Development Of Endogenous Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Antagonism As A New Therapeutic Approach To Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,561.00
Summary
Neutrophils play a pivotal role in inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). G-CSF is a growth factor that is important to neutrophil survival and function. We have shown that in the absence of G-CSF the incidence and severity of experimental autoimmune arthritis are reduced. We will investigate the mechanisms by which this occurs as well as studying the effects of G-CSF blockade on function and survival of human neutrophils from healthy donors and RA patients.
Using Gene Delivery Tools To Understand And Treat Skeletal Muscle-related Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
As a muscle biologist, I study the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle size, so that we can develop therapies for muscle wasting. What sets my research apart is my combination of expertise in muscle biology, and the use of recombinant viral vectors for altering the expression of specific genes exclusively in skeletal muscles. Our approaches enable us to study the inner workings of muscles in ways others cannot, and develop promising new therapies for treating muscle diseases.
Control Of TGF-beta Superfamily Signalling In Human Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,946.00
Summary
Members of the transforming growth factor ? (TGF-?) family of proteins play crucial roles in adult tissue homeostasis. In recent years a new paradigm has emerged suggesting that inhibition of TGF-? signalling could be an effective strategy for restoring homeostasis in disease-affected tissues. Dr Harrison’s overall research strategy is based on this concept, and is particularly focussed on developing specific antagonists of individual TGF-? proteins.
Nerve cell survival is dependent on both growth-promoting factors and factors released by neurotransmission, which can promote recovery in neurodegenerative conditions by overriding cell death pathways. The molecule responsible for activating death pathways in the nervous system is called p75. This project will investigate how p75 results in cell death, how synaptic signals can prevent the activation of the p75 death pathway and whether blocking p75 function can limit neurodegeneration.
Decoding The Transcriptional Program Of Vessel Growth In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Lymphatic vessels are essential to maintain fluid balance in most tissues of the human body. Further the lymphatic vasculature plays a central role during cancer and contributes to tumour metastasis. Despite this integral function in health and disease little is known about the molecular programs that coordinate gene expression to build a functional vasculature. This research project will address this gap in our knowledge and will open up new therapeutic avenues for lymphatic vascular disorders
Mechanisms Of Abnormal Expression Of The IGF2 Gene In Disorders Affectin Foetal Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
The IGF2 gene is crucial for foetal growth. Only the copy inherited from the father is active, a phenomenon named parental imprinting. In some children with foetal overgrowth or growth retardation, the deregulation of imprinting of the IGF2 gene during the first days of foetal development will influence subsequent growth and will also have major implications in post-natal and adult life. We will investigate the mechanisms resulting in abnormal imprinting of IGF2 early in development.
Investigate The Role For Dok Adapter Proteins In Thrombosis And Haemostasis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$161,737.00
Summary
Blood platelets play a key role in blood clot formation, prevention of bleeding and are the principal elements contributing to thrombosis leading to heart attack and stroke. Numerous studies have defined pathways promoting platelet activity, however less is known about their negative regulation. In this fellowship I will examine the role for proteins, Dok2 and Dok1, in the negative regulation of platelets, hoping this leads to development of novel therapeutics for prevention of cardiac disease.
Investigating B Cell Development, Maintenance And High-affinity Antibody Production By ENU Mutagenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
B cells are essential for the protection against infections. This application aims to identify new genes that are crucial for the development or function of B cells and will investigate how mutations in newly discovered genes contribute to defects in the development and function of B cells and the pathogenesis of B cell leukaemia.