Understanding The Mechanisms Of Development And Treatment In Hydrocephalus.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,914.00
Summary
This project aims to investigate the progressive change in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, axonal damage and tissue mechanical properties during the development and treatment of hydrocephalus in-vivo. Results from this study is important to elucidate the mechanisms of hydrocephalus and to improve treatment and diagnosis of hydrocephalus.
Deciphering The Metabolic And Endocrine Profile Of Healthy Adipocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,194.00
Summary
Obesity is associated with the development of metabolic diseases, however, it is becoming clear that it is where the excess fat is stored that is more important when predicting the health risks associated with obesity. This project aims to identify whether adipocyte progenitor cells, which eventually become fat cells, are ‘preprogrammed’ and whether differences in these cells explain the generation of either healthy or unhealthy fat in different locations of the body.
Comparison Of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells And Induced Pluripotent Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells For Periodontal Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,955.00
Summary
In the first part of this study we will determine whether induced pluripotent stem cells or adult stem cells from the periodontal ligament are better candidates for periodontal regeneration. Secondly, using CAD/CAM technology we will make tissue engineering scaffolds tailored to fit periodontal defects and seeded with stem cells to improve on current techniques used to regenerate damaged tissues around teeth affected by periodontal disease.
Investigating Human Keratinocyte Stem Cells And Their Microenvironmental Niche
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,928.00
Summary
The stem cells in the outer protective layers of the epithelium of the skin (keratinocyte stem cells), possess an intrinsically high capability to regenerate tissue. However, this tissue regenerative ability can be enhanced by interactions with microenvironmental elements i.e. connective tissue cells and proteins. This study seeks to investigate specific keratinocyte-microenvironment interactions which will ultimately be used to improve current methods for generating skin tissue for burns patien ....The stem cells in the outer protective layers of the epithelium of the skin (keratinocyte stem cells), possess an intrinsically high capability to regenerate tissue. However, this tissue regenerative ability can be enhanced by interactions with microenvironmental elements i.e. connective tissue cells and proteins. This study seeks to investigate specific keratinocyte-microenvironment interactions which will ultimately be used to improve current methods for generating skin tissue for burns patients.Read moreRead less
Osteochondroreticular Stem Cell Therapy For Osteoarthritis: The Right Cells For The Job.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,956.00
Summary
"Wear and tear" arthritis of the knee, hip and back joints is known as osteoarthritis. This causes significant health burden and costs in our community, particularly in older Australians. Osteoarthritis begins with the loss of joint cartilage. We believe that a new type of stem cells (OCR stem cells) offer the greatest promise to generate and thus therapeutically replace joint cartilage. Our studies test this hypothesis and develop preclinical translation of our discoveries in mice into humans.
Mechanisms Of PTEN Regulation By Ndfip1 And Their Biological Consequences For Neuron Survival During Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$686,640.00
Summary
We have discovered a new protein (Ndfip1) that protects brain cells from death after brain injury from trauma and stroke. We will investigate why this protein is activated only in some, but not in other, brain cells after injury. In this application, we will study the mechanisms behind neuron protection, and use this information to explore how to increase the number of brain cells activating Ndfip1.
This study investigates how much an individual's genes and environment account for the wide variation in brain structure and function. Using brain imaging we examine in what way the connectivity of the brain of identical and non-identical twins is the same or different from that of their co-twin, and carry out analysis of their DNA to identify some of the genes involved. This will provide fundamental information on genetic mechanisms influencing variation in brain structure and function.
Social Functioning In Early Primary School Following Traumatic Brain Injury Prior To Age Three: The Contribution Of Cognitive, Environmental And Neurological Factors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,501.00
Summary
Children of preschool age and older demonstrate social problems after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). What effect a TBI has on the social function of young children (before 3 years) is currently unknown but is thought that these children have more problems than older children do. This study will look at how a TBI impacts on the social function of young children and the role of cognition and brain development in social function will also be explored.
Transcriptome Landscape Of Brown/beige Adipogenesis In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,369.00
Summary
There are three kinds of fat in the body: white, brown and beige. While excess white fat results in obesity, brown fat is associated with leanness and lowers blood glucose levels. Recent animal experiments show that under certain conditions, white fat can be transformed into beige fat, leading to benefits such as weight loss. The current project grant involves examination of human fat cells grown in the laboratory and investigation on the genetics of brown and beige fat.
Nocturnin: A Post-transcriptional Regulator Of Circadian Fat Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$574,696.00
Summary
Our metabolism is aligned with the 24-hour rotation of the earth in what is termed the circadian clock. Being misaligned to this clock explains jetlag and the poor health associated with shift-workers. For example, whether fat is utilised or stored depends on the time of day. This study aims to investigate the post-transcriptional mechanisms that underpin the rhythmic changes that occur throughout our bodies to ensure that our metabolism is matched to our environment.