Infectious And Lifestyle Determinants Of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$983,711.00
Summary
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the leading cancers in Australia, with about 2% of the population developing them each year. As well as sun exposure, a number of other factors have been thought to effect these cancers. This study will examine if factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and infection with certain skin related human papillomaviruses also increase their risk. Even a small effect may make a big difference when it comes to preventing these common cancers.
The Downstream Targets Of Patched/Hedgehog Signalling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,055.00
Summary
The patched-hedgehog gene pathway is disturbed in common human cancer, including basal cell carcinoma of the skin, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and ovarian fibroma. This application proposes to look at the genes turned off and on by the patched gene. By identifying these genes and examining their function we will identify the exact genetic disturbance which results in a large proportion of common human cancer. Once we find these genes this opens up the possibilities of designing drugs which ....The patched-hedgehog gene pathway is disturbed in common human cancer, including basal cell carcinoma of the skin, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and ovarian fibroma. This application proposes to look at the genes turned off and on by the patched gene. By identifying these genes and examining their function we will identify the exact genetic disturbance which results in a large proportion of common human cancer. Once we find these genes this opens up the possibilities of designing drugs which specifically block the action of the geneticdefect and thereby treating the tumours.Read moreRead less
Sympathetic Control Of Cutaneous Blood Flow And Blood Pressure In Human Spinal Cord Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$242,002.00
Summary
While spinal cord injury can cause devastating changes in the nervous system paralysis and loss of sensation relatively little is known about changes to the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is intimately involved in the ongoing control of blood pressure, blood flow and temperature control. Loss of sympathetic control can occur following spinal cord injury. Interruption of descending pathways can result in partial or complete loss of sympathetic outflow from the thoracol ....While spinal cord injury can cause devastating changes in the nervous system paralysis and loss of sensation relatively little is known about changes to the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is intimately involved in the ongoing control of blood pressure, blood flow and temperature control. Loss of sympathetic control can occur following spinal cord injury. Interruption of descending pathways can result in partial or complete loss of sympathetic outflow from the thoracolumbar segments. Complete decentralization can result in autonomic dysreflexia (autonomic hyperreflexia), in which sensory stimuli originating below the lesion evoke a reflex increase in sympathetic drive to the blood vessels, causing them to constrict. Because of this, blood pressure may rise suddenly and remain at such high levels that stroke and (occassionally) cardiac arrest may occur. This phenomenon, autonomic dysreflexia, is considered a medical emergency. The typical subjective signs of autonomic dysreflexia include a throbbing headache, tingling in the head or nasal congestion; sweating and flushing above the lesion are clinical signs that prompt medical staff to measure blood pressure and to locate the source of sensory irritation (usually a distended bladder or impacted colon, sometimes a pressure sore or ingrown toenail). Commonly, however, subclinical episodes go undetected, and this phenomenon of silent dysreflexia is of increasing concern. This project will develop means of assessing the integrity and state of the sympathetic nervous system below a lesion in patients with spinal cord injury and characterize the firing properties of reflexly activated sympathetic neurones.Read moreRead less
Targeted Redox Therapy For Photoageing Prevention And Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,815.00
Summary
Our goal is to target natural reduction/oxidation (redox) modifiers, i.e. niacin and sulforaphane, to the skin deeper layers to treat photoageing. Both drugs have been separately shown to prevent UV induced skin cancer. The outcomes of this project will be safer and more effective prevention and treatment of sun damaged skin. This project can provide health benefits to Australians from improved treatment of sun damage, and economic benefits to the nation.
The Role Of Perivascular Macrophages In The Regulation Of Skin Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,518.00
Summary
Neutrophils are key defenders against bacterial infections. In this application we will test the hypothesis that perivascular macrophages play a critical role in the recruitment of neutrophils to site of cutaneous infection, and that these cells are targeted and destroyed by bacterial virulence factors. Our studies will gain novel insight into the leukocyte homing paradigm and shed new light on the mechanisms of microbial immuno-evasion.
My work on human pigmentation genetics has provided a framework to understand normal variation in this physical trait and the associated genotypic risk factors for skin cancer development. The genes that determine an individual's skin phototype and the ce
Modulating Inflammation As A Therapy For Harlequin Ichthyosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,739.00
Summary
Harlequin Ichthyosis is a severe inherited skin disease caused by mutations in a protein which regulates how skin cells control their levels of lipids. Treatments for this disease are limited and do little to improve patients condition. We believe we have found a new way to treat this condition by altering tissue inflammation. This grant will undertake important experiments aimed at developing new therapies for this currently incurable disease.