The glomerulus is the filtering component of the kidney. In many diseases, it can be the target of an inappropriate inflammatory response. As part of this response, white blood cells accumulate in the glomerulus where they cause damage. In this project, we make use of special microscopes to examine the glomerulus during an inflammatory response, with the aim of understanding the actions of leukocytes present in glomeruli and how they cause inflammation and damage the glomerulus.
Inflammation of the kidneys is an important, yet poorly understood cause of kidney disease in Australia. This project will define the role of some of the immune cells, called Th17, that usually act to protect us from infection, but can turn rouge and may cause kidney damage.
Monocytes On Patrol – Key Mediators Of Renal Injury In Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,888.00
Summary
The glomerulus is the filtering component of the kidney. In many diseases, it can be the target of an inappropriate inflammatory response. As part of this response, white blood cells accumulate in the glomerulus where they cause damage. In this project, we make use of special microscopes to examine the glomerulus during an inflammatory response, with the aim of understanding the actions of white blood cells present in glomeruli and how they cause inflammation and damage the glomerulus.
TLR9 AGGRAVATES GLOMERULONEPHRITIS AND KIDNEY INJURY IN RENAL VASCULITIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,336.00
Summary
Renal failure is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis associated glomerulonephritis (GN) is a significant cause of renal failure. The molecular mechanisms underlying ANCA vasculitis are poorly understood, while treatments are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. This grant aims to explore key molecular events involved in the disease pathogenesis to facilitate the use of safer more targeted therapies.
Human Podocyte Depletion, Glomerular Hypertrophy And Glomerulosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,490.00
Summary
Many kidney diseases commence with injury to glomeruli (kidney filters) which leads to glomerular scarring and loss. There is strong evidence from animal studies that a specific glomerular cell type (the podocyte) is central to this process of glomerular injury. In this study, we will analyse the relationships between podocyte depletion and glomerular scarring in human kidneys from 5 racial groups (white and African Americans, white and Aboriginal Australians, Senegalese Africans).
Modelling Of Clinic And Ambulatory Blood Pressure On Cardiovascular Risk And Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,957.00
Summary
Whilst ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data has been shown to be a good predictor of cardiovascular events, there remains controversy as to its utility in clinical practice. This project will use data from existing population and clinical cohort studies to examine the role of ambulatory blood pressure in risk assessment and hypertension management in Australia and around the globe. The findings are likely to have a major impact on clinical guidelines for hypertension management.
Understanding The Origins Of Neurogenic Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$668,914.00
Summary
Brain cells that control the cardiovascular system are thought to have stopped dividing by adulthood. We recently discovered that this is not the case. Our initial findings suggest that these nascent cells might be important for maintaining normal blood pressure. This work will allow us to elucidate the function of these nascent cells and how they integrate into the circuit that controls the cardiovascular system. Our findings will be fundamental for understanding diseases such as hypertension.
Optimising Non-invasive Ventilation At Birth For Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,912.00
Summary
Infants born very premature require respiratory support at birth to make the transition to newborn life. As these infants are very immature and prone to injury, modern respiratory care strategies utilise the least invasive approaches mainly applied using a facemask. However, we have discovered that the larynx is closed at birth and thereby prevents air from entering the lung. This application is focussed on optimising the efficiency of facemask ventilation at birth and stimulating breathing.
Shared Team Approach Between Nurses And Doctors For Improved Risk Factor Management (STAND FIRM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,945,676.00
Summary
There are many proven treatments for preventing people with stroke from having a recurrent event, e.g. maintaining blood pressure at acceptable levels. However, uptake of therapies is poor. We will assess whether patients receiving individualised management plans, prepared and administered by both doctors and nurses will have risk factors controlled better than those receiving usual care. The plan includes education of patients to help them have more control over their own care.