Genes Controlling The Development Of Lung Disease In Normal And Cystic Fibrosis Mice.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,582.00
Summary
Patients with cystic fibrosis have a lethal predisposition to bacterial infection which causes irreversible lung disease. It is clear that even when patients carry the same mutation in the defective gene (CFTR), genetic background influences the course of the disease. Very little is known of the nature of these other genes and this proposal will identify those genes which influence the response of the CF lung to pathogens and in doing so may indicate novel therapeutic strategies.
Transgenic Expression Of The EWS-WT1 Fusion Protein,inducing The Development Of Tumour That Replicates The Human Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$112,976.00
Summary
A genetic translocation encoding the EWS-WT1 fusion protein is found desmoplastic small round cell tumours. Our aim is to examine the effect of this protein in inducing tumour growth in tissue cell lines. A virus will then be used to introduce the genetic translocation into mice to examine the effect of this protein on tumour growth in a mammal, thereby serving as a 'solid tumour model' to try and identify therapeutic targets.
I am a practicing neurologist with a clinical interest in movement disorders and dementia with an international reputation in neurosciences in the fields of neural stem cells, transgenic animal models of movement disorders and epilepsy. In line with my cl
Bridging The Gap In Kidney Transplantation Using Pigs As Donors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,452,341.00
Summary
Chronic kidney failure results in patients suffering significant morbidity and mortality ultimately requiring life-supporting dialysis. Kidney transplantation and lifelong immunosuppression are the only treatment, but (i) is limited by the shortage of human donors and (ii) carries risks associated with these anti-rejection drugs. This project aims to solve both problems by using humanized pigs as donors combined with a novel approach to inducing acceptance of the transplanted kidneys.
Using Porcine Embryonic Stem Cells To Advance Xenotransplantation And Human Stem Cell Research To The Clinic.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
We have developed a new method for isolating embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and have used this to isolate porcine ESCs. The aims of the present study are to use this breakthrough to advance xenotransplantation as well as human stem cell research
Investigating Tumour Biology Using Regulated RNAi In Cells And Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$305,915.00
Summary
Inhibiting gene expression using the recently discovered process known as RNA interference (RNAi) can be used as an experimental tool to analyse specific genes, in cells and genetically engineered animal models of human disease. I propose to use RNAi to mimic human cancer gene mutations in mouse cancer models, and aim to discover novel tumour suppressor genes. A further aim is to validate potential drug targets in cancer by using RNAi to inhibit specific genes in established mouse tumours.
Vitamin D Synthesis Within Osteoblasts Increases Bone Mineral By Regulating Remodelling: Is This The Link Between Vitamin D Status And Fractures?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,082.00
Summary
This project will contribute to understanding mechanism of vitamin D action within bone to modulate bone resorption and offers the exciting prospect of identifying the mechanism by which an adequate vitamin D status can reduce the risk of osteoporotic hip fractures. Thus, this project has great potential to improve community health by being able to recommend vitamin D supplementation made on the basis of maintaining normal bone cell function with psarticular reference to modulating bone resorpti ....This project will contribute to understanding mechanism of vitamin D action within bone to modulate bone resorption and offers the exciting prospect of identifying the mechanism by which an adequate vitamin D status can reduce the risk of osteoporotic hip fractures. Thus, this project has great potential to improve community health by being able to recommend vitamin D supplementation made on the basis of maintaining normal bone cell function with psarticular reference to modulating bone resorption.Read moreRead less