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.
Development Of A High Acuity, Diamond Retinal Prosthesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,010,214.00
Summary
Over recent years our team has developed a retinal implant to restore sight to people with certain types of blindness. With 256 independently controllable electrodes this device is among the most sophisticated in the world. We aim to conduct experiments to demonstrate that our device can provide improved better visual acuity than the world leaders with a view to developing a competitive commercial medical technology.
Improving Muscular Dystrophy By Targeting The ADAMTS5 Metalloproteinase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,571.00
Summary
Muscular dystrophy is a devastating childhood disorder. There is no cure and no effective therapy to stop the disease progressing to early death. Our pilot data show that muscular dystrophy in a mouse model is dramatically improved when the Adamts5 gene is inactivated. ADAMTS5 is an enzyme that remodels the extracellular matrix around cells. This suggests that inhibiting ADAMTS5 may be a new way to treat muscular dystrophy. We will test this idea in mice with muscular dystrophy
A Simple Method To Improve Stem Cell Transplant Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,652.00
Summary
Despite the success of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and years of promise, almost all other stem cell therapies are considered experimental and remain in preclinical or early-phase clinical testing. This study aims to improve the efficiency of stem cell transplantation by manipulating cellular metabolism prior to transplantation, if effective these results may offer hope to patients suffering from a broad range of disorders.
Novel Retinal Architectural Vascular Signs And Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease: The AusDiab Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,254.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are major health problems. Identifying 'people at risk' is critical to design preventative strategies. We have developed new computer software to measure detailed characteristics of retinal vessels. By appling this system to predict CVD or diabetes in the AusDiab Study we aim to find 'the best combination of risk factors' to predict CVD and diabetes. This will open up the possibility of new risk assessment using a simple 'eye scan.'