How Does Glucose Protect The Retina And Optic Nerve Against Ischaemia?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,171.00
Summary
Raised blood sugar levels are generally considered to be bad for nerve cells, especially those in the eye. But we have made a groundbreaking discovery finding that in the short-term, sugar can rescue nerve cells in the eye from death caused by lack of blood flow. In this project we will investigate how this remarkable effect is achieved.
Novel Mechanisms Of Early Age Related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$933,953.00
Summary
Age Related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in Australia. In this project we will examine a novel mechanism by which the cells at the back of the eye, called retinal pigment eptihelial cells contribute to vision loss early in the disease. In addition we will examine the potential for two currently used drugs as well as a novel laser treatment in slowing the progression of disease.
The Role Of Estrogen Signalling In The Development And Progress Of Neovascularisation In Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye disease. In the advanced stages of the disease, abnormal and leaky blood vessels form, causing permanent and severe vision loss. A novel treatment is the application of the sex hormone, estrogen, which could halt abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. This project aims to confirm the protective effects of estrogen on eye health and whether mutations in estrogen-related genes alter the risk of vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth.
The Role Of Microglia In Early Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$665,582.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most feared complications of diabetes. This project will examine the role that retinal immune cells called microglia have in causing early changes in the vasculature. We will examine whether diabetes changes the way neurons communicate with blood vessels, opening up a possible treatment target that could prevent the progression to more advanced disease.
Parasitic and viral infections involving the retina are serious eye conditions that are poorly understood and lack effective treatments. My PhD studies will focus on how human retinal cells fight infections caused by the Toxoplasma parasite, and dengue and Ebola viruses. The results of my investigations will inform the development of better treatments for these blinding eye diseases.
The Role Of Microglia In Regulating Photoreceptor Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,405.00
Summary
This project will examine a novel way that photoreceptors in the eye are regulated. In particular, the communication between resident immune cells and photoreceptors will be examined. The results will form an important foundation on which to develop novel treatments for diseases like Age Related Macular Degeneration.
Gene Therapy And Bone Marrow Transplantation For Treatment Of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,445.00
Summary
Bone marrow stem cells modified to express self antigen is proposed as a treatment for experimental autoimmune uveitis. A major goal of this research is to investigate the impact and possible mechanism of gene therapy on the development and progression of autoimmune disease in the eye to prevent or reduce the severity of disease.
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection Of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$460,668.00
Summary
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a vision-threatening parasitic eye infection that is common in Australia and worldwide. No treatment cures the disease. This work will characterize cellular and molecular events occuring in the eye during an infection, which is an important first step toward the development of more effective treatments for patients with the condition.