research 2014grants · orexin receptors are novel therapeutic targets implicated in alcohol use...

1Strategic Plan 2013-2018

RESEARCHGRANTS2014• National Health and Medical Research Council • Australian Research Council

R E S E A R C H G R A N T S 2 0 1 4D

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Professor David AtchisonProfessor David A Atchison, Dr Andrew J Lambert

Advanced methods for intraocular imaging

($231,250 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectThe ability to image the retina of the human eye at high resolution is fundamental to improving understanding of ocular physiology, ocular optics and disease diagnosis. This project applies the relatively new application of active optics to vision science.

This project will investigate the advantages of using new beam shaping techniques for characterising the optics of the eye, improving retinal imagery and improving fixation stability.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis project will achieve three-dimensional holography of human eyes and develop holography plates for correcting the aberrations of eyes. Expected outcomes are not-before experienced resolution images of the retina and better understanding of the optical characteristics of the refractive surfaces and media in the eye.

ARC Discovery Project Grant

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Professor Selena BartlettProfessor Selena Bartlett, Dr Mark Bellingham

Orexins and Alcohol Use Disorders ($520,505 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectOrexin receptors are novel therapeutic targets implicated in alcohol use disorders. There is little known about how orexin receptors drive ethanol consumption and stress-induced reinstatement. This project provides a unique opportunity to determine the mechanism of action of orexin receptors in alcohol use disorders and devise novel therapeutic strategies to treat alcohol use disorders.

Alcohol use disorders (AUDS) impact millions of individuals and constitute one of the most serious public health problems worldwide. Despite its devastating impact on society, there are still few effective medications. Orexins play an important role in drug self-administration, reinforcement and stress responses primarily mediated by orexin containing neurons that project from the lateral hypothalamus to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleusaccumbens (NAc) or from perifornical regions to the amygdala.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis project has been designed to determine the role of orexins, orexin receptor subtypes and their signalling pathways in alcohol-derived behaviours by applying a multidisciplinary approach that integrates behavioural and electrophysiological techniques in the latest models of binge drinking, ethanol self-administration and stress-induced reinstatement.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Matthew BrownProfessor Matthew Brown, Associate Professor Graham Radford-Smith, Professor Mark Morrison, Dr Francesco Ciccia

Interactions between host and the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn’s disease ($548,158 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are common immune-mediated diseases affecting primarily the joints of the spine and the gut respectively. Genes play a major role in determining the risk of each disease, and it is likely that those genes cause the disease by interaction with some environmental factor, most likely bacteria residing in the gut. This study aims to test that hypothesis by profiling the bacteria in the gut of patients with the diseases and healthy subjects.

Potential outcomes of the researchAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are closely related diseases which we think are caused by the interaction between host genetic factors, and the bacteria found in our guts, driving inflammation in joints and the gut itself. This research will test this hypothesis. If positive, the findings would suggest that manipulating the bacterial content of the gut and the barrier function of the gut wall could be therapeutic for these conditions.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Mr Raymond Chan

Development of a patient education program to improve management of cancer-related fatigue ($152,298 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectThe study aims to investigate self-management behaviours associated with fatigue in patients with advanced cancer. This project has been designed to reduce the severity and impact of fatigue in patients with advanced cancer.

With advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, the cancer trajectory is different from the past. The five-year relative survival rates are 28% for people with prostate cancer, 24% for breast cancer, 12% for colorectal cancer, and 4% for lung cancer. These statistics indicate that despite living with a terminal illness, many patients can potentially live for a number of years.

Potential outcomes of the researchFatigue (tiredness and exhaustion) is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by 74% of patients with advanced cancer. This research program aims to develop a sustainable intervention for enabling patients to use self-management strategies, thereby reducing the severity and impact of fatigue.

Specifically, this program will develop and evaluate effective strategies in reducing the severity and impact of fatigue in patients with advanced cancer through:

1. A qualitative study to explore the role and perspectives of caregivers concerning fatigue SM support for patients with advanced cancer;

2. Development of a nurse-led tailored fatigue SM intervention incorporating self-efficacy enhancement to reduce fatigue in patients with advanced cancer;

3. A pilot randomised controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of the nurse-led tailored fatigue SM intervention in patients with advanced cancer.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Associate Professor Lisa ChopinAssociate Professor Lisa Chopin, Professor Adrian Herington, Professor Chen Chen, Dr Inge Seim, Dr Rakesh Naduvile Veedu

The ghrelin axis as a target for prostate cancer therapy ($566,226 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectProstate cancer affects one in nine Australian men in their lifetime, and although there have been great advances in treatments, advanced prostate cancer remains incurable. Current treatments often lead to side effects which affect quality of life. We have found that the appetite hormone, ghrelin, stimulates prostate cancer cell growth and may be a useful target for prostate cancer therapy. We predict that targeting the ghrelin axis will prevent some of the side effects of other treatments that reduce quality of life for patients.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Australia. Patients with advanced disease are treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but cancers inevitably become resistant, leading to castrate resistant Prostate Cancer, which is incurable.

