HFE-associated Steatohepatitis: Mechanisms And Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,813.00
Summary
Iron and fat alter normal iron metabolism and cause more severe disease in combination. In this study we will study the relationship between liver disease caused by increased body iron and the consumption of excess fat and the causal mechanisms. We will then examine new therapies for the treatment of iron-associated fatty liver disease.
EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATRIPTASE-2 AND HEMOJUVELIN, TWO ESSENTIAL REGULATORS OF IRON HOMEOSTASIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$533,541.00
Summary
The control of iron levels is important in health and well being. Too little can lead to iron deficiency and anaemia, conversly too much can lead to haemochromatosis and tissue damage. We will examine the role of two proteins, matriptase-2 and hemojuvelin that when mutated cause iron deficiency or iron overload respectively. We will study how these proteins interact and work in opposite directions to control iron levels. The results will help to develop new therapeutics for iron disorders.
Colon cancer causes about 4,000 deaths per year in Australia. A better understanding of the biology of colon cancer will lead to new therapeutics that will aim to overcome the treatment resistance. This project is focused on understanding how a novel protein SLIRP regulates colon cancer growth, and will investigate the mechanisms for its protective effects on the disease. If successful, these studies could provide the foundation for targeting SLIRP for therapeutics.
Regulation Of Gastric Tumour Invasion And Growth By Gp130 Activating Cytokines.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,642.00
Summary
Gastric cancer is a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide. We have previously established a very informative animal model of this disease which has facilitated a new understanding of the diverse role of the IL-6 family of cytokines in regulating gastric tumour growth and dissemination to distant organs. This proposal will focus on how the main members of this cytokine family, namely IL-6 and IL-11, inhibit gastric tumour invasion to other organs, and promote tumour growth respectively . A ....Gastric cancer is a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide. We have previously established a very informative animal model of this disease which has facilitated a new understanding of the diverse role of the IL-6 family of cytokines in regulating gastric tumour growth and dissemination to distant organs. This proposal will focus on how the main members of this cytokine family, namely IL-6 and IL-11, inhibit gastric tumour invasion to other organs, and promote tumour growth respectively . An understanding of these processes will aid in designing therapeutic interventions specific for each cytokine and which may lead to drugs aimed at limiting or reversing this disease.Read moreRead less
Immune Activation In Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,597.00
Summary
Up to 30% of Australians are estimated to suffer from Functional Gastrointestinal Diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Dyspepsia, but the cause of these chronic diseases is unknown. Alterations in the immune system are increasingly suggested, but little is known about how this leads to the debilitating symptoms of discomfort and pain. This project combines immunology studies with neuroscience to determine the key mediators involved and how they communicate with nerves.
Clinical And Microbiological Predictors Of Post-operative Crohn's Disease Recurrence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
The multi-centre randomised controlled POCER (Post-Operative Crohn’s Disease Recurrence) trial has shown that following “curative” surgery, the anti-tumour necrosis factor drug adalimumab prevents recurrent disease in almost all patients. I will examine the multiple factors that contribute to disease recurrence including assessment of mucosal microbiota, faecal biomarkers and serological antibody markers in patients with Crohn's disease. Results will improve clinical outcomes and change internat ....The multi-centre randomised controlled POCER (Post-Operative Crohn’s Disease Recurrence) trial has shown that following “curative” surgery, the anti-tumour necrosis factor drug adalimumab prevents recurrent disease in almost all patients. I will examine the multiple factors that contribute to disease recurrence including assessment of mucosal microbiota, faecal biomarkers and serological antibody markers in patients with Crohn's disease. Results will improve clinical outcomes and change international practice.Read moreRead less
Clinical And Microbiological Studies Of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation In Ulcerative Colitis - A Phase II, Multicentre, Randomised Double Blind, Exploratory Proof Of Concept, Placebo Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the large bowel. It is the result of a dysfunctional immune system that inappropriately targets and damages the colon. There is increasing evidence that gut bacteria play a crucial role in UC, possibly by stimulating inappropriate activation of immune cells. We believe that by "transplanting" the faeces (and thus gut microbes) of healthy individuals into the colon of UC patients, we may change the bacterial make up and correct ....Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the large bowel. It is the result of a dysfunctional immune system that inappropriately targets and damages the colon. There is increasing evidence that gut bacteria play a crucial role in UC, possibly by stimulating inappropriate activation of immune cells. We believe that by "transplanting" the faeces (and thus gut microbes) of healthy individuals into the colon of UC patients, we may change the bacterial make up and correct the inappropriate immune system activation.Read moreRead less
The Epidemiology And Burden Of Liver Disease In Australia With An Emphasis On Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$151,143.00
Summary
Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is now the commonest cause of abnormal liver function in Australia due to its close association with the obesity epidemic. It is likely to become the leading cause of liver failure and liver cancer over the next few decades. Despite this, the prevalence in Australian populations is unknown. The aim of this project is to assess how common this disorder is, the burden it places on the healthcare system and the effectiveness of treatment for liver cancer caused by ....Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is now the commonest cause of abnormal liver function in Australia due to its close association with the obesity epidemic. It is likely to become the leading cause of liver failure and liver cancer over the next few decades. Despite this, the prevalence in Australian populations is unknown. The aim of this project is to assess how common this disorder is, the burden it places on the healthcare system and the effectiveness of treatment for liver cancer caused by advanced non alcoholic fatty liver disease.Read moreRead less
Development Of Serum Models That Can Predict Clinical Outcomes In Chronic Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,694.00
Summary
The overall objective of this project is to develop blood tests that can accurately predict liver related death, liver cancer and liver decompensation respectively for patients with chronic liver disease. Blood tests will also be developed to predict cardiovascular disease in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, we will evaluate the use of repeated blood tests to assess if this can more accurately predict death and complications compared to a single time point.