Monomeric C-reactive Protein As Pathogenic Factor And Therapeutic Target In Athero-thrombotic Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,570.00
Summary
Vascular disease of the heart, brain and limbs affects many people in Australia and throughout the world. Current treatments assist in slowing the development and progression of established disease, but new developments are required. This project will investigate the role of C-reactive protein in vascular disease and evaluate its potential as a new therapeutic target in the future.
Analysis And Development Of Medicinal Herbs For The Prevention And Management Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,500.00
Summary
Although medicinal herbs are widely used in the community for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease, to date no systemic, effective methods are available to assess the physiological effects of these substances. This project will employ advanced bio-cellular and molecular technologies to develop (i) screening procedures, (ii) standardised chemical analyses and (iii) bioassays to allow efficient assessment of new herbal pharmaceuticals in relation to possible cardiovascular activ ....Although medicinal herbs are widely used in the community for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease, to date no systemic, effective methods are available to assess the physiological effects of these substances. This project will employ advanced bio-cellular and molecular technologies to develop (i) screening procedures, (ii) standardised chemical analyses and (iii) bioassays to allow efficient assessment of new herbal pharmaceuticals in relation to possible cardiovascular activities, side effects, purity and quality.Read moreRead less
Prof Rosenthal proposes to use the Australia Fellowship to create a systems approach to regenerative medicine by bringing today’s breakthroughs in genomics, proteomics, engineering and animal modelling to a critical unanswered biological question: how can we enhance our regenerative capacity in ageing and disease. A successful outcome of this research will pave the way for innovation in clinical treatment of some of the most devastating chronic health problems in Australian society.
Structural And Functional Consequences Of LMNA Gene Mutations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,904.00
Summary
Heart failure due to diseases of the heart muscle is a leading cause of illness and death in Australia. It has recently been discovered that mutations (changes in the DNA sequence) in genes in the heart are an important cause of heart muscle disease. In many cases, these gene mutations are passed from generation to generation in families. Mutations in the LMNA gene have been found to cause abnormalities of the heart s contraction and rhythm. The LMNA gene encodes two proteins, lamins A and C, th ....Heart failure due to diseases of the heart muscle is a leading cause of illness and death in Australia. It has recently been discovered that mutations (changes in the DNA sequence) in genes in the heart are an important cause of heart muscle disease. In many cases, these gene mutations are passed from generation to generation in families. Mutations in the LMNA gene have been found to cause abnormalities of the heart s contraction and rhythm. The LMNA gene encodes two proteins, lamins A and C, that are located in the muscle cell nucleus. The role of lamins A and C in the heart and the mechanism by which mutant proteins cause heart muscle disease are unknown. We propose to address these questions by studying a mouse model in which lamins A and C have been knocked out. We will also perform in vitro experiments to examine the effects of LMNA mutations that have been found in affected families. These studies will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of heart muscle disease and will ultimately lead to new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart failure and disturbances of heart rhythm.Read moreRead less
This project studies the mechanisms involved in rejection of skin and heart grafts using a novel model to track the behaviour of individual graft-reactive white blood cells. We will test two promising new techniques to limit graft rejection: using drugs to inhibit the entry of graft-reactive cells into the graft, and administering cells with the ability to suppress the function of graft-reactive cells. This work will help us to design new therapies to prevent heart graft rejection.
Body Composition Changes In Cardiac Cachexia: Pathophysiology, Quantification And Approaches To Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,000.00
Summary
Cachexia is weight loss and weakness caused by disease, or as a side effect of illness. Congestive heart failure is a common cardiovascular condition that is accompanied by high mortality (up to 50% over 2 years) and considerable suffering. People with congestive heart failure often develop cachexia. This project will explore the mechanisms responsible for the development of cachexia using an animal model of cardiac cachexia that the researchers have developed. It will be complemented by an exam ....Cachexia is weight loss and weakness caused by disease, or as a side effect of illness. Congestive heart failure is a common cardiovascular condition that is accompanied by high mortality (up to 50% over 2 years) and considerable suffering. People with congestive heart failure often develop cachexia. This project will explore the mechanisms responsible for the development of cachexia using an animal model of cardiac cachexia that the researchers have developed. It will be complemented by an examination of the effects of exercise on measures of cachexia in patients with congestive heart failure. The researchers believe that this study will supply valuable new information about the development of cachexia and lead to new therapies for this syndrome.Read moreRead less