Viral Therapy For Skeletal Muscle Alpha-actin Disease And Discovery Of Novel Neuromuscular Disease Genes And Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,028.00
Summary
This research project is the next logical step towards treating patients with skeletal muscle actin disease - using viral delivery of normal actin genes in animal models of actin disease. Another arm of this project is to investigate the genetics and mechanisms causing two very different groups of muscle disorders in the Australian population: devastating muscle weakness in the foetal akinesias and enhanced muscle strength and bulk in individuals with strongman syndromes.
The Role Of The Systemic Milieu In Preventing Motor Unit Remodelling And Loss During Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Motor unit remodeling and loss contributes to the decline in muscle mass, strength and quality of life in our aging population. Recent data shows that exposing aged mice to 'blood-borne factors' from the circulation of a young mouse can reverse the age-associated deficits in motor unit structure and function. A better understanding of the factors controlling these anti-aging effects will be vital for finding new compounds to reverse the aging process and improve quality of life.
Scabies Mite Proteins As Targets For The Development Of New Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Scabies and associated bacteria disease (pyoderma) are a significant health burden, with pyoderma implicated in rheumatic fever and heart disease. Investigations of the mechanism underlying scabies and bacteria disease links, identified scabies proteins inhibiting the human complement system. The inhibition prevents mite damage and promotes growth of bacteria. This proposal aims to elucidate the interaction between scabies, bacteria and the human host, in order to design new therapeutics.
Identification And Development Of Proteins Which Interact With The Innate Immune System As Malaria Vaccine Candidates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Parasites causing malaria live inside red blood cells. Some human proteins act in a chain reaction to destroy infected cells. Although these proteins recognise parasite-infected cells and the chain reaction starts, the infected cells are not destroyed due to parasite proteins which inhibit the human proteins. A vaccine could induce antibodies which block the parasite proteins inhibiting the human proteins so the immune system can function normally and kill infected cells, thus stopping malaria.