Epithelial cell surface mucins are large complex proteins found on the surface of all mucosal epithelial tissues, for example in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts. Most bacterial and viral pathogens enter the body via mucosal tissues. We have recently demonstrated that mucin proteins are a vital component of initial defence against mucosal pathogens. Defects in these proteins probably predispose individuals to common chronic infective and inflammatory diseases. T ....Epithelial cell surface mucins are large complex proteins found on the surface of all mucosal epithelial tissues, for example in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts. Most bacterial and viral pathogens enter the body via mucosal tissues. We have recently demonstrated that mucin proteins are a vital component of initial defence against mucosal pathogens. Defects in these proteins probably predispose individuals to common chronic infective and inflammatory diseases. The proposed research aims to explore the mechanims by which mucins protect from infection, with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal infections remain one of the major causes of mortality in children in undeveloped countries. We believe that these proteins are a critical hereto unrecognised element of immunity and that the proposed studies will have broad significance for treatment and prevention of infection. Additionally, understanding the function of mucins could lead to the development of new drugs to treat epithelial inflammation such as that seen in inflammatory bowel diseases and respiratory diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.Read moreRead less
Cell Surface Mucins In Gastrointestinal Mucosal Innate Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,500.00
Summary
Epithelial cell surface mucins are large complex proteins found on the surface of all mucosal epithelial tissues, for example in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts. We have recently identified three of the seven genes currently known to produce this type of molecule. We propose that mucins have a very important role in maintaining the barrier between potentially infectious microorganisms often present in epithelial tracts and the internal organs. We also believe t ....Epithelial cell surface mucins are large complex proteins found on the surface of all mucosal epithelial tissues, for example in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts. We have recently identified three of the seven genes currently known to produce this type of molecule. We propose that mucins have a very important role in maintaining the barrier between potentially infectious microorganisms often present in epithelial tracts and the internal organs. We also believe that these molecules trigger epithelial cell defensive responses to the presence of microorganisms. The proposed research aims to prove these propositions and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying function of cell surface mucins. Understanding the function of cell surface mucins could lead to the development of new drugs to treat epithelial inflammation such as that seen in inflammatory bowel diseases and respiratory diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.Read moreRead less
Developing The Epidemiological Evidence Base For Eczema Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
Eczema, food allergy, asthma and hay-fever are all common conditions that are a substantial burden for individuals and families. To prevent them, we need to know their causes, but these are not yet well understood. We need better studies to identify what is causing our children to develop these allergic diseases, and rigorous studies to prevent them. In this fellowship, I will explore the causes and consequences of these conditions and test ways to prevent children from developing them.
The Role Of A Low Emulsifier Diet To Treat Crohn's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,603.00
Summary
Currently, there are no specific diets known to treat Crohn’s disease (CD). Initial lab- and animal-based studies have indicated emulsifiers added to food drive inflammation in CD, but no human trials completed. This study will design and feed high and low emulsifier diets to healthy and CD subjects and measure markers of inflammation. This will establish the role of a low emulsifier diet to treat CD.
Genetic Validation Of Stat3 As A Tractable Pharmacological Target In Gastrointestinal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,964.00
Summary
Cancers of the stomach and the colon are a major health burden. One of the central signaling molecules that drives these cancers is called Stat3. Here we propose to use a novel strain of mice that allows us to experimentally dial down the amount of Stat3 protein and hence to predict how effective a future anti-Stat3 cancer drug will be.
Bacterial pathogens are a major cause of illness and death, producing diseases ranging from acute infections to cancer. However, not all infected individuals will succumb to these pathologies. What factors dictate which individuals develop these diseases is an important complex question. The core focus of my research is the identification and characterisation of novel host factors that are involved in resistance or susceptibility to bacterial-associated diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Simulating And Stimulating The Blood-Brain-Barrier: A Platform For Investigating Non-pharmaceutical Alzheimer's Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$680,758.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease is a looming public health threat worldwide. Despite the widespread acknowledgement of this issue, there are a lack of effective drugs that can slow disease progression. This project aims to investigate a new class of non-pharmaceutical treatment methods based on controlled acoustic, electrical and optical stimulation methods to treat and reverse the base causes of Alzheimer's disease.
The Interactive Effects Of Dietary Saturated Fat And Apolipoprotein-E Genotype On Peripheral Metabolism Of Lipoprotein-amyloid And Neurovascular Integrity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,536.00
Summary
This project is based on a remarkable discovery which suggests that in some individuals, Alzheimer's disease may be a consequence of corruption of microscopic blood vessels that supply brain, damaged as a consequence of exaggerated exposure in blood to a protein produced principally in liver. The project will explore this pathway further in subjects at heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease and in humanised animal models. The findings may provide new opportunities for prevention and treatment.