Resistant Hypertension: Causes, Consequences, And Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,517.00
Summary
Two thirds of all strokes and half of all coronary artery disease world-wide can be attributed to uncontrolled blood pressure. Patients with resistant hypertension are at specifically high risk. While the exact reasons remain obscure, work from my group suggests that sympathetic nervous system activation represents a common pathway. Based on these findings the ultimate goal of my research program is to develop novel and more effective treatment strategies for resistant hypertension.
I am a matrix biologist determining the molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets for fibrosis (tissue scarring). In particular, my research, which has a strong translational focus, is involved with elucidating the anti-fibrotic potential of the relaxin peptide-hormones (either alone or as an adjunct therapies to existing/other novel treatments) – as a means of developing therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cardiac and renal fibrosis.
This proposal is aimed at improving the health of people with “Disorders of Iron Metabolism”. It focuses on the iron-related diseases hereditary haemochromatosis and colorectal cancer, as well as liver disease, chronic kidney disease and malnutrition. Outcomes from these studies are expected to identify how iron metabolism is impaired, the clinical consequences and new strategies for the prevention and treatment of iron-related diseases.
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.
Prof McGuckin is studying common chronic diseases (gut and respiratory inflammatory diseases, arthritis, and obesity and diabetes) that are major contributors to poor health in the Australian community and are major contributors to healthcare expenditure. His research includes basic studies elucidating the biological basis of these diseases and then uses this new knowledge to develop new therapeutic approaches to treatment. The new therapeutic approaches will be tested in model systems as a prel ....Prof McGuckin is studying common chronic diseases (gut and respiratory inflammatory diseases, arthritis, and obesity and diabetes) that are major contributors to poor health in the Australian community and are major contributors to healthcare expenditure. His research includes basic studies elucidating the biological basis of these diseases and then uses this new knowledge to develop new therapeutic approaches to treatment. The new therapeutic approaches will be tested in model systems as a prelude to clinical trials.Read moreRead less
This Fellowship will provide support for the Marshall Centre which is providing research and research training in the fields of bacteriology, epidemiology and vaccinology. It has significant regional collaborative links. Molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori, the stomach bacteria which causes ulcers and for which Warren and Marshall won the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Development of animal models to study the immune response so that the new bacterium can be used as a v ....This Fellowship will provide support for the Marshall Centre which is providing research and research training in the fields of bacteriology, epidemiology and vaccinology. It has significant regional collaborative links. Molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori, the stomach bacteria which causes ulcers and for which Warren and Marshall won the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Development of animal models to study the immune response so that the new bacterium can be used as a vaccine delivery agent.Read moreRead less
Spatiotemporal Risk Assessment Of Emerging Infectious Disease Threats To Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$641,204.00
Summary
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) such as dengue and influenza pose a constant and growing threat to Australians. We live in an increasingly connected world in which EIDs cross borders and oceans, carried by infected people or vectors. This research will build an evidence base for allocation of resources to surveillance and preventive health programmes aimed at mitigating the threat of EIDs, through identifying high-risk sources, routes of introduction, incursion locations and communities.
Associate Professor Kate Denton is an internationally recognised cardiovascular researcher. A focus of Dr Denton’s research is to find out why women do not respond to current treatments as well as men, and how factors in pregnancy (nutrition, stress, alcohol) drive the development of cardiovascular disease in offspring. Dr Denton is also leading research to understand why a new high blood pressure treatment (blocking nerves to the kidney) is proving more effective than expected.
Pathogenic Flaviviruses: Molecular Mechanisms Of Disease, Host Response And Vaccines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
The application is aimed at advancing our understanding of the viral and host processes determining outcome of infection with pathogenic flaviviruses (i.e. West Nile virus) to the level allowing most comprehensive design of effective vaccines and anti-viral drugs. One of the aims is also to develop novel viral delivery vectors for cancer therapy based on self-replicating RNA of an attenuated Australian strain of West Nile virus, Kunjin.
Understanding the basic biology of cells will allow us to pinpoint key mechanisms and molecules that underpin multiple diseases and are targets for treatments. The broad aims of this research program include the development of new therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases, understanding how proteins are sorted and trafficked inside cells in processes that are essential to immunity and cancer biology, and identifying new intracellular targets to block bacterial invasion and infectious diseases.