Understanding The Mechanisms Underlying Airway Remodelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
Changes in the structure of the lung contribute to the development of disease, but are not responsive to our current therapies. I have found two key structural proteins that are altered in asthma. This research will characterise the regulation and role of these proteins in the disease process. In addition, it will determine if these proteins also contribute to the development of other serious fibrotic diseases, for which there are no current treatments.
Disovery Of New Airway Epithelial Genes Regulating Allergic Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,934.00
Summary
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs that affects over 10% of all Australians. A number of drugs are currently available for the treatment of asthma, but there are many people whose asthma does not respond well to treatment. We have identified 2 genes, aP2 and mal1, that may be important in the development of asthma. Drugs targeted against these genes may be useful in the treatment of asthma. In this project, we aim to understand how aP2 and mal1 contribute to disease development.
Investigatin The Causes Of Failed Efferocytosis In COPD-emphysema With A View To Identifying Novel Theraputic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
COPD is a leading cause of death. Smoking is the major cause of COPD and many sufferers are left with permanent damage and need ongoing treatment even after smoking cessation. Current treatments for COPD generally have limited efficacy. The project will identify the reason for the large number of dying cells and defective clearance of these cells that we have identified in the airways in COPD and study novel treatments that we hope will improve the health and well being of those with COPD.
The Role Of Sedatives And Arousal In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea – Pathophysiology And Therapeutic Utility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
Recent studies indicate that certain sleeping pills (sedatives) may actually reduce obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity in some patients. This research aims to determine the: 1) characteristics of patients who are most likely to respond to this novel approach. 2) effects of commonly prescribed sedatives on upper airway function and breathing during sleep. 3) utility for a sedative to yield sustained reductions in OSA severity and daytime sleepiness in the appropriately selected OSA patients.
The Impact Of Sleep Disturbance On Cardiometabolic Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$295,223.00
Summary
Excess cardiovascular death is common in rotating shiftwork and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) populations. Substantial evidence links sleep disturbance in both ‘states’ to these adverse outcomes. This research will quantify the cardiovascular risk that sleep disturbance poses in both populations, determine whether people with untreated OSA who engage in shiftwork have amplified risk and determine whether a novel diet of high protein during shiftwork reduces risk. The findings may provide strate ....Excess cardiovascular death is common in rotating shiftwork and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) populations. Substantial evidence links sleep disturbance in both ‘states’ to these adverse outcomes. This research will quantify the cardiovascular risk that sleep disturbance poses in both populations, determine whether people with untreated OSA who engage in shiftwork have amplified risk and determine whether a novel diet of high protein during shiftwork reduces risk. The findings may provide strategies that could improve health in shiftworkers.Read moreRead less
Preventing Complications Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,914.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a devastating lung disease that affects smokers. Lung complications and complications in other organs occur commonly. This study will examine factors that lead to exacerbations of COPD, and test the effectiveness of early diagnosis of coronary artery disease using CT scans.