Characterisation Of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation To Haematopoietic Progenitors And Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,856.00
Summary
Blood stem cells, which are found in the bone marrow, are currently used for treating human blood disorders including leukemia and lymphoma. However, for the majority of bone marrow transplant candidates, suitable donors cannot be found. Using embryonic stem cells, this project aims to define the conditions required to generate blood stem cells in the laboratory. The aim of the work is to provide a new source of blood stem cells that could be used in place of donor derived bone marrow.
Transdermal Testosterone Therapy: A Potential Treatment For Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)-associated Sexual Dysfunction In Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,351.00
Summary
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is frequently reported with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy and venlafaxine, these being the most common antidepressants used by Australian women. We have shown that testosterone therapy significantly improves sexual function in women with FSD. However SSRI-users have been excluded from these past studies. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of transdermal testosterone therapy for treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with SS ....Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is frequently reported with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy and venlafaxine, these being the most common antidepressants used by Australian women. We have shown that testosterone therapy significantly improves sexual function in women with FSD. However SSRI-users have been excluded from these past studies. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of transdermal testosterone therapy for treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with SSRI therapy.Read moreRead less
Suppression Of NADPH Oxidase-derived Oxidative Stress By Anti-sense Probes And HDL In Human Vascular Endothelium
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,250.00
Summary
In Australia, coronary heart disease (CHD) causing heart attacks remains the largest cause of death, claiming a staggering 28,000 lives a year. Oxidative stress, resulting from increased production of oxygen free radicals in arteries, is an important cause of CHD, heart attacks and strokes. We seek to understand how such oxyradicals are produced in the key cells that form the lining of all arteries, known as the vascular endothelium. By using novel DNA-type molecules (known as anti-sense) develo ....In Australia, coronary heart disease (CHD) causing heart attacks remains the largest cause of death, claiming a staggering 28,000 lives a year. Oxidative stress, resulting from increased production of oxygen free radicals in arteries, is an important cause of CHD, heart attacks and strokes. We seek to understand how such oxyradicals are produced in the key cells that form the lining of all arteries, known as the vascular endothelium. By using novel DNA-type molecules (known as anti-sense) developed in our laboratory, which block a particular gene causing oxidative stress, we will determine whether this gene is responsible for the formation of oxyradicals in human and mouse cells grown in culture. In addition, we will explore whether this gene is turned on by factors known to be involved in CHD. Finally, we will also investigate whether the good cholesterol known as HDL can act to prevent oxidative stress in human cells, as we discovered it appears to do in living arteries in vivo. If we find it has the same protective effect in endothelium, we will determine how it does this, and which component proteins of the HDL particle are important. This might suggest new treatments to prevent acute events leading to heart attack and stroke, and possibly new applications where damage appears to result from acute oxidative stress, such as in the brain soon after a stroke has occurred. We also have a plan to develop antisense drugs that will target the important gene specifically in the affected endothelium. In addition, we have other specific new drugs that will block this system in arteries. Simultaneously we will be testing the role of this gene in mouse and rabbit models of artery disease, for both our types of drugs might provide valuable new therapeutic agents to target the underlying cause of CHD and not just its symptoms as current drugs do.Read moreRead less
A Trial Of A Multidisciplinary, Group Based Intervention To Meet The Needs Of Men With Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,285.00
Summary
This study will test an innovative approach to meeting the physical and psychosocial needs of men with early stage prostate cancer using a randomised controlled trial. This novel approach involves a combination of individual and group-based consultations which encourages peer-to-peer support, promotes self-care and enhances appropriate multidisciplinary referrals and communication. It provides a new model of care for patients with chronic diseases that can be translated into clinical practice.
