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.
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.
Mechanisms Of Infection Triggered Renal Vasculitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,900.00
Summary
Kidney disease, including glomerulonephritis, is an important cause of ill-health in Australia. Some forms of kidney inflammation are linked to infection, but we don�t understand why. This project explores products from bacteria, particularly S.aureus, to work out how bacterial infection affects a form of kidney inflammation - ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. It will establish how infection related signals activate local and immune cells, and define links between infection and the disease.
Defining the pathways of developmental brain injury, for a healthy start to life. Injury to the developing brain, whether sustained during pregnancy or at birth, is the underlying cause of many cognitive and motor disabilities, including cerebral palsy. This project will identify the cellular pathways that cause developmental brain injury, arising from the three principal complications of pregnancy or birth; intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm birth with/without intrauterine infectio ....Defining the pathways of developmental brain injury, for a healthy start to life. Injury to the developing brain, whether sustained during pregnancy or at birth, is the underlying cause of many cognitive and motor disabilities, including cerebral palsy. This project will identify the cellular pathways that cause developmental brain injury, arising from the three principal complications of pregnancy or birth; intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm birth with/without intrauterine infection and birth asphyxia. This project will utilise this knowledge of the causal pathways leading to brain injury to implement targeted therapies to reduce injury or repair the brain. It will progress fundamental biomedical discoveries into clinical practice to decrease the incidence and severity of newborn brain injury and cerebral palsy.Read moreRead less
A Consumer-centred Intervention Designed To Improve Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours And Weight Management In Preconception Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Healthy weight before conception plays a crucial role in the health of future generations. Identifying unique preconception groups of women who are most likely to respond to and engage with health promotion programs will improve effectiveness of obesity prevention initiatives. This research will inform and develop a tailored preconception health promotion program that will address both individual and population needs- Australia’s first consumer-centred approach to preconception health promotion.
Is SPINT1 a key regulator of placental development? . The placenta is an essential organ required for reproduction in placental species. This project aims to elucidate the fundamental biology of SPINT1 in placental development. It will generate new knowledge about whether the spatial and temporal expression of SPINT1 is conserved across several species; cow, sheep, lizard, mouse and human. It will also define the molecular mechanisms by which SPINT1 directs formation, maturation and expansion o ....Is SPINT1 a key regulator of placental development? . The placenta is an essential organ required for reproduction in placental species. This project aims to elucidate the fundamental biology of SPINT1 in placental development. It will generate new knowledge about whether the spatial and temporal expression of SPINT1 is conserved across several species; cow, sheep, lizard, mouse and human. It will also define the molecular mechanisms by which SPINT1 directs formation, maturation and expansion of the placental exchange interface which is critical for offspring survival.
The project will increase understanding of placental development, enhance collaboration and research knowhow, and promote future applied projects in all species that reproduce via placental support.Read moreRead less
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.
Metabolic And Molecular Basis Of Embryo Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,836.00
Summary
Cells in the body are powered by mitochondria that essentially generate the energy required for development. This grant will determine how the environment affects the mitochondria in the developing embryo and determine the impacts to the embryo and pregnancy if a mitochondria is partially shut down.
Mechanisms of manchette function. This project aims to define the function of the manchette, a poorly understood microtubule-based structure present in haploid male germ cells. This project aims to define key mechanisms underpinning manchette development and movement, and to generate a detailed picture of the dynamics of germ cell development using imaging technologies and unique animal models. Such knowledge should improve the understanding of how male fertility is achieved, the origin of infer ....Mechanisms of manchette function. This project aims to define the function of the manchette, a poorly understood microtubule-based structure present in haploid male germ cells. This project aims to define key mechanisms underpinning manchette development and movement, and to generate a detailed picture of the dynamics of germ cell development using imaging technologies and unique animal models. Such knowledge should improve the understanding of how male fertility is achieved, the origin of infertility and how species-specific differences in sperm form are achieved. Such insights may ultimately lead to improved agricultural efficiencies and job creation.Read moreRead less
Battle of the sexes: can surroundings differentially affect male and female mammalian preimplantation embryos. Equality between the sexes is an issue even at conception. The environment surrounding the embryo can bias the development of one sex over another. This project will assist in the understanding of how male and female embryos differ and will improve assisted reproductive technologies for domestic animal breeding programs, endangered animal conservation and human infertility treatment.