Interrogation Of Two Novel Genetic Susceptibility Loci For Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$840,615.00
Summary
This proposal, from the Australia and New Zealand multiple sclerosis (MS) Genetics Consortium, aims to interrogate two new genes that it recently identified as predisposing for the development of MS. Both of the genes underlying these findings are also associated with risk of developing other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Graves' disease.
Climate Change And Rural Communities: Integrated Study Of Physical And Social Impacts, Health Risks And Adaptive Options
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,599.00
Summary
Rural Australia has begun to experience climate change impacts - which will increase in future. Losses in farm yields, water supplies, property, community morale and family incomes have diverse health effects. We will study the separate and joint effects of climate change and associated extreme events (e.g., bushfires) on selected health outcomes. Using integrative methods, we will clarify the main influences on health risks, their future projections, and how best to intervene to lessen risks.
Targeting KRAS Mutations In Cancer Using A Novel SiRNA Delivery Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,899.00
Summary
Mutations in a gene called KRAS are found in 20% of human cancers but are impossible to target with existing treatments. RNA interference is a promising new way to target genes previously considered undruggable, but there is no way to deliver the molecules required for RNA interference to tumours. We will evaluate the ability of a new nanotechnology based delivery system (antibody targeted minicells) to deliver RNA interference, thereby selectively targeting of KRAS in tumours while avoiding tox ....Mutations in a gene called KRAS are found in 20% of human cancers but are impossible to target with existing treatments. RNA interference is a promising new way to target genes previously considered undruggable, but there is no way to deliver the molecules required for RNA interference to tumours. We will evaluate the ability of a new nanotechnology based delivery system (antibody targeted minicells) to deliver RNA interference, thereby selectively targeting of KRAS in tumours while avoiding toxicity to normal tissue.Read moreRead less
Optical Vortices For Trapping And Guiding Nanoparticles In Air
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,685.00
Summary
A serious challenge for environmental protection in the fast-growing nanotechnology industry is the development of new methods for effective removal of nanoparticle contamination, which may pose hazards to humans, from air. We will develop new laser-based methods for effective capture and removal of nanoparticulate pollutants from air, which will find wide-spread application in developing ecologically clean and health-safe environments for the Australian and world-wide nanotechnology industry.
Mechanisms Of Nanoparticle-mediated Inhibition Of Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,921.00
Summary
Ultrafine pollution particles may promote asthma, and there is concern that man-made 'nanoparticles' have a similar effect. Surprisingly, we found that inert toxin-free nanoparticles inhibit asthma. We propose nanoparticles do this by leaving a unique �imprint� in the lung. We will explore how this imprint modifies lung inflammatory and immune regulatory cell function, and investigate particles made from advanced biodegradable polymers as potential therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases suc ....Ultrafine pollution particles may promote asthma, and there is concern that man-made 'nanoparticles' have a similar effect. Surprisingly, we found that inert toxin-free nanoparticles inhibit asthma. We propose nanoparticles do this by leaving a unique �imprint� in the lung. We will explore how this imprint modifies lung inflammatory and immune regulatory cell function, and investigate particles made from advanced biodegradable polymers as potential therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma.Read moreRead less
Antibody-directed Delivery Of Anti-restenotic Agents Using Inorganic Nanoparticles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,151.00
Summary
Arteries that have been surgically treated to remove fatty lesions that block blood flow frequently become re-blocked (restenosed), and drugs to prevent this re-blockage often have bad side-effects. We propose to prevent these complications by target-delivering the drugs directly and only to the required site using a single injection at the time of surgery. This will limit systemic side-effects, treatment costs and incidence of reblocking and bleeding complications.
Macrophage-regulated Tissue Remodelling In Endometrial Receptivity For Embryo Implantation And Pregnancy Success
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,779.00
Summary
Infertility and recurrent miscarriage affect 60-80 million couples globally, including 15% of couples in Australia. Moreover, 1 in 6 pregnancies is affected by pre-eclampsia, low birth weight or preterm labour. Infertility and other pathologies in pregnancy often result from failure of the maternal tissues to adequately support embryo implantation and development of the placenta, leading to insufficient nutritional support of the developing fetus. We have discovered in mice that disruption in th ....Infertility and recurrent miscarriage affect 60-80 million couples globally, including 15% of couples in Australia. Moreover, 1 in 6 pregnancies is affected by pre-eclampsia, low birth weight or preterm labour. Infertility and other pathologies in pregnancy often result from failure of the maternal tissues to adequately support embryo implantation and development of the placenta, leading to insufficient nutritional support of the developing fetus. We have discovered in mice that disruption in the populations of immune cells called macrophages within the uterine endometrial lining can reduce the receptivity of the endometrum to embryo implantation, and can lead to fetal growth retardation and impaired health after birth. The purpose of this project is to delineate the precise functions of macrophages in interacting with other cells in the endometrium to facilitate attachment of the embryo, its invasion into maternal tissues, and its access to an adequate blood supply as the placenta develops during early pregnancy. We will employ state of the art experimental strategies including genetic models to deplete endometrial macrophage populations in mice, and will then study the implications for changes in endometrial tissue structure and function. Furthermore we will investigate the long term consequences of early macrophage perturbations for the fetus and neonate after birth. This study will improve our understanding of how determinants of macrophage function such as infection and inflammatory conditions, male factors, nutrition and stress can impair fertility and compromise optimal pregnancy outcome in humans.Read moreRead less
MICROFABRICATED DEVICES: A SIGNIFICANT ADVANCE FOR THE DETECTION AND MOLECULAR ANALYSES OF CIRCULATING CANCER CELLS?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,107.00
Summary
Using advanced microfabrication concepts, this project aims to develop a platform technology able to capture tumour cells circulating in the blood of cancer patients. Although present only in extremely small numbers, these cells provide invaluable insights into the pathophysiology of the disease and consequently provide vital diagnostic and prognostic information. Molecular analyses of these cancer cells could ultimately enable the design of improved and personalized cancer treatment.