Brain Protection: A new therapeutic approach for Multiple Sclerosis In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain. The immune attacks destroy myelin, the protective coat around electrical cables in the brain (demyelination). Current treatments for MS are only partially effective, and work by reducing the number and severity of these attacks. However, MS-related permanent disability in the majority of sufferers is due to the development of progressive MS, and current ....Brain Protection: A new therapeutic approach for Multiple Sclerosis In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain. The immune attacks destroy myelin, the protective coat around electrical cables in the brain (demyelination). Current treatments for MS are only partially effective, and work by reducing the number and severity of these attacks. However, MS-related permanent disability in the majority of sufferers is due to the development of progressive MS, and current therapies do not reduce this progression. It is believed that one major cause of this permanent disability is permanent myelin loss. Interestingly, we have already shown that the growth factor LIF is made by the body during MS-like inflammation, and that it limits damage by directly protecting myelin-producing cells. However, the bodies own LIF production during inflammation is sub-maximal, because myelin protection can be enhanced by giving additional therapeutic LIF. This suggests that (1) The brain produces a defence response to harmful inflammation and that (2) This defence response can be enhanced therapeutically. We therefore want to define exactly how LIF enhances myelin survival. We have measured the response to LIF in myelin-producing cells, and have discovered that it strongly stimulates the production of the small protein galanin. We will now assess if galanin itself protects myelin and myelin-producing cells, and we will test this both in isolated cells and whole animal models. If galanin production is a major mechanism by which the body tries to limit the damage from abnormal inflammation during MS, then medications that mimic the action of galanin (which are already under development for different reasons) could become a major new therapy for Multiple Sclerosis.Read moreRead less
Relaxin-3 Systems In Brain: Validation Of Neural Targets And Functional Roles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$537,579.00
Summary
Our laboratory recently discovered the brain 'transmitter' called 'relaxin-3', and are researching how it affects brain activity and animal physiology and behaviour. Findings suggest that relaxin-3 can modulate memory, responses to stress and other complex behaviours. Identifying the various actions of relaxin-3 in the brain could provide potential new treatments for conditions such as anxiety-depression, cognitive deficits (dementia) and schizophrenia.
Identification Of Novel Mechanisms Governing Stage-specific Regulation Of The Human Globin Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,826.00
Summary
Hemoglobin is the major protein in red blood cells and is essential for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The disorders of hemoglobin production are the commonest genetic diseases worldwide. These diseases can be markedly improved with elevation of the form of hemoglobin produced by the developing embryo, fetal hemoglobin. We have identified key factors important for fetal gene expression. Our goal is to translate these findings into therapies for the hemoglobin disorders.
How Does Fra-1 Regulate The Invasive Properties Of Tumour Cells?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
Most cancer deaths occur when tumours spread and destroy vital body functions. The invasion of tumour cells into surrounding tissue is a critical step during the spread of cancer. This project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms that control the ability of tumour cells to invade into surrounding tissue and subsequently spread to other sites in the body. We expect to identify potential targets to better diagnose and treat the spread of cancer.
Impaired Bone Remodelling Leads To Failure Of Orthopaedic Prostheses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$515,917.00
Summary
The failure of bone prostheses is becoming a major health problem. More than 26,000 hip, and an equal number of knee, replacements were performed in Australia in 2002 with the number increasing between 5%-10% each year for the previous 10 years. Disturbingly, the incidence of revision hip surgery in Australia is now more than 15%, meaning that, despite the impressive success of joint replacement surgery, a significant number of arthroplasties fail. It is becoming more common for young, active in ....The failure of bone prostheses is becoming a major health problem. More than 26,000 hip, and an equal number of knee, replacements were performed in Australia in 2002 with the number increasing between 5%-10% each year for the previous 10 years. Disturbingly, the incidence of revision hip surgery in Australia is now more than 15%, meaning that, despite the impressive success of joint replacement surgery, a significant number of arthroplasties fail. It is becoming more common for young, active individuals to receive joint replacement surgery to improve their quality of life. This, combined with increasing life expectancy, and the known higher rate of failure of joint replacements in younger patients, means that the morbidity of a failed replacement, and the mobidity and associated mortality of revision surgery, will become an increasingly important health issue, with a major impact upon health budgets. The overwhelming majority of hip and knee prostheses have metal or ceramic on polyethylene bearing surfaces. It is now apparent that most implants fail due to bone loss around them leading to loosening, and evidence is accumulating that polyethylene wear particles are a major contributing factor to this process. It is therefore vital that we obtain better understanding of the causes of implant failure in order to extend the life of these implants and this project is designed to do so.Read moreRead less
An Integrated Approach For The Efffective Adoptive Immunotherapy Of Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumors and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of immunotherapy remain ineffective in most cancer patients. We propose to improve the tumor trafficking and anti-tumor activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The outcomes of this project will validate this novel approach for treatment of cancer patients.