Inflammation of the kidneys is an important, yet poorly understood cause of kidney disease in Australia. This project will define the role of some of the immune cells, called Th17, that usually act to protect us from infection, but can turn rouge and may cause kidney damage.
TLR9 AGGRAVATES GLOMERULONEPHRITIS AND KIDNEY INJURY IN RENAL VASCULITIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,336.00
Summary
Renal failure is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis associated glomerulonephritis (GN) is a significant cause of renal failure. The molecular mechanisms underlying ANCA vasculitis are poorly understood, while treatments are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. This grant aims to explore key molecular events involved in the disease pathogenesis to facilitate the use of safer more targeted therapies.
AusDiab 3: Emerging Risk Factors For And Long-term Incidence Of Cardio-metabolic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,616,397.00
Summary
This study will track 11,000 Australian adults over 12 years to determine how many develop diabetes, obesity, kidney and heart disease. The study will develop ways to best predict those who are going to develop these conditions before they have arisen, and will explore a range of novel risk factors to better understand these conditions.
The Therapeutic Role Of Complement Inhibition In ANCA Associated Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,964.00
Summary
ANCA associated vasculitis is an inflammatory disease involving the kidney filters which is a major cause of chronic kidney failure. Current drugs to treat it are toxic. Less toxic treatments are required. In this study we will explore the potential for new treatments targeting complement (a normal blood protein involved in inflammation) to attenuate this disease in mice. We hope to define the role of complement in this disease and the benefits of inhibiting it before we use it in humans.
Signaling Pathways To Enhance Potency Of AMPK-targeting Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,966.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to epidemics of obesity-related metabolic diseases that place enormous financial and medical burden on the Australian economy. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as both a cellular fuel gauge and co-ordinator of whole-body metabolism. Our goal is to improve AMPK drug potency by identifying novel processes that sensitize AMPK to drugs.
New Treatments For Acute Kidney Injury-Targeting The IL-17A Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$507,200.00
Summary
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common cause of ill-health and death. Despite the frequency and seriousness of AKI no new treatments have developed over the past 40 years. While AKI can occur spontaneously it can also develop after treatment with medications, in particular cancer therapies. In this proposal we will explore the effect of new treatments to prevent AKI. We plan to identify new treatments for patients with AKI, with particular relevance to patients receiving cancer treatments.
Do Exposures Before Conception Influence The Risk Of Asthma In Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,586.00
Summary
Asthma and poor lung function are major causes of public health issues. Emerging evidence suggests adverse exposures even before the conception of a child may cause these conditions. The proposed project is part of an international study across generations to identify these factors. This study will provide novel evidence to guide interventions and identify studies to advance this area further. These original findings will be of great importance both nationally and internationally.
Clinical Trial Of A Suprachoroidal Visual Prosthesis For The Profoundly Vision Impaired
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,098,802.00
Summary
For 15 years we have been designing a bionic eye. We have made a device called the Phoenix99 and shown in short term animal tests that it is both safe to implant but also that it potentially performs better than any other device in the world. We are requesting funds to complete longer term animal testing of the device and then commence a small human clinical trial to demonstrate the benefits of the technology – specifically that it is able to help blind people navigate without assistance.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Assisted Cycling (eStimCycle):A Novel Intervention To Improve Outcomes In The Critically Ill
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$868,811.00
Summary
The legacy of critical illness leaves millions of survivors worldwide with long lasting deficits in physical and brain function as well as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early rehabilitation may prevent or minimise these effects. This study evaluates the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation of muscles with assisted in-bed cycling (eStimCycle) on muscle bulk, strength, physical and brain function at hospital discharge, 6 and 12 months.
M-PreM Study: Reproductive Factors, From Menarche To Pre-menopause, And The Risk Of Cardiometabolic And Respiratory Conditions Before Menopause
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,366,831.00
Summary
This study will investigate links between reproductive factors and body size of premenopausal women with their risk of major chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma. It builds on two decades of survey data from Australia’s flagship study of women’s health with a new biomedical assessment. Findings will guide the use of indicators of women’s reproductive health as a trigger for early and targeted approaches for chronic disease prevention.