Vitamin D And Genetic Susceptibility In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Vitamin D3 levels appear to predict clinical status in multiple sclerosis. The reasons for this are unclear, but may be linked to the effect of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) on a subset of immune cells. This project aims to identify key genes which are regulated by this receptor, by using specific gene sequencing technologies combined with knowledge of the genes which confer risk of developing MS. This may help to identify the molecular pathways underlying MS and potential treatment strategies.
Investigation Of The Use Of Innate And CD1-mediated Immune Responses As Biomarkers In Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$144,836.00
Summary
Tuberculosis and other non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections are major health problems worldwide. There are multiple challenges facing treatment and identification of active versus latent TB infections currently. This project aims to identify and characterise several aspects of the immune system which may be responsible for people developing active infections, including ones which may enable development of diagnostic tests and to monitor treatment. Such a biomarker may also help hasten new d ....Tuberculosis and other non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections are major health problems worldwide. There are multiple challenges facing treatment and identification of active versus latent TB infections currently. This project aims to identify and characterise several aspects of the immune system which may be responsible for people developing active infections, including ones which may enable development of diagnostic tests and to monitor treatment. Such a biomarker may also help hasten new drug therapies for tuberculosis.Read moreRead less
This project will investigate the link between vitamin D and falls in people with stroke. It will be the first study to examine associations between vitamin D and falls in people with stroke and establish whether interventions to prevent falls in people with stroke may need to include vitamin D supplementation. This project is a first vital step towards developing an effective falls prevention intervention for the large numbers of Australian stroke survivors, which currently does not exist.