Molecular Public Health In Australian Indigenous Communities And Developing Countries In Our Region To Improve Ear And Respiratory Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Prevention of pneumonia and ear disease is of global importance. This study aims to improve outcomes for children living in remote Indigenous communities and Developing countries in our Region. Vaccines and antibiotics are powerful health tools, but often fail in high-risk populations for these diseases. Technological advances allow us to better examine the causes of pneumonia and ear disease and measure effects of vaccines and antibiotics. This will allow us to design improved interventions.
Phase Variable Protein Glycosylation In Bacteria Mucosal Pathogens And Its Role In Immune Evasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,728.00
Summary
The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae is a leading cause of ear infections. Hearing loss from these infections can seriously affect literacy and educational performance. As no vaccine is available, we will research how the bacterium makes the HMW protein that is important in infection. We will study how sugars are added to the surface of this protein so that the bacterium can escape the immune system, its role in related bacteria and how it may be used in a vaccine.
Understanding Respiratory Infections To Improve Vaccines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$268,497.00
Summary
Indigenous children have the highest rates of ear disease (OM) and associated hearing loss in the world. Papua New Guinea has the highest child mortality rates in the Western Pacific Region with 23% of deaths from pneumonia. OM and pneumonia vaccines can be improved through broadening their coverage of disease-causing pathogens. This study will identify the pathogens that currently cause OM in Indigenous children and pneumonia in PNG, and will measure the immune responses to these pathogens, in ....Indigenous children have the highest rates of ear disease (OM) and associated hearing loss in the world. Papua New Guinea has the highest child mortality rates in the Western Pacific Region with 23% of deaths from pneumonia. OM and pneumonia vaccines can be improved through broadening their coverage of disease-causing pathogens. This study will identify the pathogens that currently cause OM in Indigenous children and pneumonia in PNG, and will measure the immune responses to these pathogens, in order to develop improved vaccines.Read moreRead less
Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Neurodegenerative Disease And The Neuronal Response To Trauma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,264.00
Summary
Brain and spinal cord injury are major causes of death and disability, with degenerative diseases similarly affecting large proportions of the population. The singular objective of my research proposal is to increase our understanding of the molecular and cellular processes by which nerve cells respond to trauma and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and to identify new therapeutic approaches aimed at encouraging the repair of damaged cells.