Tissue Ferritin Acts As A Proinflammatory Mediator Of Hepatic Fibrosis In Chronic Liver Disease Via Multiple Receptors In Hepatic Stellate Cells Responsible For Both Binding And Signalling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$777,887.00
Summary
Our research has identified a role for tissue-derived ferritin as a proinflammatory cytokine in hepatic stellate cell biology, the cells responsible for liver scarring (fibrosis) in Haemochromatosis. This proposal will identify the receptor responsible for eliciting ferritin's proinflammatory action and assess its role in fibrosis. This study will have implications in chronic liver diseases of varying aetiologies where elevated serum ferrritin is associated with inflammation.
Cellular Regulation Of Receptor Signalling And Cytokine Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$859,288.00
Summary
Cell surface receptors and signalling pathways elicit the release of cytokines, or chemical messengers, to control inflammation, which is the body’s response to infection or danger. We have discovered a new signalling pathway that can turn off inflammation and help prevent inflammatory disease. Our studies will now define the molecular details of this pathway and show how new and existing drugs targeting this pathway can be optimally used to treat inflammation and cancer.
During injury or infection, our body’s immune system protects us by launching inflammation. But uncontrolled inflammation drives common diseases such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. This project will reveal how the body produces interleukin-1? – a protein at the heart of inflammation and disease – so we can design better strategies for treating patients with inflammation-driven disease.
Targeted Development Of AMPK Β2-isoform Allosteric Activators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,147.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to dramatic increases in the incidence of diseases associated with metabolic dysregulation e.g. type 2 diabetes. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as a cellular fuel gauge. We have discovered a new drug that crucially activates the form of AMPK found in metabolically active organs. We aim to develop this drug to unlock new therapeutic opportunity.
SARA: Delineating Its Association With The Onset And Development Of Liver Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$865,972.00
Summary
Liver disease, a significant burden on society, affects many in the prime of their life. Scarring of the liver is a response to injury due to many factors including alcohol, viruses, obesity, and fatty-liver disease. We have identified a protein associated with liver injury. In this project we will perform a systematic analysis to understand the role of this protein in injury progression. Ultimately we intend to develop tools to prevent and treat liver injury.
Stem Cell Treatment For Neonatal Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,195.00
Summary
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy occurs when the fetus receives inadequate oxygen in labour and many babies die or have brain damage. Stem cell therapy might save these babies from brain damage but there are many unknowns, such as which stem cells to use and how many. Through our skills in stem cells and measuring the rescued brain following injury, we will determine the necessary details for the most effective stem cell therapy to be ready to immediately test the treatment in a RCT in babies.
A Novel Mesenchymal Stromal Cell And Biomaterial For Corneal Reconstruction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,611.00
Summary
Our research group has identified a new cell type (L-MSC) with the potential to treat a variety of eye diseases. We have also developed a novel material from a protein found in silk, that has potential as a vehicle for delivering healthy cells into diseased eyes. The present project will build upon these promising results by evaluating the properties of L-MSC necessary for clinical use and by testing the feasibility of our new cell delivery system.
Physiologically-based Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics Of Therapeutic Stem Cells For Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$848,710.00
Summary
This project focuses on the challenging area of effective and optimal dosing cell-based therapy for liver diseases. We will investigate the fate and therapeutic effects of natural, modified and artificial therapeutic cells in the body and in liver regions using a physiologically-based kinetic model. Our key goal is advance cell therapy by providing a better understanding and dosing guidelines.
Cellular Cross-talk Between Liver Progenitor Cells And Hepatic Stellate Cells Is Required For Hepatic Fibrogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$618,517.00
Summary
Deloitte Access Economics data proposes the total economic burden of liver disease in Australia in 2012 was >$50 billion. This study will identify how the liver heals itself by inducing liver cell populations which interact to regenerate damaged liver tissue in chronic liver disease. This knowledge may lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of liver scarring and liver cancer, and to assist in normal liver regeneration following chronic liver disease.
Cultivated Corneal Endothelial Cell Implants For Restoring Vision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$886,032.00
Summary
Thousands of Australians each year receive a corneal tissue transplant from the eyes of a deceased organ donor. In the majority of cases these transplants are performed to restore structure and function to the most posterior layer of the cornea – the corneal endothelium. The reliance upon donor tissue, however, presents significant logistical and safety issues. Our goal is therefore to develop improved strategies for treating diseases of the corneal endothelium using cultivated tissue implants.