Androgen deprivation therapy has a number of significant side effects, including hyperinsulinaemia and obesity, which may also play a role in driving tumour progression and are risk factors for more aggressive PCa. Their incidence in Australian men is increasing at an alarming rate. The multifunctional hormone, ghrelin, plays roles in appetite stimulation, obesity, insulin balance and processes that promote cancer progression.

Potential outcomes of the researchThe outcomes of this project will be to determine:

• The role of ghrelin and GHHSR1a in key processes required for prostate cancer progression• The effects of targeting GHHSR1a activity using inverse agonists and antagonists (alone and in

combination) in inhibiting prostate cancer progression• The role of prostatic GHSRR and ghrelin in prostate cancer growth and progression in vivo

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Associate Professor Helen Cooper and Professor Bryan Mowry

Dissecting the role of RYK in cortical neuron specification and schizophrenia

($1,004,152 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectCorrect production of neuronal subtypes within the neocortex (the outer layers of brain tissue) is essential for coordinated brain activity and higher-order functions. Understanding how newborn neurons decide which subtype to adopt is critical as incorrect neuron identity has profound consequences for neocortical function and is associated with schizophrenia and mental disability. This work has previously been done in mice, but recently, we have added to this evidence and have linked one molecule, called RYK, to schizophrenia in human studies. In this project we will explore how RYK influences cortical neuron fate.

Potential outcomes of the researchSchizophrenia affects ~1% of the population. Severe psychiatric disorders explain one third of disability worldwide. The majority of schizophrenia risk (~80%) results from genetic factors. Identification and functional characterisation of susceptibility genes may generate novel therapeutics and personalised treatments. Our study will identify and functionally characterize RYK (a previously identified potential schizophrenia risk gene) variants associated with schizophrenia.

NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor David Evans

A new statistical framework to understand the biological basis of Ankylosing Spondylitis and other complex diseases (The University of Queensland)

Our research projectThis project aims to identify genes and biological pathways which predispose individuals to Ankylosing Spondylitis, a devastating type of auto-immune arthritis, using a new statistical framework. The project will improve our understanding of the aetiology of the condition and pave the way for the development of new drug treatments for the disease.

Potential outcomes of the researchAnkylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a highly heritable and common inflammatory arthritis which causes stiffness and progressive fusion of the spine, decreased quality of life and reduced lifespan. There is no known cure for the condition.

This fellowship aims to identify genes and biological pathways involved in AS pathogenesis using a new statistical framework that will be applied to thousands of individuals with the disease.

The project will improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in AS pathophysiology, inform development of new drug treatments for the condition, and create a powerful new statistical approach that can be used to identify biological pathways which are important in the pathogenesis of other complex diseases.

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ARC Project Grant


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Associate Professor Vicki Flenady

My Baby’s Movements ($1,364,274 Mater Research)

Our research projectStillbirth directly affects over 2700 families in Australia and New Zealand each year and is associated with devastating and long lasting psychosocial impact. Stillbirth rates have shown little improvement in high income countries for over two decades. Maternal reporting of decreased fetal movements (DFM), the most frequent cause for unscheduled antenatal visits, is strongly associated with an increased risk of stillbirths. Maternal perception of DFM has been proposed as a simple, inexpensive screening tool for stillbirth. However women’s awareness of the importance of DFM and/or delay in seeking health care is suboptimal. The My Baby’s Movement (MBM) Trial is a stepped wedge cluster, randomised trial involving almost 300,000 births across 30 hospitals to test the effects of a personalised interactive tool (the MBM tool using smart phones or SMS) provided to pregnant women as part of their antenatal care, compared to women receiving routine antenatal care alone on: 1) Stillbirth rates; 2) maternal psychosocial outcomes and health services utilisation; 3) women’s and clinician’s and views on fetal movements (FM) information provided and knowledge of FM; and 4) economic impact. This trial aims to reduce stillbirth rates by early reporting of decreased movements.

