Mechanisms Of Intestinal And Systemic Iron Homeostasis In Early Infancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$485,835.00
Summary
Iron is essential trace element for normal health. Iron requirements are particularly high during early postnatal life to meet the needs of the growing infant. To accommodate these needs, intestinal iron absorption is extremely high at this time. We have previously shown that the iron absorption mechanism during suckling differs from that in adults and this project explores that mechanism in more detail. These studies have important implications for infant nutrition and dietary supplementation.
Integrating Drug Delivery Principles Into Drug Design To Transform The Treatment Of Immune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,635.00
Summary
Immune system disorders (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, transplant rejection, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis) are often treated with immunosuppresant drugs. However, immunosuppressant drugs can cause significant toxicity and can lack efficacy. This proposal will show how the design of drugs used to treat immune disorders can be changed to allow drugs to be delivered specifically to their site of action (immune cells) thereby enhancing activity and reducing toxicity.
Snakebite is a worldwide health problem, causing some 100,000 deaths per year. We have preliminary evidence that application of nitric oxide-releasing chemical to the skin presents a novel approach to first aid treatment of venomous bites. The method has the advantage of being simple and reliable and could save lives applied by itself or as an adjunct to pressure bandaging with immobilisation (PBI).
Novel Cellular Trafficking Mechanisms For The Drug Influx Transporter, Human Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,614.00
Summary
Human organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) are membrane proteins that regulate the cellular uptake of endogenous and exogenous substances including anti-cancer drugs. OATPs strongly determine whether such drugs enter the tissues where they are required to exert their effects. This project will study novel mechanisms that we have recently identified that determine the orientation of transporters in the cells. These processes can be impaired by a common pharmacogenetic variant in indivi ....Human organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) are membrane proteins that regulate the cellular uptake of endogenous and exogenous substances including anti-cancer drugs. OATPs strongly determine whether such drugs enter the tissues where they are required to exert their effects. This project will study novel mechanisms that we have recently identified that determine the orientation of transporters in the cells. These processes can be impaired by a common pharmacogenetic variant in individuals.Read moreRead less
The lung in people with the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis (CF) contains increase amounts of iron, which promotes bacterial infection. In this research project we are using mouse models of CF and airway cells obtained from people with CF to investigate the underlying mechanism of abnormal iron regulation. We are also examining the therapeutic potential of compounds that interfere with the ability of bacteria to obtain iron to see whether this can overcome antibiotic resistance.
Protein Absorption And Kinetics In Critical Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,233,268.00
Summary
This experienced & productive group plan to perform a number of interrelated studies in patients with critical illness the aim of which will be to ascertain protein absorption & kinetics, & the relationship between protein intake & muscle physiology. The goal is to lay the groundwork for an understanding of protein in the nutritional support of these patients which will help us to later establish the optimum amount & type of protein to improve muscle strength, functional outcomes & survival.
A Nanostructured Drug Delivery Approach For Improved Colorectal Cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,072.00
Summary
Based on nanotechnology a new medicine will be developed for chemotherapy drugs. Drugs that are currently only delivered by injection will be able to be taken as an orally dosed tablet. A novel therapy for colorectal cancer will be advanced with potential improved clinical outcomes and reduced side-effects, e.g. nausea and diarrhoea. Cancer patients will no longer need to visit the hospital for injection therapy and therefore reducing the burden on the health service.
Drug Targeting To Sites Of Lymph-adipose Interaction To Transform The Treatment Of Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$515,172.00
Summary
Insulin resistance (IR) underpins the development of inadequately treated heart and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Recently we demonstrated that high fat diets promote increased leakage of fluid from lymph vessels to abdominal fat, and that increased access of lymph fluid to fat stimulates fat expansion and changes in fat function that promote IR. This project seeks to optimise novel drug delivery strategies that target lymph and fat and more effectively treat IR.
Using Nanotechnology To Improve The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Iron Chelators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$692,769.00
Summary
Iron loading disorders (such as thalassaemia) represent an important class of human disease. As part of the treatment for these diseases, the iron needs to be removed and this is often done using iron-binding drugs known as iron chelators. Current chelators are not ideal due to side effects or onerous delivery methods. The goal of this project is to use nanotechnology to develop more effective ways of delivering chelators to improve their effectiveness and reduce toxicity.
Role Of Non-transferrin Bound Iron In Iron Overload Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$669,504.00
Summary
Plasma non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) levels are elevated in iron overload disorders. Excess NTBI has serious health consequences as it is toxic and may induce cellular dysfunction and injury. We will investigate the molecular mechanisms by which NTBI transport is regulated, the contribution of NTBI to the development of iron overload and its impact on oxidative-mediated liver and heart injury in iron overload conditions associated with Hereditary Haemochromatosis and thalassaemia.