Regulation Of Caspase-1 Activation And Inflammation By PYD And CARD Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$364,549.00
Summary
Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are among the largest contributors to health expenditure in Australia, and the impact of these diseases will increase dramatically over the next 15-20 years as the population ages. This research will reveal new insights into the regulation of caspase-1 activation and secretion of interleukin-1b, the primary cause of chronic and acute inflammation, and will enhance future approaches for development of treatments for inflammatory disease.
Epimutations As Germ-line Defects In Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,925.00
Summary
Traditionally familial cancers were thought to be caused and inherited by spelling mistakes within the genetic code of cancer prevention genes. Our group has found that a 'chemical coat' around the MLH1 gene, causing it to be switched off, can also be inherited in some cases of bowel cancer, without any mistakes within the gene's code. We will determine if this 'coat' causes other types of cancer and if this runs in families. We also hope to find out how the coat is formed and may be reversed.
Determination Of Disease Specific Epitopes In Rheumatic Heart Disease In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,817.00
Summary
Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RF-RHD) remain a significant cause of illness in Aboriginal communities in Australia. RF-RHD is a complication which follows infection with a specific bacterium. The purpose of this study is to compare the body's response and find out the patterns of antibody and immune cell reactivity to the bacterium and body proteins in RF-RHD patients and controls. It will also enable us to study the mechanisms that initiate the disease process.