Non-viral Vectors For Targeted Delivery Of RNAi Nucleotides To Cervical Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,738.00
Summary
RNA interference (or gene silencing) is a new technique whereby we are able to turn off the expression of a particular gene either temporarily or permanently. Cancer is basically a genetic disease where certain protective genes are lost or cancer-causing genes expressed. Gene silencing holds great promise in the treatment of genetic disorders, infectious diseases and cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus and the expression of two cancer-causing genes. Using ....RNA interference (or gene silencing) is a new technique whereby we are able to turn off the expression of a particular gene either temporarily or permanently. Cancer is basically a genetic disease where certain protective genes are lost or cancer-causing genes expressed. Gene silencing holds great promise in the treatment of genetic disorders, infectious diseases and cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus and the expression of two cancer-causing genes. Using RNA interference we can turn off the expression of these two genes which results in the death of the cancer cell. We are also able to cure mice of tumours derived from human cervical cancer. The major issue with gene silencing is how to deliver it effectively to patients. Here we are investigating novel nanoparticulate systems to deliver this new gene-inhibiting drugs preferentially to the tumour site.Read moreRead less
Arbovirus Activation And Modulation Of NLRP3 Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$779,720.00
Summary
This project aims to establish how mosquito borne viruses such as Ross River and dengue viruses interacts with the human host to cause disease, including how the virus evades the host’s immune response to persist and cause disease for prolonged periods. Knowing how differences in the virus and the host’s immune system interplay to cause asymptomatic to severely disabling disease will assist in devising new treatments and prevention programs to lessen the impact of these diseases in Australia.
New Insights Into Viral Inflammatory Disease Mechanisms And Approaches To Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
This fellowship aims to establish how viruses cause disease, including how they evade the immune response to persist and cause disease for prolonged periods. My vision is that knowing how the virus and the immune system interact to determine disease severity will assist in devising new treatments and prevention programs to lessen the impact of viral diseases in Australia and worldwide.
Mosquito-borne alphaviruses such as Ross River and chikungunya viruses cause widespread epidemics and exert extreme pressure on the public health systems of affected regions. Alphaviruses spreads to joints and triggers a severe disease in those affected. There are no effective treatments or vaccines. The project will investigate virus-host interaction at the bite site. The outcome will be new knowledge to treat infection at the mosquito bite site to prevent joint disease.
Novel Insights Into The Pathobiology Of Alphavirus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$827,660.00
Summary
Infections with mosquito-borne viruses are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Ross River virus is endemic in parts of Australia, PNG and Pacific islands, while chikungunya virus is distributed globally and causes recurrent pandemics that involve millions of people. These viruses cause severe musculoskeletal disease for several months after infection. This project aims to establish how these viruses interact with the human host to cause disease and may provide a basis for new treatments.
Glycotherapeutics; A New Class Of Treatment For Alphavirus-induced Musculoskeletal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$449,868.00
Summary
The hallmark of alphavirus disease is crippling pain and joint arthritis, which often has an extended duration. Currently there is no licenced specific treatment for alphavirus disease and the increasing spread of infection highlights an urgent need for therapeutic intervention strategies. This grant looks at the potential of pentosan polysulfate as a promising drug-repurposing candidate for the treatment of alphavirus-induced arthritis.
The Role Of Innate Inflammatory Responses In Viral Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,514.00
Summary
Viruses are known to cause arthritis (HIV, hepatitis viruses, mosquito borne viruses). Symptoms of viral arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The mechanism of disease is poorly understood. We have developed a novel animal model of disease and human cell culture models by which to study disease caused by viral infections. This models provide an excellent opportunity to explore the mechanisms of rheumatic disease in a functioning animal and to explore new treatment regimes.
Inhibition Of Interferon-?/? Induction By Ross River Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,664.00
Summary
Ross River virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes arthritis in the joints of many people infected. This project will look at the early interactions of a virulent virus with the mammalian host that appear to enable the virus to replicate and spread in the host and thereby cause disease. These interactions are with the host interferon protein which the virus has developed the ability to inhibit. The effect of the invading virus on the host's interferon system, part of the immune system, will ....Ross River virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes arthritis in the joints of many people infected. This project will look at the early interactions of a virulent virus with the mammalian host that appear to enable the virus to replicate and spread in the host and thereby cause disease. These interactions are with the host interferon protein which the virus has developed the ability to inhibit. The effect of the invading virus on the host's interferon system, part of the immune system, will be examined.Read moreRead less
A Pragmatic Randomised Clinical Trial Of Nicotine Vaporisers Added To Smoking Cessation Treatment For Priority Populations Living With Comorbidities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,499,145.00
Summary
Smoking is a leading cause of early death for people with certain health conditions because they are more likely to smoke and are also at greater risk of tobacco-related disease. This clinical trial will test whether encouraging people living with Hepatitis C Virus, people on opiate substitution therapy and people living with HIV who smoke to use nicotine vaporisers long-term, in addition to current smoking cessation treatments, will help them to stay abstinent from smoking.
Novel Insights Into The Pathobiology Of Alphavirus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,477.00
Summary
Ross River virus and chikungunya virus cause muscle and joint pain that can persist for a long time. This project looks at factors in the human host that affect the disease severity, with the aim of finding new treatments.