Potential outcomes of the researchThe MBM Tool is hypothesised to reduce the stillbirth rate after 28 weeks’ gestation by 30%. There is growing support of the need to increase awareness of FM through better information and support for women during pregnancy. If effective, the MBM Tool offers a simple, inexpensive resource to reduce the numbers of stillborn babies and families suffering the distressing consequences of such a loss.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Timothy Florin

Exploring a mechanism to underpin a novel colonic therapy for colitis

($664,873 Mater Research)

Our research projectThe impetus for the project is to provide better, safer and more economical treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Thiopurines are a cornerstone of IBD therapy but must be metabolised by the liver for them to work. We have novel data to suggest that a novel thiopurine might work more directly. The mechanism almost certainly involves intestinal bacteria. The project is to investigate how.

Potential outcomes of the researchCaring for patients with IBD is a major focus of gastroenterology units in the developed and developing world.

There are many treatments but none are without problems. Inventing a topical oral treatment, which is effective, economical and safe, is a holy grail of IBD-gastroenterology.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Ian FrazerProfessor Ian Frazer, Professor Philip Hugenholtz, Associate Professor Marcel Dinger, Professor H. Peter Soyer, Associate Professor E Geoffrey Playford, Doctor Tarl Prow

Determinants of progression of actinic keratoses to squamous cancer ($1,129,978 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectSunspots can progress to skin cancers, but often go away on their own. Knowing which ones will go away would make management of sun damaged skin easier, and might let us develop new treatments. This grant will examine why some sunspots progress and others don’t.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis proposal aims to profile multiple squamous skin cancer precursor lesions (Actinic Keratoses) from immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients for their colonising microbiome, using 16S RNA profiling,and for the nature of the local immune response to the actinic keratosis lesion, using RNAseq, proteomics, and immunohistochemistry. A novel microbiopsy punch will provide the tissue for characterisation of the lesions without destroying them. This approach has been demonstrated feasible in a pilot study. The natural history of specific lesions (progression or regression) will be matched to their innate immune profile, and the nature of their colonising microbiome.

The proposal will test the hypotheses that there is a host protective immune responses that allows 90% of these lesions to regress in immunocompetent subjects, and will determine whether it is influenced by the local microbiome or quorum sensing molecules produced by the microbiome. Understanding the host protective immune response, and its relation to the local microbiome, could enable development of novel approaches to managing these common premalignant lesions.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Associate Professor Brian GabrielliAssociate Professor Brian Gabrielli, Dr Sandra Pavey

Identifying the mechanism of the G2 phase UV checkpoint and repair response commonly defective in melanoma ($549,409 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectThe UV component of sunlight is the major environmental factor driving the development of melanoma. UV radiation can directly mutate genes resulting in their inability to perform normal functions which may contribute to cancer. Despite the high number of mutations directly attributable to UV radiation, the mechanisms know to repair these mutations are generally normal in melanoma. This research will investigate a repair mechanism we have identified that is commonly defective in melanomas.

Potential outcomes of the researchMelanoma has one of the highest levels of mutations, the majority of these directly attributable to UV radiation, evidence of defective pathways responsible for this repair. The outcomes of this study will be identification of a defective mechanism likely to be responsible for the increased UV signature mutations found in melanomas, and the molecular basis of the defect.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Maher GandhiProfessor Maher Gandhi, Professor Michael Fulham, Associate Professor Judith Trotman, Dr Kim-AhnLê Cao, Dr Leanne Berkahn

Circulating Biomarkers in advanced classical Hodgkin Lymphoma ($513,447 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectWe will undertake a comprehensive blood biomarker study in advanced Hodgkin Lymphoma. We will establish whether combinations of circulating protein and microRNA (miRNA) blood biomarkers, derived from both the malignant cell and the tumour microenvironment, can collectively reflect tumour biology and tumour burden in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Potential outcomes of the researchQuantification of these biomarkers will predict treatment outcome better than conventional clinical parameters, and changes in blood biomarkers once therapy has begun will reflect disease response.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Nicholas Graves

Health Services Research in Australia ($664,515 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectAustralia is on the brink of having to make explicit rationing decisions for healthcare because rapid growth in demand cannot be matched with funding. Health policy will be challenging in this environment, but must emerge from a research evidence base. Research leaders whose speciality is to estimate the economic costs and health benefits from alternate configurations of health services are important for future sustainability of health services. They should generate relevant evidence, grow capacity in health services research and interact with policy makers in a positive way.

