Dissecting The Great Ophthalmic Masquerade: The Global Giant Cell Arteritis Genomics Consortium.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,269.00
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of vasculitis in people over 50 years of age. If untreated it can cause catastrophic complications including blindness, though this can be prevented if treated early. Although there is clear evidence for a role of genetic factors in GCA, these have been little studied. We have established an Australian-led International consortium, with clinical, basic science and statistical expertise to thoroughly investigate this devastating disease.
The Role Of Innate Inflammatory Responses In Viral Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,514.00
Summary
Viruses are known to cause arthritis (HIV, hepatitis viruses, mosquito borne viruses). Symptoms of viral arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The mechanism of disease is poorly understood. We have developed a novel animal model of disease and human cell culture models by which to study disease caused by viral infections. This models provide an excellent opportunity to explore the mechanisms of rheumatic disease in a functioning animal and to explore new treatment regimes.
A New Paradigm For Class I Cytokine Receptor Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,946.00
Summary
Class I cytokine receptors include around 30 receptors with diverse functions such as controlling metabolism and inflammation. Cytokine receptors are molecular switches on cells that receive signals from other cells and transmit this signal into the cell’s nucleus to control the regulation of genes. This project will determine the molecular mechanisms involved in class I cytokine receptors and use this knowledge to develop novel ways to modulate these receptors for clinical applications.
Macrophage Polarisation And Control Of Pulmonary Inflammation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,494.00
Summary
As key immune cells, macrophages are polarised to phenotypes that turn inflammation on or off. In cystic fibrosis, defective macrophage polarisation enhances inflammation and prevents lung repair. We are defining the molecules and cellular pathways that control this process and identifying targets for existing drugs that can be used to reprogram macrophages and restore lung repair to improve patient outcomes.
Understanding Changes In The Mammalian Prenylome Induced By Statins And Prenyltransferase Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,308.00
Summary
Prenylation, the covalent attachment of isoprenoid lipids to proteins, is widespread in mammalian cells. Essential for a protein's normal function, it contributes to the progression of cancer and inflammation. We have developed a novel technology to identify all prenylated proteins in the cell. Aided by this method, we will analyse the effect of statins and anti-cancer drugs on protein prenylation. This will provide guidance in identifying a more effective clinical use for them.
Tissue Ferritin Acts As A Proinflammatory Mediator Of Hepatic Fibrosis In Chronic Liver Disease Via Multiple Receptors In Hepatic Stellate Cells Responsible For Both Binding And Signalling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$777,887.00
Summary
Our research has identified a role for tissue-derived ferritin as a proinflammatory cytokine in hepatic stellate cell biology, the cells responsible for liver scarring (fibrosis) in Haemochromatosis. This proposal will identify the receptor responsible for eliciting ferritin's proinflammatory action and assess its role in fibrosis. This study will have implications in chronic liver diseases of varying aetiologies where elevated serum ferrritin is associated with inflammation.