Non-viral Vectors For Targeted Delivery Of RNAi Nucleotides To Cervical Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,738.00
Summary
RNA interference (or gene silencing) is a new technique whereby we are able to turn off the expression of a particular gene either temporarily or permanently. Cancer is basically a genetic disease where certain protective genes are lost or cancer-causing genes expressed. Gene silencing holds great promise in the treatment of genetic disorders, infectious diseases and cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus and the expression of two cancer-causing genes. Using ....RNA interference (or gene silencing) is a new technique whereby we are able to turn off the expression of a particular gene either temporarily or permanently. Cancer is basically a genetic disease where certain protective genes are lost or cancer-causing genes expressed. Gene silencing holds great promise in the treatment of genetic disorders, infectious diseases and cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus and the expression of two cancer-causing genes. Using RNA interference we can turn off the expression of these two genes which results in the death of the cancer cell. We are also able to cure mice of tumours derived from human cervical cancer. The major issue with gene silencing is how to deliver it effectively to patients. Here we are investigating novel nanoparticulate systems to deliver this new gene-inhibiting drugs preferentially to the tumour site.Read moreRead less
Detection and viability of waterborne pathogens using a gut-on-chip. This project aims to resolve a significant problem for water utilities. Microbial pathogens Cryptosporidium, norovirus and adenovirus are the main public health concern for drinking water in developed nations. Water monitoring is limited by the lack of fast, reliable detection methods and viability assays for these pathogens. This project will use a novel gut-on-a-chip to develop for the first time rapid infectivity assays for ....Detection and viability of waterborne pathogens using a gut-on-chip. This project aims to resolve a significant problem for water utilities. Microbial pathogens Cryptosporidium, norovirus and adenovirus are the main public health concern for drinking water in developed nations. Water monitoring is limited by the lack of fast, reliable detection methods and viability assays for these pathogens. This project will use a novel gut-on-a-chip to develop for the first time rapid infectivity assays for Cryptosporidium, norovirus and adenovirus. Significant benefits include improved diagnostics and water disinfection assays, improved water treatment and reduced costs with global impact.Read moreRead less
Improving Treatment Strategies For Chronic Alphaviral Arthritic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,624.00
Summary
Chikungunya virus and Ross River virus cause epidemics of acute and chronic arthritic disease in humans, which is often poorly managed with current treatments. This grant seeks to understand the mechanisms that give rise to disease in order to identify improved treatment strategies. Both the persistence of viral replication in joint tissues and unnecessary inflammatory responses appear to be important factors driving chronic disease.
Transport and innate immune properties of DNA in bacterial nano-sized vesicles. All types of living organisms release nano-sized membrane vesicles or “blebs” which they use for intercellular communication and transport of molecules. This project will determine how bacteria package DNA within these vesicles, how this DNA is transported into host cells and how it triggers immune responses in these cells.
Production and application of novel diagnostic and therapeutic reagents using transgenic mice. The project will be a collaboration between the University of Queensland and PanBio Ltd. We intend to use humanized transgenic mice to produce fully human monoclonal antibodies. Fully human antibodies have great advantages over murine antibodies as diagnostics and therapeutics. These reagents will be used to 1)replace human sera , 2)replace antigens from infectious organisms in a range of diagnostic ....Production and application of novel diagnostic and therapeutic reagents using transgenic mice. The project will be a collaboration between the University of Queensland and PanBio Ltd. We intend to use humanized transgenic mice to produce fully human monoclonal antibodies. Fully human antibodies have great advantages over murine antibodies as diagnostics and therapeutics. These reagents will be used to 1)replace human sera , 2)replace antigens from infectious organisms in a range of diagnostic kits for animal and human infectious disease and 3) as therapeutic leads and 4)to discover vaccine leads. The project will allow production of diagnostic kits where this was previously not feasible or not economically viable (eg. uncommon and/or dangerous animal or human diseases) and will lead to development of novel infectious disease diagnostics and therapeutics.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Novel Drug For Chronic And Infected Wounds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$482,362.00
Summary
Chronic wounds affect more than 9 million people worldwide and demand for wound care is increasing. The annual cost to healthcare systems in the US and Australia in treating such wounds is US$25 billion and AU$3 billion, respectively, and there is urgent need for more effective approaches.
Cell Surface Mucins In Gastrointestinal Infection, Inflammation And Cancer Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,627.00
Summary
Cell surface mucins are protective molecules that line all the wet surface of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. Our research has uncovered that mucins regulate cell growth and cell death. Inappropriate control by the mucins, could lead to chronic inflammation and formation of cancers. We will test how important these molecules are in the development of cancers in the intestine, and further explore the mechanism of action.
HLA-G/H2-Bl Is Critical For Regulating Inflammation In The Liver
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$494,050.00
Summary
The key factor to induction of liver fibrosis, progression to cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma is inflammation. Liver transplant and liver regeneration following liver resection are also dramatically impaired by elevation of inflammation. We have identified a potent anti-inflammatory protein, HLA-G, that is critical for regulating post-surgical inflammation in the liver. We will determine if HLA-G can reverse and/or block liver fibrosis and modify HLA-G for improved clinical potential.
Development of an anti-Chlamydia vaccine for the koala. The koala is one of Australia's main icons and a major drawcard for tourists. However, it suffers from debilitating disease due to the bacterium Chlamydia, which can lead to severe conjunctivitis, eventual blindness in both sexes, and the females develop untreatable cysts and can become infertile. This project will develop a Chlamydia vaccine to be administered to healthy and diseased koalas in zoos, sanctuaries, koala care centres, relocat ....Development of an anti-Chlamydia vaccine for the koala. The koala is one of Australia's main icons and a major drawcard for tourists. However, it suffers from debilitating disease due to the bacterium Chlamydia, which can lead to severe conjunctivitis, eventual blindness in both sexes, and the females develop untreatable cysts and can become infertile. This project will develop a Chlamydia vaccine to be administered to healthy and diseased koalas in zoos, sanctuaries, koala care centres, relocation programs and eventually perhaps even wild populations. The vaccine findings may also be transferable to other animals and may also even assist the development of a human Chlamydia vaccine.Read moreRead less
Autotransporter proteins of Escherichia coli. Autoransporters are a novel class of proteins associated with bacterial virulence properties such as adhesion, invasion and biofilm formation. Despite this, limited information is available on their functional role. The aim of this project is to characterize several of the autotransporter proteins from pathogenic E. coli. The likely contribution of these proteins to infection suggests that they are potential targets for strain attenuation and vaccine ....Autotransporter proteins of Escherichia coli. Autoransporters are a novel class of proteins associated with bacterial virulence properties such as adhesion, invasion and biofilm formation. Despite this, limited information is available on their functional role. The aim of this project is to characterize several of the autotransporter proteins from pathogenic E. coli. The likely contribution of these proteins to infection suggests that they are potential targets for strain attenuation and vaccine strain construction. Many of these proteins also mediate bacterial aggregation and are therefore targets for novel drugs that inhibit this process. The project will be carried out with a high profile partner from Denmark and will provide opportunity for travel and technology development. Read moreRead less