Through a continuation of currently funded research, this project will allow for innovative and world leading research to improve the efficiency of health services and tailored and highly focussed research to understand impediments to rational decisions by policy makers.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis project has set long term and ambitious goals of increasing the volume of health services research in Australia through strong partnerships between a health services professional like doctors and nurses, and fulltime researchers; and providing research training for health services professionals in Australia to enable an articulate cycle of feedback out of the clinical setting back into a research environment.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Nicholas GravesProfessor Nicholas Graves, Associate Professor Stuart Kinner

Improving health among recently released prisoners in Australia

($320,372 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectEx-prisoners face high risk of poor health and social outcomes in the community, and Indigenous people are over-represented in prison population by a factor of 15. The ‘Passports to Advantage’ intervention aims to improve the capacity of ex -prisoners, to use health care and community support services. Nationwide adoption of the intervention will be costly, but can change health service use and health outcomes among ex-prisoners.

Potential outcomes of the researchThe aims of this project are to:

• Estimate change to total economic costs from adopting an intervention that aims to improve the health and capacity of recently released prisoners in Queensland (‘Passports to Advantage’); and

• Estimate change to health and health-related outcomes, including quality of life and mortality, and make generalised predictions about the relative value for money of this intervention to inform policy decisions in the health, social services and justice sectors.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Len GrayProfessor Leonard C. Gray, Professor Deborah Theodoros, Associate Professor Anthony C. Smith, Associate Professor Trevor Russell, Professor Peter Soyer, Associate Professor Noel Hayman, Dr Jennifer A. Whitty Dr Nicole Gillespie

Centre for Research Excellence in Telehealth 2013-18

($2.5 million The University of Queensland)

Our research projectThe CRE has the dual objectives of conducting research and promoting research capacity in telehealth. The CRE will develop and evaluate a wide range of new services based on modern communication technologies, and conduct robust evaluations in regard to feasibility, patient acceptance, safety, cost and effect on clinical outcomes. There will a particular focus on settings and communities where health care is currently difficult to access: aged care, home care, small rural hospitals and indigenous communities.

The CRE will recruit and train at least 4 post-doctoral researchers and 10 PhD students over the 5 years of the program.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis research is designed to improve access to high quality health care services, particularly for disadvantaged communities. It will also likely identify ways to reduce the cost of health care delivery, even in metropolitan settings, which are not thought to be the typical beneficiaries of telehealth. Travel and inconvenience will be reduced for patients, particular those living in rural communities, and those who find travel difficult, such as older people living in aged care facilities.

A particular emphasis will be to exploit the potential of new technologies: smart phones, tablets, smart televisions, high speed broadband and wireless systems. We aim to provide robust advice to governments and other health care funding agencies around the best way to exploit new telehealth service systems.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Lyn GriffithsProf David Mackey, Doctor Rod Lea, Doctor Justin Sherwin, Associate Professor Joanne Curran, Doctor Matthew Johnson, Doctor Claire Bellis

Identifying glaucoma risk variants in the Norfolk island genetic isolate ($635, 745 Queensland University of Tecnology)

Our research projectPrimary open angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. This project will focus on the identification of functional genetic variants influencing development of this disorder, using a powerful whole exome sequencing approach in a large multigenerational pedigree from the Norfolk Island population isolate.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Lyn GriffithsProfessor Lyn Griffiths; Doctor Rod Lea; Professor Garth Nicholson

Genetic Variants underlying X-linked familial migraine ($322,298 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectThis study is aimed at identifying genetic variants that influence susceptibility to migraine. We plan to use DNA samples already collected from families with multiple migraine affected individuals and sequence a region on the X chromosome that has previously been identified as harbouring a migraine susceptibility gene.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis project will identify gene(s) that contain variants contributing to migraine.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Associate Professor Jonathan HarrisAssociate Professor Jonathan Harris, Professor Alain Hovnanian, Professor Judith Clements, Professor Zee Upton

Inhibition of proteases in the skin ($375,505 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectThere are over 3000 named skin disorders which range in severity from the trivial including acne, to life threatening such as skin cancer. Many skin diseases result from a lack of control over the way the skin maintains itself. Cutting the connections that hold cells together is key to balancing loss of skin cells with their continuous replacement. This project focuses on making compounds to block skin cell shedding with the longer term aim of producing novel drugs to treat skin disease.

Skin pathologies have far reaching health, psychosocial and economic impacts. Balancing keratinocyte proliferation and turnover of corneocytes (desquamation) within the epidermis is vital to maintaining the skin’s integrity, promoting wound healing and preventing disease.

