Optimising Human Vascularisation And Liver Tissue Engineering Models To Develop Functional Bio-artificial Human Liver Tissue
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,761.00
Summary
This project aims to grow human blood vessels and liver cells derived from human stem cells within a supporting scaffold to generate a “liver in a dish”. Transplantation involves connecting blood vessels in this structure to those of the recipient. This should restore function in mice with human-like liver disease, thereby demonstrating potential of this technology to be developed as an alternative to liver transplantation.
Characterisation Of MiRNAs That Regulate Vascular Leakage.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$167,493.00
Summary
Vascular permeability or leak is a major problem in diseases such as cancer and in cardiovascular diseases . MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small control genes that influence dveleopment and disease. We have identified a miRNA cluster in endothelial cells, the cells that line the blood vessels, that is important in the control of vascular leak. This project is focused on understanding the impact of these miRNAs in disease.
Vascular Targeting Combined With Radiosurgery In An Arteriovenous Malformation Rat Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,345.00
Summary
Cerebral arteriovenous malformations are an important cause of stroke and brain bleeds. In many patients such a stroke can result in severe disability or death. Current management involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and endovascular treatments and carry a high risk of complications. This research project suggests a new form of treatment whereby irradiating the vascular malformation a medication could be administered to cause targeted clotting of the malformation.
A Study Of Various Bone Scaffolds In A Maxillary Sinus Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,711.00
Summary
This project investigates using animal derived and artificial bone in regions of the mouth that are deficient and not suitable for replacing missing teeth using dental implants. Traditional techniques of bone replacement require the use of a patient's own bone. These procedures are associated with post-operative morbidity and this bone is present in limited quantity. The use of these bone replacements may overcome these challenges and eliminate the need for using patient's bone.
Mechanisms Of Vascular Dysfunction During Acute And Chronic Hyperglycemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$56,700.00
Summary
Increased consumption of sugary drinks has contributed to an epidemic of obesity and diabetes and consequently cardiovascular disease. For the first time in living memory, this may well lead to declining life-expectancy. My research will examine both the short and long-term impact of sugary drinks on vital blood vessel function. In the process it will develop better methods to monitor blood vessel function and inform public health policy on sugary drinks and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Examining The Role Of Extracellular Myeloperoxidase In The Pathogenesis, Identification And Treatment Of High-risk Unstable And Ruptured Atherosclerotic Plaque
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$103,356.00
Summary
Vascular inflammation has emerged as a key driver and therapeutic target for stroke and heart attack. Existing diagnostic techniques and treatments do not target inflammation so that residual inflammatory risk remains. There is a need to identify patients with active inflammation who may benefit from treatment. Myeloperoxidase is an inflammatory enzyme abundant in plaque at risk of rupture and subsequent stroke or heart attack and presents as a potential diagnostic tool and therapeutic target.
The effects of therapeutic glucocorticoid doses on carbohydrate and energy metabolism and cardiovascular risk have not been fully clarified. This PhD thesis will be based around two studies aiming to: 1.) Define mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of low dose prednisolone in patients with inflammatory rheumatologic disease and 2.) Improve treatment of prednisolone-induced hyperglycaemia in hospitalized patients.
Adipose Distribution, Hepatic Lipid Partitioning And Pathogenesis Of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,601.00
Summary
The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes has led to increase incidence of fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a form of liver damage that can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer. Currently, approximately 30% people store fat poorly, resulting in increased waist circumference and higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and NASH. Animal studies are now underway to determine the switch which turns “good fat” to “bad fat”, to identify ways of preventing diabet ....The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes has led to increase incidence of fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a form of liver damage that can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer. Currently, approximately 30% people store fat poorly, resulting in increased waist circumference and higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and NASH. Animal studies are now underway to determine the switch which turns “good fat” to “bad fat”, to identify ways of preventing diabetes, NASH and other adverse outcomes of obesity.Read moreRead less
Improving 3D Scaffolds For Skin Tissue Engineering Using Advanced Biotechnology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,971.00
Summary
Burns injuries are among the most physically and psychologically debilitating injuries. Patients who suffer from severe, extensive burn injuries can have a shortage of healthy, undamaged donor sites and so skin substitutes are used as alternatives to provide wound healing. However, the newly produced skin does not appear or function normally. The aim of this project is to develop a skin equivalent which will provide rapid regeneration of normal skin and improve a patient’s quality of life.