The Relationship Between Vascular Remodelling And Mast Cells In Chronic Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,253.00
Summary
It is known that the airwalls of asthmatics have increased numbers of small blood vessels which can contribute to poor lung function in asthma. The proposed research uses a novel sheep model for chronic asthma to investigate the progressive changes to the blood vessels in the airway walls of asthmatic lungs. The information gained from our sheep model will assist the understanding of blood vessel growth and thus ulitmately help in devising new strategies to treat the effects of asthma.
The Central Role Of Connective Tissue Growth Factor In Remodelling Of Asthmatic Airways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$689,019.00
Summary
In the asthmatic airway an increase in the number of blood vessels can affect an asthmatic's ability to breathe. We have recently found that growth factors which can promote vessel growth are increased in the airways of asthmatics. We want to understand how these growth factors act together to possibly control the blood vessels and how their behaviour is different in the asthmatic airways compared to the nonasthmatic airways.
It has recently become apparent that we all make a substance in the lungs called nitric oxide. The amount that we make is increased in diseases such as allergic asthma. This project will study the connection between the allergen being inhaled and the excess nitric oxide being made by cells in the lung. From this research we will have a better understanding of the processess involved and develop better therapies for asthma.
I am a pulmonary physician-gene therapist persuing new therapies for pulmonary vascular disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma, COPD and lung transplant rejection
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disease of unknown cause which is unresponsive to current therapy. This study builds on recent work by this group highlighting the importance of a cell signalling molecule called STAT3 in the development of this disease. In particular, two cell types that utilise STAT3 signalling, epithelial cells and B cells, will be examined to see if blocking their STAT3 responses could be a novel therapeutic approach.
Role Of Amnion Derived Stem Cells In Reducing Lung Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,485.00
Summary
Human amniotic epithelial multipotential cells from the term placenta are being studied in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema to demonstrate their anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, immune-suppresive and lung repair capability. The availability and numbers of these cells from discarded placentas at birth are unlimited and their potential to repair serious lung disease would have strong clinical interest as a new stem cell therapy.
A-Prof Wheatley is a respiratory and sleep disorders physician investigating the pathogenesis, health consequences and management of sleep breathing disorders, including sleep apnoea and snoring.
Elucidating The Role Of Mast Cell Tryptases In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease And Crohn's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,716.00
Summary
Smoking leads to inflammation that causes emphysema and inflammation in the lung and gut, which are major health problems. Once induced, there is a progressive decline in health and there are no effective treatments. Particular proteins and small genes have been discovered that control inflammation in these diseases. We may be able to control these proteins/genes and stop the progression of emphysema and gut inflammation. This project may lead to a completely new way of preventing and treating t ....Smoking leads to inflammation that causes emphysema and inflammation in the lung and gut, which are major health problems. Once induced, there is a progressive decline in health and there are no effective treatments. Particular proteins and small genes have been discovered that control inflammation in these diseases. We may be able to control these proteins/genes and stop the progression of emphysema and gut inflammation. This project may lead to a completely new way of preventing and treating these diseases.Read moreRead less
Currently in Australia asthma prevalence is high compared with other countries, affecting 10%–12% of adults and 14%–16% of children. This project will determine the contribution of mast cells to the altered function of airway smooth muscle cells and identify how non asthmatic airway smooth muscle inhibits mast cell localisation to it. The findings will provide new targets for asthma therapies and a pathway for prevention strategies, which up until now have been unsuccessful.