We hypothesise that the naturally occurring sunflower trypsin inhibitor (SFTI) can be re-engineered to modulate kallikrein activity and provide a route to new therapeutics for these skin disorders.

Potential outcomes of the researchThe enhancement phase for either individual SFTI or BCTI variants will be considered complete after a potency of >3 nM Ki is achieved with 100-fold selectivity against off-target proteases (Matriptase, thrombin and plasmin) at which point they will be assessed in the skin graft models. This will provide a translation-ready inhibitor directed against atopic skin disorders and validate the bioscaffolding approach to inhibitor design.

This will mean that the foundation components for skin disorder inhibitors will be ready for applications across a range of conditions.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Dr Ruth HubbardDr Ruth Hubbard, Professor Len Gray, Professor Ken RockwoodProfessor Arnold Mitnistski, Dr Nancye Peel

Risk Stratification of Older People in Hospital: Validation and Influence on Clinical Decision Making ($282,511 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectOlder people in hospital are at high risk of prolonged hospital stays, institutionalization and death. This increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes is commonly referred to as frailty.

Frailty has, to date, proven challenging to quantify in clinical practice. Integration of frailty measurement into an existing assessment system could optimise clinical utility and minimise costs, without losing fidelity.

The assembled teamincludes the world’s leading experts on frailty, mathematical modelling of ageing and the interRAI assessment instrument.

Our dataset will include 1,490 interRAI AC assessments completed under research conditions and 8,400 collected as part of routine care. A Frailty Index will be derived for each patient by coding interRAI domains as accumulated deficits (FI-AC) and the construct validity of this measure investigated against adverse outcomes: mortality, institutionalisation and prolonged hospital stay. Whether premorbid or current FI-AC values best predict outcomes will be explored using multistate stochastic modelling. Patients’ outcomes cannot be affected by the FI-AC score unless it impacts clinical decision making. This will be evaluated using clinical vignettes emailed to 850 geriatricians comparing the management decisions made with and without an FI-AC risk stratification tool.

Potential outcomes of the researchSome older people in hospital are subject to futile and distressing treatment at the end of their lives; others are denied potentially beneficial interventions on the basis of their chronological age alone. A measurement of frailty status for older inpatients could help target their care more appropriately, providing a clearer strategy to meet the needs of vulnerable older people.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Dietmar Hutmacher

HydroZONES - Personalized Cartilage Tissue Regeneration

($344,502, Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectCartilage is frequently damaged, but does not repair on its own, and degenerates in osteoarthritis. Current treatments are not able to regenerate the structure of normal cartilage and fail to restore joint function long-term.

Potential outcomes of the researchHydroZONES, brings together expertise from 16 partners to tackle this problem and regenerate cartilage with the appropriate structure to help the millions of people suffering from cartilage problems.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor David JohnsonProfessor David Johnson, Professor Neil Boudville, ProfessorPeter Kerr, ProfessorRowan Walker, Professor Stephen Holt, Doctor Fiona Brown, Doctor Sunil Badve

The Australian Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS) ($473,230 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectPeritoneal dialysis (PD) is a form of home dialysis treatment for end-stage kidney failure that is both substantially cheaper and associated with better early survival, better quality of life and greater treatment satisfaction than standard hospital-based haemodialysis. Unfortunately, the use of peritoneal dialysis in Australia has been severely limited by poor outcomes compared to the rest of the world. There is also marked variability in practices and outcomes between different peritoneal dialysis units and between different countries.

This international study aims to identify in 100 randomly selected peritoneal dialysis centres across 5 countries (Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, USA) the “real world” practices that lead to lower peritonitis infection rates and longer-lasting, more effective peritoneal dialysis.

Potential outcomes of the researchThe potential key outcomes of this research include:

• identification of innovative practices that deliver the best outcomes in a variety of clinical situations in the “real world” setting

• improved patient safety (e.g. reduced infections), greater patient engagement, better delivery of dialysis treatment in a community setting

• better informed health policy decisions and substantial savings to the health system

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Dr Danette Langbecker

Caring for the carer: improving self-efficacy to provide care and reducing anxiety among family carers of primary brain tumour patients ($304,596 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectPrimary brain tumours and their treatments usually confer considerable functional, cognitive and behavioural impairment. Carers of these patients often are expected to provide physical care, manage difficult aspects of the patient’s behaviour, and undertake information gathering and decision-making responsibilities, as they adjust to the changes in the cognitive abilities and personality of the patient.

