Molecular Mechanisms Of Joint Degeneration In Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,273.00
Summary
Arthritis is a major clinical and socio-economic problem. Arthritis involves the destruction of cartilage in joints. However, the mechanisms of initiation and progression of cartilage destruction remain poorly understood. Our studies will for explore the role of a new regulator of gene expression, microRNA, in the initation and progression of osteoarthritis. This will provide important new information on disease mechanisms for the development of diagnostic biomarkers and therapies
Are Chondrocytes The Target Cells Of Glucocorticoid Therapy In Autoimmune Arthritis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,619.00
Summary
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects due to the effects GCs on immune cells or synovial fibroblasts. Recently, we have made the exciting discovery that arthritis mice with glucocorticoid receptor knock-out in chondrocyte are completely resistant to glucocorticoid treatment. This study will identify the mechanisms underlying these hormonal effects with the aim to find new targets for efficient treatments for arthritis.
Hypothermia Prior To Decompression For Treatment Of Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$294,163.00
Summary
In spinal cord injuries, the cord is compressed as a result of vertebral injury. Urgent relief of compression improves outcome, however, is difficult because of the complexity of pre-surgical management. Our data demonstrate that hypothermia stops compressive spinal cord injury, allowing decompression to be performed in a period that will benefit most patients. This project aims to undertake the studies necessary before beginning a human trial of hypothermia prior to decompressive surgery.
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects approximately 20% of Australians and costs billions each year in joint replacements. Therapies that halt joint destruction in OA are urgently needed. We hypothesise that the little-known gene, vanin -3, is a key regulator of OA disease pathways. Our project will map vanin-3 in the joint and reveal how much vanin-3 contributes to joint destruction in mice. We expect to find a link between vanin-3 and metabolic disorders and identify new targets for therapy.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain characterised by extra bone formation at the hip, called a cam-deformity. FAI is thought to create hip joint damage and osteoarthritis. Our 5 year longitudinal study of people with FAI in two (Melbourne and Brisbane) sites will investigate whether factors (such as cam-deformity size, hip contact force, muscle strength and joint range) can predict hip joint damage (measured with magnetic resonance imaging) over two years.
MicroRNAs As Therapeutic Targets For Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$921,754.00
Summary
microRNAs are small cellular RNA fragments that regulate protein expression. They have been shown to be crucial regulators of normal development and are associated with many disease processes. The goal of this project is to determine the role of microRNAs in the initiation and progression of joint degeneration in osteoarthritis and test the therapeutic efficacy of targeting microRNAs as new approach to OA treatment.
Prevention And Treatment Of Bone Infection With CSA-90
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,983.00
Summary
Bone infections are a major challenge to treat, especially with the rise of drug resistant “superbugs”. We have access to a new agent, CSA-90, that has dual properties of being anti-microbial (antibiotic) and helps encourage bone growth. This project aims to expand upon our prior research and test CSA-90 for the treatment of chronic bone infections. We will also look at applying this technology to joint replacements and this drug may be particularly useful for coating orthopaedic implants.
Proteases And Protease-inhibitor Complexes As Modulators Of Traumatic Brain Injury Severity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,311.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in Australia, affecting approximately 21,800 Australians annually. A large number of survivors have permanent neurological deficits, causing adverse effects on lifestyle and family relationships and placing a significant burden on the health system. In this project we will address a novel means to improve TBI outcome by targeting two linked enzyme systems that together have been shown to be deleterious in this conditi ....Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in Australia, affecting approximately 21,800 Australians annually. A large number of survivors have permanent neurological deficits, causing adverse effects on lifestyle and family relationships and placing a significant burden on the health system. In this project we will address a novel means to improve TBI outcome by targeting two linked enzyme systems that together have been shown to be deleterious in this condition.Read moreRead less
Determining The Influences Of Cell Stress And Heat Shock Factor-1 Action In Osteoclast Formation And Pathological Bone Loss.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$657,287.00
Summary
Cancer and rheumatoid arthritis cause painful bone destruction. This occurs due to increased numbers of bone destroying cells called osteoclasts. We found stress responses in bone cells can increase osteoclast numbers by activating proteins inside the bone cells that encourage osteoclasts to form. We will thus study whether cell stress blocking drugs might stop bone loss. As arthritis and cancer both cause stress responses, this work could identify a new way that such diseases affect bone.
Enhancing Joint Replacement Outcomes Through National Data Linkage
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$776,063.00
Summary
This is an Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) project that involves linking Registry data with state and federal government health datasets. This will help to better understand the complications and factors affecting the rate of complication after hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement. This information will be used to improve outcomes for patients having this surgery.