Modulating Cellular Copper Levels To Prevent The Effects Of Excitotoxicity In Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,652.00
Summary
Exitotoxicity has been implicated in many neurological disorders incluing Alzheimer's and Huntington's disesaes. This toxicity can be inhibited by modulated intracellular copper levels. Here we will ascertain the therapeutic potential of strategies designed to increase cellular copper levels.
Copper Pathways Are Altered In Parkinson’s Disease: Implications For Cell Vulnerability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,398.00
Summary
The cause of brain cell death in Parkinson’s disease is unknown but we have shown that copper levels are reduced in the vulnerable brain regions in this disorder. As copper is vital for the normal function of key brain proteins we suggest that reduced copper contributes to cell damage in vulnerable brain regions. This project investigates why brain copper levels are reduced in the Parkinson’s disease brain and the consequences of this change for brain cell function and survival.
Role For Zinc And ZIP2 In The Action Of Nitric Oxide And In Vascular Protection Against Cigarette Smoke And Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$685,941.00
Summary
The NO/cGMP signalling pathway, which is central to cardiovascular physiology and protection against disease, is only fully effective when there are adequate levels of zinc in the vascular endothelium. This is especially important where zinc stores are depleted (elderly, smokers, diabetics and kidney disease). There is an urgent clinical need to implement strategies to monitor vascular Zn status. This application will explore the underlying science and translate these to the clinic.
Defining The Role Of Zinc At The Host-pneumococcal Interface
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$870,925.00
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the world’s foremost bacterial pathogen. In Australia, bacterial infections are responsible for more than 9000 deaths every year, and the economic burden associated with treating diseases arising from pneumococcal infections is more than $1 billion annually. This proposal aims to define the role of the transition metal zinc in innate immune resistance to bacterial infection. This knowledge will reveal new targets for next generation antimicrobial therapeutics.
Defining The Impact Of Universal Iron Interventions In Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial In Rural Bangladesh
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,794,373.00
Summary
Although nearly half of the world's young children are anaemic, evidence regarding the best approaches to correct this problem are limited. New data even suggests that the conventional approaches (iron supplements, multiple micronutrient powders) may even be harmful. We will perform the definitive trial which will confirm the existence and magnitude of any benefit (and harm) from these interventions in young Bangladeshi children. This trial will inform global policy on anaemia control.
Benefits And Safety Of IRon Supplementation With MAlaria Chemoprevention To Children In Malawi (IRMA) - A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,064,309.00
Summary
Anaemia and malaria frequently coexist in low income settings e.g. sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Iron interventions aim to reduce anaemia but exacerbate malaria. We aim to test whether iron is made safe by coadministering malaria prevention, and whether these interventions improve child health outcomes especially cognitive development, while ensuring malaria resistance does not emerge.
The Role Of Metals In Healthy Brain Aging: Identification Of Novel Compounds To Prevent Age-related Cognitive Decline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$789,733.00
Summary
This grant will explore the basic mechanisms that underlie normal learning and memory. Specifically, we are focussing on how the modulation of metal levels may occur with age, and how this may cause or at least contribute to age-related cognitive impairment. We are also examining a novel therapeutic compound for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction. This work will have implications for both normal and pathological ageing.
This project will assess new ways to protect against HIV infection and treat HIV infection using potent antibody therapies. This will help us understand how the immune system can control HIV. We will generate antibody fragments that can be produced relatively cheaply that, if successful, could lead to a viable antibody therapy for HIV.
Stem Cell Based Strategies For Re-establishing T Cell Immunity In Aging And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$845,777.00
Summary
The thymus is the organ responsible for producing T cells, a key cell type in the body’s immune system. Certain cancer treatments damage the thymus, compromising the immune system and leaving patients susceptible to opportunistic infections. This proposal will develop clinically applicable strategies for generating functional human thymic mini-organs that could eventually help restore the immune system of people receiving treatment for cancer.
A Novel Nanoparticulate Iron Supplement And Its Effect On The Gastrointestinal Tract.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,995.00
Summary
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are major global health issues. Currently available iron supplements can lead to gastrointestinal side effects. We have developed a new type of oral iron supplement that (in animal studies) is as effective as conventional treatments, but without their limitations. In this project we will investigate the effect of this supplement on the gastrointestinal tract to ensure its safety and to provide preliminary data for future clinical trials in humans.