Regulation Of Mitochondrial Gene Expression In Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
Mitochondria are microscopic powerplants that produce most of the energy in cells. Genes that make mitochondrial proteins must work properly to make the energy our bodies require for health. Defects in the expression of mitochondrial genes cause debilitating diseases for which there are no cures currently. A/Prof Filipovska will use new technologies to understand how these mutations cause disease and develop therapeutics for treatments of diseases caused by defects in mitochondrial genes.
I work on mitochondrial diseases, which are inherited disorders of metabolism that block conversion of food energy into chemical energy needed by our cells. We focus on understanding (i) the genetic basis of these disorders using approaches such as massively parallel sequencing, systems biology and experimental studies, and (ii) the detailed mechanisms of disease by studying cell lines from patients and animal models. We aim to develop better methods for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Oxidative Processes In Vascular Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
The process that turns cut fruit brown when it is exposed to air is thought to cause disease of our blood vessels and heart as we age. Despite what we first thought, 'blocking' this oxidation process with antioxidant supplements does not lower heart disease. This is because oxidation not only causes harm but also is useful and essential for normal body function. Our research program aims to show which oxidative processes are needed for blood vessel health or cause vessel disease.
Pathophysiology And Treatment Of Malaria In Our Region
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,005.00
Summary
Malaria continues to kill 420,000 people/year. I will lead a team of clinical scientists in identifying how each of the different malaria parasites cause damage to small blood vessels, kidneys and other organs, and will test whether two different drugs can improve these processes and reduce illness. Many of my previous research findings have changed malaria treatment in Australia and across SE Asia, and, where appropriate, I will use new research findings to improve treatments.
Investigating Pathways To Alleviate The Burden Of Diabetes And Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,655.00
Summary
Diabetes affects more than 1.2 million Australians and up to 40% of these will develop complications including kidney disease. Excess blood sugar as the result of diabetes can accelerate a biochemical process called advanced glycation, which permanently alters proteins affecting their structure and function. My research will focus on identifying new therapies to target advanced glycation as well as dysfunction of cell power stations, mitochondria which is caused by advanced glycation.
Heart failure (HF) describes where the heart cannot pump adequately to meet the bodyÍs needs. Mortality remains high; therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatment approaches. The present grant aims to: (1) evaluate treatments for patients at high-risk for future development of HF (2) examine the ability to safely withdraw unnecessary HF drugs (3) focus on the effect of HF on the kidney via novel treatment strategies (4) examine the emerging role of cancer drugs in development of HF.
Improving Outcomes In Heart Failure Through Basic, Clinical And Translational Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,005.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is a common, chronic cardiovascular condition characterised by a reduced capacity of the heart to function. Patients with HF have a poor quality of life and significantly reduced survival. My proposed programme of research will improve the understanding of heart failure (HF) and lead to better treatments.
Personalised Exercise As Medicine. Optimising The Prescription To Maximise The Benefit
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,490.00
Summary
Humans have never been less physically active than in contemporary Western society. These studies will provide an evidence-basis to address the inactivity epidemic by laying the foundation for personalised and effective exercise prescriptions, to which people are more likely to adhere.
Sun Exposure, Vitamin D And Photohealth Over The Lifetime
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,655.00
Summary
Australia is a sunny country with a diverse population. Inappropriate sun exposure for skin type leads to skin cancer (mainly in the fair-skinned) and vitamin D deficiency (particularly in the darker-skinned). Potential benefits of sun exposure are broader than vitamin D production, but remain ill-defined. There are few data on appropriate sun exposure for children. This research fellowship builds the evidence to guide sun exposure messages.