Investigating The Link Between Oxidative Stress And Biomechanical Integrin Activation In Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,742.00
Summary
Diabetes represents a serious healthcare problem globally. A large proportion of deaths associated with diabetes can be attributed to the development of blood clots in the circulation of the heart and brain (heart attack/stroke). The blood clotting mechanism is ‘hyperactive’ in diabetes, although the reason for this is not well defined. In this proposal we will investigate a new mechanism promoting blood clots, and will investigate innovative approaches to reduce this clotting mechanism.
Alcoholic Chronic Pancreatitis: Induction, Progression And Reversal
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,211.00
Summary
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is a serious complication of alcohol abuse. Patients suffer from severe and often intractable abdominal pain, maldigestion and diabetes, We have recently shown that gut toxins (endotoxins) may act as a trigger factor for pancreatitis in alcoholics. The proposed project aims to characterise the effects of gut toxins on the pancreas during alcohol abuse so as to identify pathways that may be therapeutically targeted to prevent or retard the disease.
HIV Assembly, Transport, Egress And Transfer From Infected Dendritic Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,629.00
Summary
HIV-AIDS is the fourth leading killing disease worldwide, with the disease burden shifting towards women. Study of the HIV life cycle in cells known to be targetted during HIV transmission is key towards designing additional preventative measures in the form of topical gels known as microbicides. Mapping of the basic pathways of viral transport within such cells, will aid further drug discovery and-or appropriateness of use of existing drugs in microbicide formulations.