The Role Of EphA2 Signalling And Environmental Modifiers In Cataract.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,547.00
Summary
In cataract the clear lens in the eye becomes opaque causing blindness. Cataract is very common in the elderly, but is rarely also seen in babies and children. In babies certain gene defects, and in the elderly the genes and environmental factors contribute to cataract. The EPHA2 gene causes cataract in both young and old people. This project aims to understand how EPHA2 and other related genes cause cataract in young and old people, to prevent, delay or improve its treatment in the future.
Modelling Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$628,416.00
Summary
Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a blinding disease that affects young males and is caused by the death of cells in the optic nerve. To better understand LHON, this project utilises induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for disease modelling. iPS cells will be generated from patients and turned into optic nerve cells, allowing us to study the diseased cells in the laboratory, providing a platform to screen for novel drugs to improve treatment options and fast-track drug development.