Tissue factor is a central and major player in the clotting process. It exists in both active and inactive forms. The active form initiates clot formation. How it gets activated is one of the most important unanswered questions in this area of research. Our aim is to discover tissue factorÍs mechanism of activation. The outcome will provide more specific targets for therapeutic drug development for cardiovascular disease, strokes and deep venous thrombosis.
Antiphospholipid Antibody-mediated Foetal Loss: Identifying Mechanisms And Developing New Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,970.00
Summary
Certain immune diseases (Lupus, Anti-phospholipid syndrome) are associated with foetal loss. It is thought to be due to inflammation and blood clotting on the blood vessel lining (endothelium). This proposal will study the mechanisms that stimulate inflammation and blood clotting, and also devise new treatments.
Periodontal Mesenchymal Stem Cells For Periodontal Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,000.00
Summary
Dental diseases affecting the gums (periodontal disease) are extremely prevalent in our society. The effects of periodontal disease can be particularly severe as loss of support for the teeth leads to loose teeth and severely compromised masticatory function. If left untreated, the associated pain and loss of function may necessitate extraction of the teeth. We have recently identified cells residing in the periodontal ligament which may be adult stem cells. This project will further characteriz ....Dental diseases affecting the gums (periodontal disease) are extremely prevalent in our society. The effects of periodontal disease can be particularly severe as loss of support for the teeth leads to loose teeth and severely compromised masticatory function. If left untreated, the associated pain and loss of function may necessitate extraction of the teeth. We have recently identified cells residing in the periodontal ligament which may be adult stem cells. This project will further characterize these cells and explore whether they can be used to restore periodontal tissues damaged by periodontal disease.Read moreRead less
Factor XII Dependent Coagulation, Thrombin And Platelet Glycoprotein 1ba In Arterial Thrombosis And Bleeding Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$104,664.00
Summary
Clot formation is the key event underlying heart attacks and strokes. There is new data that Factor XII (FXII) can play an important role in clot formation-thrombosis. We aim to examine the role FXII plays in clot formation, in particular the role of FXII in thrombin generation, which is the central event of clot formation, and its interaction with platelet glycoprotein 1ba (another important molecule in thrombosis). New insights into clotting and new therapies can result from our research.
Synovial Macrophages And T-cells Are Therapeutic Targets In Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,761.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most widespread musculoskeletal disease in Australia and there are currently no therapies that halt disease progression. Specific inflammatory events play a pivotal role in initiating and driving OA progression. In this study we will define the specific inflammatory cells involved in OA, how and why they change with time, and which can be targeted to stop disease onset and development. This will provide the platform for initiating human clinical trials.
Deciphering The Metabolic And Endocrine Profile Of Healthy Adipocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,194.00
Summary
Obesity is associated with the development of metabolic diseases, however, it is becoming clear that it is where the excess fat is stored that is more important when predicting the health risks associated with obesity. This project aims to identify whether adipocyte progenitor cells, which eventually become fat cells, are ‘preprogrammed’ and whether differences in these cells explain the generation of either healthy or unhealthy fat in different locations of the body.
To Repair An Osteo-chondral Defect In An Experimental Rabbit Model Using A Structured 3D Nano-composite Scaffold Loaded With Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
The treatment of cartilage damage is a major problem in orthopaedic practice. The use of a 3D scaffold may overcome many challenges associated with cartilage and bone repair and regeneration. The aim of this research is to culture bone and cartilage cells into a prefabricated scaffold which may then be tested in an animal model. The results of this research may offer a new method of treating post-traumatic and osteoarthritic defects.