Characterization Of Novel Regulators Of Erythropoiesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,545.00
Summary
Mature red and white blood cells develop from hemopoietic stem cells in the adult bone marrow. The production of red blood cells is primarily controlled by the hormone erythropoietin (epo). The availability of this hormone in a recombinant form has aided in the treatment of numerous forms of anaemia resulting from kidney failure, malignancies, and AIDS. Previously we had identified that the protein Lyn must be present inside primitive red blood cells for epo to stimulate them to become mature fu ....Mature red and white blood cells develop from hemopoietic stem cells in the adult bone marrow. The production of red blood cells is primarily controlled by the hormone erythropoietin (epo). The availability of this hormone in a recombinant form has aided in the treatment of numerous forms of anaemia resulting from kidney failure, malignancies, and AIDS. Previously we had identified that the protein Lyn must be present inside primitive red blood cells for epo to stimulate them to become mature functional cells. We have identified six molecules which interact with Lyn in red blood cells. We have shown that amolecule called HS1 is important for epo function in individual red blood cells and now we plan to investigate its functions in whole animals, including mice that lack the HS1 gene. We have also shown that a molecule called Trip1 is important for red blood cell development. Interestingly, this molecule also interacts with the thyroid hormone receptor and can influence the effects of epo and thyroid hormone on red blood cell development. The interplay between these two hormones will be looked at in more detail both at the cell and whole animal levels in normal mice and those lacking the thyroid hormone receptor gene. The third Lyn binding molecule we isolated is a novel gene-we have named it ankyrin repeat protein in line with the molecules it is related to. This gene is expressed in red blood cells and we aim to investigate what role it plays in the development of these cells. The fourth gene is also novel and is closely related to another called AFAP-110, which can exert effects on the structure of a cell. Its role in red blood cell structure will also be investigated. Finally, the last two molecule we have identified are both novel and are unrelated to any other known proteins. As above, the effects of these two molecules on red blood cell development will be investigated.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role Of RAS Mutations In Thyroid Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,854.00
Summary
My fellowship will examine the association of RAS mutations in thyroid cancer. RAS proteins are the most mutated in cancer and I will investigate how they work in thyroid cancer. RAS mutated thyroid cancer is more likely to cause death. This grant will be based in the pioneering lab of Prof Fagin at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. It is hoped by understanding these mutations, new treatments for thyroid cancer can be developed.
Biomarkers For The Treatment And Prognosis Of Sight-threatening Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,305.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a highly specific vascular complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with prevalence strongly related to the duration of diabetes. Clinic biomarkers of DR have become the basis for preventive medicine. In this project, we aim to evaluate possible biomarkers in both Chinese and Australian diabetic populations at different stages of DR. We will also investigate pathological mechanisms and novel drugs to treat DR in animal models.
Local Sleep In The Awake Brain: An Underlying Cause Of Neurobehavioural Deficits In Sleep Apnea?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,330.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder which significantly impacts daytime functioning leading to excessive sleepiness, and problems with attention and thinking. Currently, the causes for cognitive impairment in OSA (including attentional lapses and performance deficits) are poorly understood. In the awake state, groups of neurons can briefly go “offline” as they do in sleep. These periods of “local sleep” may explain impaired task performance in OSA.
Transdermal Testosterone Therapy: A Potential Treatment For Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)-associated Sexual Dysfunction In Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,351.00
Summary
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is frequently reported with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy and venlafaxine, these being the most common antidepressants used by Australian women. We have shown that testosterone therapy significantly improves sexual function in women with FSD. However SSRI-users have been excluded from these past studies. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of transdermal testosterone therapy for treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with SS ....Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is frequently reported with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy and venlafaxine, these being the most common antidepressants used by Australian women. We have shown that testosterone therapy significantly improves sexual function in women with FSD. However SSRI-users have been excluded from these past studies. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of transdermal testosterone therapy for treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with SSRI therapy.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms And Therapies In Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$8,360,700.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims 1 person every 10 min in Australia and causes 1 in 3 deaths worldwide. The molecular and cellular processes underlying atherosclerosis, vascular injury and thrombosis are highly complex and not well understood. A multifaceted approach is needed to effectively address these key challenges. This Program brings together world experts in these areas to interrogate gaps in our basic understanding of CVD, and to develop novel therapies for CVD patients by exploiting ....Cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims 1 person every 10 min in Australia and causes 1 in 3 deaths worldwide. The molecular and cellular processes underlying atherosclerosis, vascular injury and thrombosis are highly complex and not well understood. A multifaceted approach is needed to effectively address these key challenges. This Program brings together world experts in these areas to interrogate gaps in our basic understanding of CVD, and to develop novel therapies for CVD patients by exploiting new knowledge through integrated research.Read moreRead less
New Generation Antiplatelet Therapies To Prevent Preeclampsia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,148.00
Summary
Preeclampsia, a major complication of pregnancy, affects around 3-8% of pregnancies. Sadly, there is no way to prevent or delay disease. We have uncovered antiplatelet agents, used to prevent heart disease and stroke, may provide health benefits to women at risk of developing preeclampsia. We will test whether these agents can prevent the pathophysiology of preeclampsia in specialized human & mouse models developed in our laboratory. This work may provide a prevention strategy for preeclampsia.
A novel sensory neural circuit has been identified innervating the airways and lungs. The anatomical organisation of this circuit has been described to some extent in previous studies, however there is a significant gap in knowledge with respect to its functional importance. This project will develop methods to address this knowledge gap and in doing so the project will firstly describe how this circuit controls breathing under normal conditions and secondly how this becomes dysregulated during
Centre For Research Excellence In Prostate Cancer Survivorship (CRE-PCS)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,498,842.00
Summary
The Centre for Research Excellence in Prostate Cancer Survivorship will 1) develop, evaluate and translate responsive, equitable and accessible survivorship interventions for men with prostate cancer and their partners and families in high need areas 2) support evidence-based policy and practice in prostate cancer survivorship care 3) train and equip the workforce and its leaders to ensure translation and sustainably improve the underpinning health care and other relevant systems.
The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project: A Longitudinal Intervention Study To Reduce The Risk Of Ageing-related Cognitive Decline And Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,792.00
Summary
It has been proposed that engagement in purposeful complex mental stimulation provides protection against dementia. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a unique, large-scale prospective trial that examines whether university-level study in older adult population reduces ageing-related cognitive decline and risk of dementia. This project will also examine how an individual’s genetic profile may influence the potential benefits of complex mental stimulation as well as risk of dementia.