Mast Cells - Bystanders Or Instigators Of Airway Remodelling In Asthma?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,764.00
Summary
Current asthma treatments have little effect on changes to the breathing tubes in our lungs. The tubes are thickened and stiffer, with more muscle, blood vessels, matrix and mucus. We propose that a particular inflammatory cell, called a mast cell, causes these changes to the breathing tubes and we will find out how it does that. Thus this project will establish why and how the changes to the breathing tubes happen in asthma and reveal how best to target and reverse-prevent them in the future.
Modulating Beta-amyloid Aggregation And Toxicity With Natural Metal-binding Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,243.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating disorder that afflicts millions of people worldwide. It is well established that the small peptide beta-amyloid, has a direct and important role in the development of AD. This project will investigate the ability of a small naturally occurring metal-binding protein to block the toxic actions of beta-amyloid.
Modulation Of Neurotherapeutic Cell Signalling Pathways By Metallo-complexes As A Treatment For Alzheimers Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,113.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an enormous burden on the Australian health care system . We have begun to investigate therapeutic treatments based on triggering protective cell signalling pathways with metal-based compounds. These compounds trigger the activation of a signalling cascade resulting in inhibition of AD-associated symptoms. In this proposal we will further investigate how these compounds modulate specific receptors and cellular kinase activity to protect neurons in the AD brain.
NOVEL THERAPIES FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE BASED ON A-BETA - METAL INTERACTIONS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,443.00
Summary
The genetic data clearly show that the amyloid protein (A-beta) is central to the brain damage which occurs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However exogenous or environmental factors involved in regulating its toxic actions are not understood. We have shown that the metals zinc and copper have dramatic effects on the properties of A-beta and that chemicals which alter the amounts of these metals in the brain may be useful in treating the disease. In this project we are investigating the ability of ....The genetic data clearly show that the amyloid protein (A-beta) is central to the brain damage which occurs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However exogenous or environmental factors involved in regulating its toxic actions are not understood. We have shown that the metals zinc and copper have dramatic effects on the properties of A-beta and that chemicals which alter the amounts of these metals in the brain may be useful in treating the disease. In this project we are investigating the ability of one such compound to affect the metabolism of A-beta in a mouse model of AD.Read moreRead less
Targeting The AGE-RAGE Axis In Diabetes Associated Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,859.00
Summary
Based on extensive preliminary data we porpose that the AGE intercation with RAGE plays an important role in diabetes associated atherosclerosis. We will perform studies using a soluble form of the receptor RAGE which will trap AGEs in the blood and tissues and thus prevent diabetes related blood vessel damage. Furthermore, we will investigate if RAGE receptor on inflammatory cells such as macrophages plays a pivotal role in blood vessel injury in diabetes.
The Modulation Of Metals To Improve The Cognitive And Pathological Features Of Alzheimers Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,238.00
Summary
This proposal will characterise the effects of a novel therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Our preliminary data show that this approach can affect both the onset and progression of the disease, as well as the symptoms that characterise it. Thus, a thorough assessment of these effects and this drug target provides a tangible movement towards a truly effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
A Longitudinal Study Of Knee Osteoarthritis Using X-ray And Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$861,925.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and commonly affects the hand hip and knee in older Australians with an annual cost of around 4 billion dollars. This study will lead to a greater understanding of the role of factors influencing the development and progression of osteoarthritis of the knee by utilising a novel magnetic resonance imaging technique. In particular, it will focus on the role of physical activity and bone underlying the cartilage. If associations are discovered, ac ....Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and commonly affects the hand hip and knee in older Australians with an annual cost of around 4 billion dollars. This study will lead to a greater understanding of the role of factors influencing the development and progression of osteoarthritis of the knee by utilising a novel magnetic resonance imaging technique. In particular, it will focus on the role of physical activity and bone underlying the cartilage. If associations are discovered, accurate public health messages regarding prevention can then be developed.Read moreRead less