Argonaute Proteins In The Mammalian Antiviral Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Viruses are the most abundant infectious agents on earth, and the diseases caused by them are a constant threat and cause of mortality worldwide. Awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2006, RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural process that plants use to attack viruses. Humans possess all of the tools for RNAi, but whether it is used for antiviral defense is unknown. This study aims to uncover this immune process which will open new avenues to treat virus infections, such as influenza and HIV.
We have identified a microRNA (miRNA) which can elicit the functional outcome of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. miRNAs constitute a novel mechanism used by cells to regulate gene expression and have shown much promise as a therapeutic tool. Our finding suggests that modulation of miRNAs through the use of miRNA mimics or antisense technology may serve as an alternative and/or synergistic approach for the use of IL-10 as therapy in chronic inflammation.
The innate immune response is our primary defence against infection, but must be controlled carefully to avoid chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Studying tiny regulators of gene function called micro-RNAs and unique cellular pathways, we aim to understand the “big picture” of genetic regulatory systems in innate immunity to provide new insights into inflammation and infection, the genetic basis of diseases, and to identify new potential therapeutic targets, biomarkers and antiviral targets.
The Inflammasome In Host Defence And Autoinflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Inflammation is one of the bodies first responses to infection. The inflammasome is a protein complex that activates pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of this process. We are investigating pathogens that activate a specific inflammasome complex, and also an inflammatory disease it may cause when activated accidentally, in the absence of infection. We are also investigating pathways that keep this inflammation in check, and how pathogens might hijack these anti-inflammatory pathways to promote i ....Inflammation is one of the bodies first responses to infection. The inflammasome is a protein complex that activates pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of this process. We are investigating pathogens that activate a specific inflammasome complex, and also an inflammatory disease it may cause when activated accidentally, in the absence of infection. We are also investigating pathways that keep this inflammation in check, and how pathogens might hijack these anti-inflammatory pathways to promote infection.Read moreRead less
Investigating The Roles Of Non-coding RNAs In Inflammatory Signalling And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Inflammation occurs as part of the body's natural defenses against infection or injury, but can be damaging when unregulated and can lead to cancer. Although the protein factors critical for inflammation have been carefully studied it remains unknown how ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules can modify and regulate inflammation. This project will identify RNA molecules that control inflammatory signalling, and further translate these findings to show they contribute to the progression of cancer.