Lung infections are the most frequent triggers of asthma exacerbations. While different infections cause exacerbations by they all result in the same type of lung inflammation. Using novel disease models, we have identified key molecules involved in a range of viral and bacterial induced asthma exacerbations. We will define these shared pathways that link viral and bacterial-mediated asthma exacerbations, thus these studies will pave the way for the development of unified treatments.
The Role Of Meninges In Midbrain Dopamine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,311.00
Summary
Dopamine neurons are important for the control of movement, emotion and cognitive function, and are affected in a number of disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Instrumental in improving our knowledge of disease etiology and the development of new therapies will be a greater understanding of how these cells are initially born during development. This project examines the role of the brain’s meninges in dopamine development and repair and will identify proteins and signaling pathways involved.
Discovery And Characterisation Of Novel Tick Evasins As Inhibitors Of Chemokine-mediated Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,847.00
Summary
An important aspect of inflammatory diseases is the migration of white blood cells into the affected tissues. This is controlled by a group of proteins called chemokines. Ticks, which live on mammalian hosts, produce proteins called evasins, which interact with host chemokines and thereby prevent inflammatory responses. This project will discover new tick evasins, study their chemokine interactions and investigate their ability to block inflammation in allergic asthma.
Chemokine Receptors And The Control Of Th17-mediated Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$801,229.00
Summary
Controlling persistent inflammation in autoimmune diseases is a major challenge and current therapeutics have significant side effects. Thus, novel targets must be identified. We have discovered a previously unknown level of control of autoimmune inflammation that may represent a more specific and effective means of controlling ongoing inflammation in these diseases.
Regulatory T Cells And Cardiac Fibrosis In Hypertensive Heart Disease: Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Of Suppression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,316.00
Summary
Excessive accumulation of collagen in the heart, cardiac fibrosis is a major factor causing heart failure and sudden death. How collagen accumulation occurs in the heart still needs to be elucidated but recent studies in humans and animal models of cardiac fibrosis indicate a significant role for inflammation. The proposed studies are to address this issue and how to regulate inflammation in the heart to suppress cardiac fibrosis, using immune cells called regulatory T cells that suppress inflam ....Excessive accumulation of collagen in the heart, cardiac fibrosis is a major factor causing heart failure and sudden death. How collagen accumulation occurs in the heart still needs to be elucidated but recent studies in humans and animal models of cardiac fibrosis indicate a significant role for inflammation. The proposed studies are to address this issue and how to regulate inflammation in the heart to suppress cardiac fibrosis, using immune cells called regulatory T cells that suppress inflammation.Read moreRead less
A New Anti-Diabetes Drug As A Novel Therapy For Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$711,966.00
Summary
New treatments are urgently needed to improve the chances of survival for patients diagnosed with high grade epithelial ovarian tumours. This project will investigate the application of a new class of anti-diabetes medications as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients.
Short-term Use Of Intermittent PTH To Accelerate Healing Of Stress Fractures And During Bisphosphonate Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,331.00
Summary
Osteoporosis treatments prevent fractures by hindering cells that erode the skeleton. Normally, those cells also repair injuries like stress fractures. Some patients, treated for long periods, can suffer fractures because the treatment slows bone healing. We have an innovative model to test alternative treatments to accelerate stress fracture healing, while osteoporosis treatment continues. This could prevent unusual stress fractures, in patients who still need the bone-sparing effectiveness of ....Osteoporosis treatments prevent fractures by hindering cells that erode the skeleton. Normally, those cells also repair injuries like stress fractures. Some patients, treated for long periods, can suffer fractures because the treatment slows bone healing. We have an innovative model to test alternative treatments to accelerate stress fracture healing, while osteoporosis treatment continues. This could prevent unusual stress fractures, in patients who still need the bone-sparing effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms Of Ligand-Selective Signalling By Chemokine Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$749,428.00
Summary
Receptors are molecules located on the surfaces of cells. They control the response of one cell to chemical signals emitted by different cells. In this project we aim to characterise and understand the molecular details of how a receptor can respond differently to distinct chemical signals. The results of this study will help to guide future development of medicines to control white blood cell migration into tissues during inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Cellular Cross-talk Between Liver Progenitor Cells And Hepatic Stellate Cells Is Required For Hepatic Fibrogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$618,517.00
Summary
Deloitte Access Economics data proposes the total economic burden of liver disease in Australia in 2012 was >$50 billion. This study will identify how the liver heals itself by inducing liver cell populations which interact to regenerate damaged liver tissue in chronic liver disease. This knowledge may lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of liver scarring and liver cancer, and to assist in normal liver regeneration following chronic liver disease.
Role Of Hepatic Stellate Cell And Liver Progenitor Cell Interactions In The Regulation Of Wound Healing And Liver Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,716.00
Summary
The liver has a remarkable capacity for regeneration following acute and chronic liver injury, however, the mechanisms which facilitate this wound healing are not understood. This project will examine the interactions between different liver cell populations, including hepatic stellate cells (liver fibroblasts) and liver progenitor cells (stem cells of the liver) and will determine which factors regulate inflammation, liver scarring and restitution of liver mass following chronic liver injury.