Novel Epigenetic And Molecular Determinants Of Gastric Cancer Initation And Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,909.00
Summary
Over one million deaths from stomach cancer occur annually. This often fatal disease can be caused by infection with the bacterium H. pylori. I am a molecular biologist seeking to understand how inflammation caused by H. pylori drives a genetic signature which can be used to predict stomach cancer risk. I will also study how a new family of stomach proteins can prevent tumour growth. My research aims to lead new initiatives for early detection and treatment of stomach cancer.
Minimising Infection Risks Associated With Water Exposure And With International Travel: Addressing Data Gaps To Improve Policy And Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
This project will provide better understanding of health risks associated with two areas of infectious diseases: i) exposure to water, including water recycling and ii) imported infections associated with international travel. Both these issues are highly topical, and new information about exposure risks is important to help guide appropriate preventive advice.
T Helper Cytokines In Immunity And Organ-specific Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,946.00
Summary
The overall goal of these studies is to identify mechanisms underlying the effects of cytokines on T cell-mediated immunity, how defects in these processes can result in organ specific autoimmune disease, and whether exploiting these mechanisms may result in improved therapies for individuals with autoimmune diseases. The proposed aims build on my previous work on interleukin-21 and interleukin-21-producing T helper cells in both immunity and autoimmunity.
Determining The Mechanisms Underlying Chronic Visceral Pain And Providing Novel Treatment Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
Gastroenteritis activates special types of nerve endings in the gut to cause acute pain. In chronic gut pain, although the damaged tissue has healed, the nerve endings remain active and don’t reset back to normal. This project will identify why this occurs, determining pain mechanisms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a leading form of chronic pain. It will identify which ion channels and receptors can be targeted allowing the development of novel and effective therapies for pain relief.
Fat Sensing In The Gut: Role In Appetite Regulation In Health And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,076.00
Summary
Dr Little has an international reputation for her research relating to the sensing of nutrients in the gut. During the next 4 years her goal is to establish herself as an independent researcher leading a team and program focussed on characterising the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which fat is sensed in the gut, and the role of these mechanisms in energy intake regulation in health and obesity. These insights are likely to result in more effective management strategies for obesity.
Role Of Inflammation In The Physiological And Pathological Function Of The Gastrointestinal Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,946.00
Summary
The gastrointestinal tract is continuously exposed to the external environment as a consequence of what we ingest. We have therefore evolved distinct mechanisms to deal with exposure to non-pathogenic insults in the gut. Sometimes, however these mechanisms fail leading to chronic inflammation and resultant pathology, which can under certain circumstances develop into cancer. This study will investigate inflammation in the gut, with particular interest in the systems that control inflammation.