Study Of C-KIT Mutations In Familial Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours, Melanoma And A Novel Form Of Waardenburg Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,378.00
Summary
The primary aim of this research project is to study mutations in a cancer causing gene called c-KIT. We seek to identify tumour characteristics which are predictive for the presence of particular types of c-KIT mutations in melanomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. The detection of tumours harbouring these mutations will help in the treatment of cancer sufferers because this group of patients have been shown to respond very well to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Immune Correlates Of Protection Against HCV - A Potential Role For NK Cells And NKR Expression On T Lymphocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,754.00
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a major public health problem with ~200 million people infected worldwide and no available vaccine. Injecting drug users (IDUs) are the major risk group, with 75% of infected individuals progress to chronic infection, which can then lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, about 20% of a given cohort of IDUs remains uninfected. This project is therefore focused on understanding the innate immune mechanisms behind this protection.
The Effect Of Exercise On Insulin Resistance And The Adipokine Profile In Obese Versus Non Obese Patients With Hepatitis C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,381.00
Summary
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection and obesity are conditions of increasing prevalence. Untreated, CHC has significant long-term consequences including cirrhosis and liver failure, while obesity reduces the success of antiviral treatment. A tendency to develop diabetes in patients with CHC and obesity also leads to further medical complications. We aim to examine the effects of exercise on obesity and diabetes tendency in patients with CHC.