles For Molecular Ultrasound Imaging And Targeted Delivery Of Drugs And MicroRNA Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$677,229.00
Summary
We aim to develop gas-filled microbubbles that are directed to markers of thrombosis and inflammation and will allow visualisation of blood clots and early inflammatory reactions via ultrasound. This will allow early and timely treatment. We will systematically test for the best method of microbubble coating with recombinant antibodies in various animal models of thrombosis and inflammation. In addition, we plan to load microbubbles with drugs and target these to areas where they are needed.
Taking The First Steps From Promise To Product: Exploration Of The Newly Discovered Interleukin 37 Receptor Complex And Its Signaling Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,623.00
Summary
Cytokines are messenger proteins used by most cells of the body. They function as master regulators of many biological processes and as such play an important role in a wide spectrum of diseases. Anti-inflammatory cytokines attenuate the potentially destructive force of other cytokines and the immune system as a whole, and are therefore coveted as drug targets. We discovered the formidable anti-inflammatory properties of IL-37 and will now explore how these activites can be utilised in clinical ....Cytokines are messenger proteins used by most cells of the body. They function as master regulators of many biological processes and as such play an important role in a wide spectrum of diseases. Anti-inflammatory cytokines attenuate the potentially destructive force of other cytokines and the immune system as a whole, and are therefore coveted as drug targets. We discovered the formidable anti-inflammatory properties of IL-37 and will now explore how these activites can be utilised in clinical medicine.Read moreRead less
Expanding The Power Of Genetic Analysis Of Complex Traits In Multiply Phenotyped Twin Sibships
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,556.00
Summary
Our aim is to identify genes influencing common diseases including melanoma, asthma and cardiovascular disease. We measure adolescent twins for moliness, skin, hair and eye colour and a variety of blood traits. We have already found new genes for mole count, eye colour, skin damage, and several different blood cell types. For each of these disease traits there are many more genes to be found and these will inform new treatments. We plan to genotype 600 new families (2000 individuals) to help ach ....Our aim is to identify genes influencing common diseases including melanoma, asthma and cardiovascular disease. We measure adolescent twins for moliness, skin, hair and eye colour and a variety of blood traits. We have already found new genes for mole count, eye colour, skin damage, and several different blood cell types. For each of these disease traits there are many more genes to be found and these will inform new treatments. We plan to genotype 600 new families (2000 individuals) to help achieve this.Read moreRead less
We have previously made the most widely used animal brain atlas in the world. This atlas based on stained histological sections of the rat brain. In recent years, advances in MRI have made it possible to generate images of the rat brain at very high resolution. We have obtained a very high quality MRI image set from colleagues in Duke University in the USA, and we have begun to map these images in great detail, using our histological atlas as a guide.
Genetic And Environmental Determinants Of Brain Networks In Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Is brain ageing genetically or environmentally determined, or an interaction of both? We will explore the influence of genes and the environment on brain connectivity during ageing by studying how the brain network relates to cognitive functions.
Genetics Of Complex Traits In Multiply Phenotyped Twin Sibships: The Brisbane Longitudinal Twin Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,019,887.00
Summary
Our aim is to identify genes influencing common diseases including melanoma, asthma and cardiovascular disease. We measure adolescent twins for moliness, skin, hair and eye colour and a variety of blood traits. We have already found new genes for mole count, eye colour, skin damage, and several different blood cell types. For each of these disease traits there are many more genes to be found and these will inform new treatments. We plan to keep expanding our sample size achieve this.
Shannon Entropy Mapping - AF Ablation From First Principles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,589.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in humans, and a rapidly growing epidemic in Australia. AF occurs because electrical circuits called rotors take over the top chambers of the heart. Until now, ablation procedures to target AF have not been able to specifically target rotors, which has meant operations are often long and arduous. This project uses new mathematical techniques we have developed to localise rotors driving AF, aiming to develop a faster safer and more ....Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in humans, and a rapidly growing epidemic in Australia. AF occurs because electrical circuits called rotors take over the top chambers of the heart. Until now, ablation procedures to target AF have not been able to specifically target rotors, which has meant operations are often long and arduous. This project uses new mathematical techniques we have developed to localise rotors driving AF, aiming to develop a faster safer and more effective AF ablation.Read moreRead less
Caress The Detail: A Comprehensive MRI Atlas Of The In Vivo Human Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,978.00
Summary
This project will construct a detailed MRI atlas of the living human brain. The atlas will be online and compatible with tablet computers to provide a convenient, powerful reference tool for researchers and clinicians. It is a collaboration between George Paxinos, a leader in brain cartography, and Mark Schira, an emerging scientist in MRI technology. They will use high resolution in vivo MR images obtained at the University of Queensland Centre for Advanced Imaging.