Examining The Specific Vulnerability Of Dopaminergic Cells To Bioenergetic Defects Using Patient-derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells As A Model Of Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$112,366.00
Summary
The project will develop new cell models of Parkinson's disease utilising the recently discovered technique of inducing pluripotent stem cells from adult skin cells and differentiating them into the type of neurons that are affected in Parkinson's disease. The novel method will allow further insights to be gained into the molecular pathways involved in the disease and facilitate a search for means to rescue these cells from neurodegenerative processes.
Growth factors are essential molecules for normal brain development. Variations in the amount of the different growth factors have been implicated in such diseases as AlzheimerÍs and ParkinsonÍs disease. This project will study the precursor of a growth factor known as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and what specific roles the precursor might play in brain development.
Investigation Into Oral Cancer In Non-drinking And Non-smoking Females
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$109,358.00
Summary
There has been an increase incidence of oral cancer in female non-drinkers, non-smokers. The five year survival following diagnosis can be as low as 15-50% as most cancers are advanced at the time of discovery.Precancerous and cancerous oral lesions may mimic any number of benign oral lesions, and as such may be left without investigation and treatment until well advanced. Further investigations into the cause of oral cancer other than smoking and alcohol will aid in management.
Molecular Dissection Of Cytokine-mediated Regulation Of Human B-cell Differentiation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,314.00
Summary
Interleukin 21 is a molecule which activates B cells. Defects in this pathway cause immunodeficiency where individuals cannot make antibodies, while constant activation has been reported in mouse models of autoimmunity. Examining these pathways will shed light on the causes of human immune disease, and may reveal molecules that could be targeted for the treatment of immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Amplification of normal immune responses could lead to the development of improved vaccines.
Lymphocyte Differentiation And Genetics Of Primary Immunodeficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,676.00
Summary
Primary immunodeficiency diseases affect a large number of individuals. Due to abnormal immune responses, these people are at risk of frequent, severe infections, as well as complications of autoimmune disease and cancer. Treatment often involves regular immunoglobulin (antibody) replacement. Through a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these immunodeficiency diseases, we hope to be able to determine genetic causes, and more cost-effective and targeted treatment options.
Application Of 3D Morphometrics To The Assessment Of Typical And Disordered Craniofacial Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$48,065.00
Summary
Traditionally, assessing the growth of the head and face has relied on measuring changes in distances and angles between landmarks on either patients, photographs or x-rays. This is not only slow but also not very accurate. This project will automate the identification of these landmarks on 3D images and quantify normal growth of the head and face. From this we can develop methods of quantifying abnormal growth and use these to understand the impact of surgical interventions on children.
Transcriptional Control Of Peripheral T Cell Differentiation During Pathogen Infection And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
White blood cells, specifically helper and killer T cells, play an important role in fighting infection. They are tightly regulated and if not properly controlled can lead to aggressive autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. My studies will elucidate the mechanisms behind the regulation of T cells at steady-state and during disease. Insights gained from this project will have implications for the design of new approaches to combat infectious and autoimmune diseases.
So Like Your Mum! Is The Health Of Mothers In Far North Queensland Reflected In The Nutrition And Growth Of Their Children In Early Life?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,631.00
Summary
The health, nutrition and growth of a baby reflect the health and nutrition status of its mother. We will link routine health service information for Indigenous mothers with information on the growth, haemoglobin and health of their young children to identify key factors in a mother’s pregnancy and before, influencing the future health and development of their babies. This study will shape interventions to improve the health of mothers, and thus improve the health of their children through life.
Targeted Molecular Therapies And Predictive Biomarkers In A Novel Orthotopic Xenograft Model Of Oesophageal Carcinoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer is the most rapidly increasing malignancy in Western society. This disease often presents in advanced stages with poor response to established medical and surgical therapies. Our aim is to develop a novel mouse model of oesophageal cancer, allowing us to tailor cancer-inhibiting molecular treatments to individual patients by predicting therapeutic success or resistance with the use of cellular markers identified in our animal mode.
Measuring Hypoxia Induced MRNA In Maternal Blood To Determine Acidaemic Status Of Growth Restricted Fetuses In Utero
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
Small babies are at greater risk of dying while inside their mothers and the right time to deliver them is an obstetric conundrum. Currently obstetricians rely on ultrasound measures of the baby's wellbeing which do not always correspond with how sick the baby truly is. There is a great need for a more accurate test. This research intends to show that a blood test from the mother can more accurately tell how sick the baby is and provide an answer to when is the best time to deliver the baby.