Investigating The Mechanisms Underpinning The Dynamic Vessel Response In People With Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$18,808.00
Summary
Endothelial dysfunction has been well-hypothesised as one of the key players in the pathogenesis of DR. However, there is strong evidence suggesting a neurovascular coupling mechanism in the retinal circulation during flicker. It is therefore unclear whether reduced flicker light induced vasodilation observed in diabetes and DR is associated with endothelial dysfunction, an impairment of neurovascular coupling or both. This project aims to address this important knowledge gap.
Glial-neuronal-vascular Interactions In A Novel Transgenic Model Of Muller Cell Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,585.00
Summary
Muller cell disfunction is a feature shared by many retinal diseases. This project aims to study the contribution of Muller cell dysfunction to retinal neuronal damage and blood-retinal barrier breakdown in a novel transgenic model we recently generated. Results of this study will also be of interest to scientists and clinicians seeking to understand better and treat diseases of the central nervous system in general.
Novel Functional Imaging For Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,848.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition which affects the central retina (the macula) resulting in a loss of central vision. The lack of appropriate clinical tests to monitor the progression of AMD at the early stages of disease hampers the discovery of novel interventions aimed at preventing the development of advanced vision-threatening AMD. In this project, we will investigate the use of a quick and non-invasive imaging technique for monitoring AMD progression.
Developing Personalised Treatment For Retinal Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$262,220.00
Summary
Dr Chen seeks a clinical CDF1 to support his ambition in combining his expertise in clinical management of retinal diseases with a growing track record of clinical trials and laboratory science to develop treatment for retinal degeneration. This is achieved through a patient-centred translational platform that he has established. In the next 5 years, He will identify the most suitable method for measuring progression and develop personalised therapy for a phase I clinical trial.
The Contribution Of Aberrant Wnt Signalling To Neuronal And Vascular Pathology In Retinal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,342.00
Summary
Neuronal damage and vascular abnormalities are features shared by many retinal diseases. We will use a novel transgenic model to study the contributions of aberrant Wnt signalling in retinal neuronal and vascular pathology, and also, to test strategies for neuroprotection and inhibition of vascular abnormalities. Success in the project may identify novel therapeutic targets leading to safer and more effective treatments for retinal diseases.
Pathways To Treatment In Blinding Genetic Retinal Eye Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,956.00
Summary
Blinding eye diseases with genetic contributing factors affecting the retina or light-sensing part of the eye, damage the vision of millions of people worldwide. The vision impairment is irreversible, untreatable, and worsens with age. In this project, we will use technological breakthroughs in genome correction and sequencing, in combination with stem cell and mouse model applications, to develop pathways to treatment of these currently incurable diseases.
Fighting Blindness With A Minimally Invasive Retinal Stimulator
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,194.00
Summary
Retinal degenerative conditions are the leading cause of blindness in developed nations, with over 200 million people afflicted worldwide. Our group has pioneered a minimally-invasive therapeutic stimulator that can arrest retinal degeneration without blocking vision. We are now ready to perform the prerequisite translational studies to develop and test a human-grade device. The ultimate goal is to be the first to develop a commercial therapeutic stimulator that protects against vision loss.
Novel Photoreceptor Bioenergetics: Basic Science And Clinical Translation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$701,088.00
Summary
In this project we will investigate how the light-sensitive cells in the eye (the photoreceptors) use energy and make special pigments that convert light to electrical signals. We will test novel treatments that enhance the energy supply of the photoreceptors in individuals with age-related macular degeneration.
Energy Supply In Glaucoma: One Cell's Trash Is Another Cell's Treasure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,712.00
Summary
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and affects 65 million people worldwide, yet its underlying cause is not well understood. The work described in this research aims to understand the role of oligodendrocytes in provision of energy to retinal ganglion cell axons, and whether impaired energy supply in retinal ganglion cell axons and the optic nerve will lead to glaucoma. It is expected to provide new insight into glaucoma and potentially lead to new treatments.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and its management is hindered by the lack of effective clinical measures of the disease. This project seeks to develop new clinical tests to take the “guesswork” out of its management – measures that can correctly identify those at high-risk of progression, accurately determine treatment efficacy and sensitively detect disease progression, thus preventing the irreversible loss of vision from this disease.