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Molecular Dissection Of Cytokine-mediated Regulation Of Human B-cell Differentiation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,314.00
Summary
Interleukin 21 is a molecule which activates B cells. Defects in this pathway cause immunodeficiency where individuals cannot make antibodies, while constant activation has been reported in mouse models of autoimmunity. Examining these pathways will shed light on the causes of human immune disease, and may reveal molecules that could be targeted for the treatment of immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Amplification of normal immune responses could lead to the development of improved vaccines.
Lymphocyte Differentiation And Genetics Of Primary Immunodeficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,676.00
Summary
Primary immunodeficiency diseases affect a large number of individuals. Due to abnormal immune responses, these people are at risk of frequent, severe infections, as well as complications of autoimmune disease and cancer. Treatment often involves regular immunoglobulin (antibody) replacement. Through a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these immunodeficiency diseases, we hope to be able to determine genetic causes, and more cost-effective and targeted treatment options.
Explaining The Causal Effect Of Obesity On Colorectal And Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$51,834.00
Summary
With rising rates in Australia and globally, obesity is fast surpassing smoking to become the biggest preventable cause of cancer. While losing weight might reduce the risk of cancer, most people find this hard to do. In this project, possible mechanisms linking obesity to bowel and postmenopausal breast cancer will be studied to work out how important they are for each cancer. Ultimately, the goal is to help design strategies for prevention and early detection of cancers caused by obesity.
Transcriptional Control Of Peripheral T Cell Differentiation During Pathogen Infection And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
White blood cells, specifically helper and killer T cells, play an important role in fighting infection. They are tightly regulated and if not properly controlled can lead to aggressive autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. My studies will elucidate the mechanisms behind the regulation of T cells at steady-state and during disease. Insights gained from this project will have implications for the design of new approaches to combat infectious and autoimmune diseases.
Examining The Specific Vulnerability Of Dopaminergic Cells To Bioenergetic Defects Using Patient-derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells As A Model Of Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$112,366.00
Summary
The project will develop new cell models of Parkinson's disease utilising the recently discovered technique of inducing pluripotent stem cells from adult skin cells and differentiating them into the type of neurons that are affected in Parkinson's disease. The novel method will allow further insights to be gained into the molecular pathways involved in the disease and facilitate a search for means to rescue these cells from neurodegenerative processes.
Growth factors are essential molecules for normal brain development. Variations in the amount of the different growth factors have been implicated in such diseases as AlzheimerÍs and ParkinsonÍs disease. This project will study the precursor of a growth factor known as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and what specific roles the precursor might play in brain development.