Structural And Functional Analyses Of Rat Receptor Activator Of NF-kb Ligand
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,320.00
Summary
Rat RANKL (Xu and Zheng, rat RANKL, AustraliaProvisional Patent PQ3147) has a variety of biological activities including osteoclast differentiation and polarization, and dendritic cell function. Overproduction or increased activity of RANKL can result in excessive osteoclast formation, activation, and bone resorption. This process contributes to many common bone lytic disorders such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, bone metastatic diseases, arthritis, aseptic bone loosening and non-union of fra ....Rat RANKL (Xu and Zheng, rat RANKL, AustraliaProvisional Patent PQ3147) has a variety of biological activities including osteoclast differentiation and polarization, and dendritic cell function. Overproduction or increased activity of RANKL can result in excessive osteoclast formation, activation, and bone resorption. This process contributes to many common bone lytic disorders such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, bone metastatic diseases, arthritis, aseptic bone loosening and non-union of fractures. This proposal addresses the important and fundamental issue of RANKL regarding the role of molecular structure on its biological function. We have established that the TNF-like core domain is the functional domain, important for osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast polarisation and protecting against Fas-triggered apoptosis. This proposal will further characterise the mutant forms of the TNF-like core domain of RANKL using site directed mutagenesis and protein truncation analysis, and assess their respective binding activities to OPG and RANK, and their biological activities both in vitro and in vivo. It will lead us into better understanding of the structure-function relationship of RANKL. Ideally, we would like to develop a relative agent for the suppression of osteolysis in orthopaedic related diseases including osteoporosis. Such an optimized molecule could become a potent therapeutic agent that selectively inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption.Read moreRead less
Artificial joint implants are widely used to replace diseased or damaged joints. Despite the impressive success of joint replacement many artificial joints do not last indefinitely. In many patients joints last for 25 years or more but in about 15% the artificial joints will fail prematurely. Artificial joints need to be replaced because of loosening resulting from the loss of bone from around the artificial joint. The bone loss is caused by large numbers of small particles generated by excessiv ....Artificial joint implants are widely used to replace diseased or damaged joints. Despite the impressive success of joint replacement many artificial joints do not last indefinitely. In many patients joints last for 25 years or more but in about 15% the artificial joints will fail prematurely. Artificial joints need to be replaced because of loosening resulting from the loss of bone from around the artificial joint. The bone loss is caused by large numbers of small particles generated by excessive wear of the artificial joint. We now know that specialised cells in the body react to the wear particles and try to destroy them. During this process they produce molecules which lead to bone destruction. This project seeks to investigate the way particles cause bone loss and to develop drug treatments that will either prevent the loss of bone or promote new bone to replace that which has been lost. The increasing use of joint replacement and an aging population means that the number of patients with artificial joint failure will increase. This will mean that an increasing amount of medical recourses will be needed to replace failed and painful artificial joints. It is planned that the findings obtained from this project will eventually result in drug treatments which can reduce the need for the replacement of artificial joints.Read moreRead less
Role Of Bone-associated Macrophages In Bone Remodelling And Bone Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,963.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, are a national and international health and research priorities. Over 3 million Australians suffer from arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions and their social and economic impact is expected to dramatically increase in the next 20 years as a result of the aging population. Early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of many musculoskeletal diseases are currently inadequate. Consequently, there is a high demand for effective tr ....Musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, are a national and international health and research priorities. Over 3 million Australians suffer from arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions and their social and economic impact is expected to dramatically increase in the next 20 years as a result of the aging population. Early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of many musculoskeletal diseases are currently inadequate. Consequently, there is a high demand for effective treatment options. This project grant application proposes a novel line of scientific investigation that will provide greater understanding of the contribution of macrophages (a cell type that has important roles in normal tissue maintenance and defense against infection) in bone remodelling and disease. Bone is continuously remodelled and replaced to maintain skeletal strength and mineral metabolism. We have shown that a population of macrophages is intimately associated with bone and propose that these cells play an important part in regulating bone remodelling. Macrophages have been implicated in many diseases that have damaging consequences on bone, including osteoporosis and several forms of arthritis, linking aberrant macrophage function to disease-associated bone damage. This project aims to characterize this population of bone-associated macrophages and determine their ability to influence the function of other cells integrally involved in bone remodelling. We will also undertake studies in animal models to determine whether these cells are required for bone remodelling and-or damage. Detailed description of the novel role of macrophages in bone biology will facilitate the development of superior therapeutics, preventatives and cures for bone diseases.Read moreRead less
The Role Of 'Orphan' Transporters In Bone Homeostasis And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,668.00
Summary
Osteoclasts (OCs) are giant multinucleated cells exclusively responsible for physiological bone degradation (resorption). Excessive OC activity leads to localised bone destruction (osteolysis) as observed in patients with osteoarthritis and underlies decreased bone mass and fragility fractures that are a hallmark of osteoporosis. This project examines the role of an orphan solute carrier transporter in OC function and its potential involvement in bone disease.
Molecular Characterization Of V-ATPase V0 Domain Subunits E1 And E2 In Osteoclast
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,909.00
Summary
Osteoporotic fractures in the elderly are often linked to increased mortality rates. Excess bone resorption is a major contributor to the onset of the disease. The proposed project focuses on the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of acid secretion that is required for the bone degradation in body. The project will examine the role of the proton pump in bone resorption and seek potential targets for the treatment of osteoporosis.
gp130 is a protein expressed in all cells in the body; this project will analyse the influence of gp130 within the cells that form bone, the cells that destroy bone, and the cells that form a communication network within the bone matrix. Understanding the way this protein works will help us to understand how current therapies for osteoporosis work, and will help us to design new therapies.
Myo1b Bridges The Actin-membrane Interface During Osteoclastic Bone Resorption
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,387.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a debilitating bone disease which features progressive bone loss. Bone loss (resorption) is driven by the bone resident cell the osteoclast. Identifying molecules that regulate bone resorption by osteoclasts is a crucial first step towards developing new targets for theraputic intervention. This proposal explores the role of Myo1b, a novel protein that appears to facilitate osteoclastic bone resorption and thus represents an attractive new candidate to target bone loss.
Molecular Mechanisms And Therapeutic Effects Of Novel Parthenolide Analogs On Osteolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,815.00
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are common bone diseases with features of bone loss. Drugs that inhibit bone loss are needed for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. The proposed research explores the potential use of novel herbal inhibitors for the suppression of bone resorbing cells, and their potential as treatments for bone loss.
Furin: Carving-up Vital Substrates For Bone Remodelling And Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$815,972.00
Summary
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures. It is caused by an imbalance between the cells that are constantly reabsorbing and reforming bone. The proposed project will address furin as a novel regulator of bone remodelling.