Investigating A Potential New Treatment For Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,522.00
Summary
Blood clots blocking blood flow to the brain (stroke) are a major cause of death and disability. Safety concerns limit approved therapies to a small subset of patients, highlighting an urgent need for safer, more effective drugs. Our studies show that inhibitors of the enzyme PI3Kbeta increase blood clot permeability, increasing clot ‘dissolvability’, without increased bleeding. This raises the possibility that PI3Kbeta inhibitors may represent a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for stroke.
Platelets are key blood elements that are essential for the prevention of bleeding in response to injury or infection. Overactive or spontaneously active platelets cause thrombosis and blood clot formation. My laboratory has identified new physiological pathways of activation of platelet metalloproteinases, the enzymes that regulate surface levels of the prothrombotic platelet receptors. By understanding this mechanism of receptor regulation, we can uniquely target platelet receptors in people w ....Platelets are key blood elements that are essential for the prevention of bleeding in response to injury or infection. Overactive or spontaneously active platelets cause thrombosis and blood clot formation. My laboratory has identified new physiological pathways of activation of platelet metalloproteinases, the enzymes that regulate surface levels of the prothrombotic platelet receptors. By understanding this mechanism of receptor regulation, we can uniquely target platelet receptors in people with prothrombotic pathologies.Read moreRead less
Under this fellowship the applicant will study a n important group of enzymes and molecular delivery machines involved in clotting disease, immune dysfunction and cancer.
Understanding Immune Regulation During Parasitic Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
Chronic infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and leishmaniasis are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. They are all characterised by severe immune dysfunction. We will study a parasitic infection to identify important immune cell populations and molecules that promote chronic infectious disease. This knowledge will enable the development of better treatments and vaccines for range of infectious diseases that affect people in many parts of the world.
Defining The Coordination Of Immune Responses To Pathogens
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
Understanding how immune responses are coordinated is critical for the design of new therapies and vaccines to target infectious diseases and cancers. This project will utilise advanced imaging combined with novel tools to dissect the complex interactions that occur between immune cells as they are activated and patrol the body to eliminate infectious pathogens.
Mechanistic And Translational Studies Targeting Kidney Inflammation And Fibrosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
The progression of kidney disease to end-stage renal failure requires support by dialysis or kidney transplantation, leading to reduced quality of life, loss of productivity, and the huge cost of renal replacement therapy in Australia ($1 billion in 2010). This research program focuses on two areas; advancing our understanding of the basic mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, and working with commercial partners to translate my current research effort towards new therapies for kidney disease.
I am a cellular immunologist interested in the study of cytokines and other regulatory molecules in inflammatory and immune responses. One key area relates to the effect on sunlight on cell-mediated immunity.
Toll-like Receptors And Innate Immunity: Genes And Pathways Regulating Infectious And Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,367.00
Summary
The innate immune system is the first line of defence against infectious diseases, but also contributes to the pathology of inflammatory diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis). I study specific genes and pathways used by the innate immune system to (1) understand how the innate immune system prevents infections and how microorganisms overcome these defences, and (2) develop approaches to block inflammation. Outcomes may include new therapies for inflammatory and infectious diseases.