The Efficacy Of Adjunctive Garcinia Mangostana Linn. Pericarp For Bipolar Depression: A 24-week Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,227,272.00
Summary
Bipolar disorder, especially during episodes of depression, can be highly debilitating. There is scientific evidence now directing research towards new targets to produce new therapies for bipolar depression. The current study aims to utilise an entirely new agent made from the husk of the mangosteen fruit (mangosteen pericarp). Mangosteen pericarp has properties that we believe will assist in reducing symptoms for those with bipolar depression, when taken in addition to usual treatment.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100827
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,737.00
Summary
Delineating the developmental requirements for stem-like T cells. Stem-like CD8 T cells are critical for sustaining long-term systemic T cell activity. The signalling required for their development, however, remains elusive. Integrating multidisciplinary expertise, cutting-edge technology and highly innovative methods, this project aims to define the signalling cues provided by tissue microenvironment that control the development and maintenance of stem-like T cells, and thereby dictate systemic ....Delineating the developmental requirements for stem-like T cells. Stem-like CD8 T cells are critical for sustaining long-term systemic T cell activity. The signalling required for their development, however, remains elusive. Integrating multidisciplinary expertise, cutting-edge technology and highly innovative methods, this project aims to define the signalling cues provided by tissue microenvironment that control the development and maintenance of stem-like T cells, and thereby dictate systemic immunity. This project is expected to generate fundamental knowledge on basic immunology and T cell biology, which can benefit the academic, public health and biotechnology sectors by enhancing the international standing of Australian research on basic immunology and fostering new commercial opportunities. Read moreRead less
Molecular Mechanisms Of Feed-forward Regulation Of Bile Acid Detoxification And Elimination In Cholestasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,500.00
Summary
Liver diseases in which there is obstruction to bile flow (cholestatic liver diseases) can lead to liver failure, liver cirrhosis as well as a diminished quality of life. Patients suffer from severe itching which may prove difficult to control. It is thought that may of these adverse effects of obstructed bile flow are due to the retention of a component or bile, called bile acids, within the body. Bile acids are detergent-like compounds formed from cholesterol. Some bile acids are highly toxic ....Liver diseases in which there is obstruction to bile flow (cholestatic liver diseases) can lead to liver failure, liver cirrhosis as well as a diminished quality of life. Patients suffer from severe itching which may prove difficult to control. It is thought that may of these adverse effects of obstructed bile flow are due to the retention of a component or bile, called bile acids, within the body. Bile acids are detergent-like compounds formed from cholesterol. Some bile acids are highly toxic and cause the death of cells within the liver if their concentration becomes too high. Evidence has emerged that the body has control mechanisms to try and combat rising levels of bile acids in cholestatic liver diseases. These control mechanisms are complex and include enzymes from the cytochrome P450 family as well as several specialized transport molecules. In cholestasis these mechanisms promote the removal of bile acids through the urine as well as converting very toxic bile acids to less toxic forms. The present projects builds on discoveries concerning the regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes made by our group over the last few years, including an in-depth understanding of the way the production of CYP3As is increased by some drugs. We intend to determine in detail how defense mechanisms against toxic bile acids are engaged. In particular, we wish to identify the receptor molecules that 'sense' the rising levels of bile acids that occur in cholestatic liver diseases. An understanding of these issues will allow us to better manage patents with these diseases and develop new strategies for treating cholestatic disorders, for example, development of novel drugs that can influence bile acid detoxification in the liver and other organs.Read moreRead less
Development of a prime-boost anti-cancer vaccine. New vaccination strategies are urgently needed for a variety of diseases, including cancer. The problem with cancer vaccines is that it is difficult to trigger a response to a self protein. We propose that a prime-boost vaccination, using yellow fever virus and modified vaccinia virus ankara, could create very strong responses against tumor antigens. This approach can be patented and can revive that field of tumor vaccination, which is currently ....Development of a prime-boost anti-cancer vaccine. New vaccination strategies are urgently needed for a variety of diseases, including cancer. The problem with cancer vaccines is that it is difficult to trigger a response to a self protein. We propose that a prime-boost vaccination, using yellow fever virus and modified vaccinia virus ankara, could create very strong responses against tumor antigens. This approach can be patented and can revive that field of tumor vaccination, which is currently restrained by the difficulty of breaking immunological tolerance. We envisage the construction of a anti-cancer vaccine vector with obvious market potential. An exciting prospect is that this approach could be used as a prophylactic vaccine and possibly also as a therapeutic vaccine.Read moreRead less
Optimizing The Management Of Osteoarthritis Through Research And Innovation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,889,164.00
Summary
I will test new treatments aimed at slowing disease progression and reducing pain in osteoarthritis (OA) by targeting specific disease pathways (metabolic factors and inflammation). I will undertake work examining the causes of hip OA where little is known. All required methodologies and resources to undertake this work are available and the trials underpinned by strong scientific rationale. This research program has high potential for translation and for reducing the burden and cost of OA.
The Biology Of Cervical Disc Damage And Stem Cell Applications For Repair.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,554.00
Summary
Disruption of the cervical disc by degeneration or trauma is common and therefore a major public health issue causing significant pain and disability in the community. The understanding of the changes that occur in disc degeneration would be greatly enhanced by comparison with changes that occur in normal discs and in discs recently disrupted by trauma. Potential applications of adult stem cells or their derivatives for disc repair and regeneration will be explored.
More Effective Therapeutic Targeting Of High Risk Childhood Cancer: Neuroblastoma As A Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,601,220.00
Summary
Cancer is the commonest cause of death from disease in Australian children. Childhood neuroblastoma is a particularly aggressive cancer, for which new treatment approaches are urgently needed. The team aims to discover better safer therapies for children with this cancer, conducting clinical trials using new drugs and novel drug combinations. We will also investigate novel ways of targeting neuroblastoma cells and identify therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma-initiating cells.