The aim of this project is to increase self-efficacy with caregiving, and reduce anxiety and carer burden among family carers of adults with primary brain tumours.

Potential outcomes of the researchAs a direct result of this study, future patients and their carers will enjoy the benefit of an online psychoeducational intervention for primary brain tumour carers.

This intervention will be honed through Pilot testing and modification for feasibility, acceptability, usefulness, and program engagement.

To round off the efficacy of this intervention, a randomised controlled trial will be conducted to measure the increasing self-efficacy associated with caregiving and reducing anxiety and carer burden.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Dr Stephen Mattarollo

Combination immunotherapeutic strategies for haematological cancers ($404,884 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectPatients with blood cancers such as lymphoma tend to initially respond well to available treatments, but later relapse and succumb to disease. The immune system is capable of controlling blood cancer but requires manipulation by way of immunotherapy to be effective. We have recently developed a therapeutic vaccine which can inhibit the growth of lymphomas in mice, by promoting the immune stimulatory properties of a small immune cell population called Natural Killer T cells. This study will investigate the potential benefits of combining this novel vaccine approach with antibodies that can boost the activity of the immune system and help it better target and kill lymphoma cancers.

Potential outcomes of the researchMany non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are aggressive cancers with high levels of patient relapse and mortality following treatment. The proposed study attempts to improve therapeutic options by investigating the benefit of combining vaccination with different monoclonal antibody treatments in a pre-clinical mouse model. Outcomes will provide the platform for future clinical studies investigating vaccination in combination with other immunomodulating agents in patients with lymphoma.

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NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor John McGrath

John Cade Fellowship ($3,750,000 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectThe NHMRC John Cade Fellowship (JCF) in Mental Health Research is a prestigious award of $3.75 million over five years. It will include four inter-related themes: (a) searching for modifiable risk factors that could translate to the primary prevention of mental illness, (b) developing innovative methodologies that combine modifiable risk factors with recent advances in genetic risk factors, (c) developing and embedding mental health research within a major new clinical trials facility and academic health centre, and (d) fostering research skills in order to build the capacity of the next generation of clinical researchers.

Within the four themes, key outcomes will be completed within the funding cycle. In addition, the funding will set in motion processes that will have long-term implications for mental health research in Australia. We will stimulate innovative new research (e.g. linking epidemiology and genetics) and nest mental health within a remarkable new academic health centre. The overall program of JCF-funded research will allow us to tap into a remarkable depth of intellectual biodiversity. Evidence shows that research creativity is optimized when we talk to colleagues from other disciplines – this can spark the creative exchange of fresh metaphors, or provide missing pieces of the intellectual jigsaw puzzle.

Potential outcomes of the researchNeurodegenerative disease and mental health disorders currently account for 45% of the burden of disease in Australia. This five-year fellowship, which allows research to be targeted at a critical health issue while also supporting training of young specialists, is a great investment with potential to benefit individuals, families and society.

NHMRC Fellowship


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Professor John McGrath and Associate Professor Darryl Eyles

Is developmental vitamin D deficiency associated with autism-related phenotypes: a birth cohort study ($334,596 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectThere is evidence that low prenatal vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of autism-related outcomes. Ecological studies suggest that the risk of autism is related to several factors (such as the season a baby is born), which could potentially be explained by low prenatal vitamin D. Studies that have measured prenatal vitamin D suggest that low prenatal vitamin D is associated with various adverse brain outcomes, some of which are associated with autism spectrum disorder.

We will clarify the relationship between prenatal vitamin D status and risk of autism-related characteristics by examining the association between prenatal vitamin D concentrations (assessed mid-gestation) and selected autism-related outcomes in a large sample.

We have pioneered a method to detect vitamin D levels in stored blood samples, and we will contrast the results of those with low vitamin D with those with normal vitamin D on a range of autism-relevant measures. For example, we anticipate that those individuals with low prenatal vitamin D levels will have larger head circumference measured at age 2 months and 6 months, and will have higher scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale (which measures a child’s social impairments) measured at age 6 years.

Potential outcomes of the researchReported population frequencies for autism spectrum disorder approach 1%. Evidence suggests that low vitamin D during pregnancy’s first trimester may be associated with risk of cognitive, language and autism-related outcomes. If this study confirms an association between developmental vitamin D deficiency and autism-related brain outcomes, there may be opportunity for primary prevention, comparable to folate supplementation and spina bifida prevention.

NHMRC Project Grant


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Professor Michael McGuckin

Understanding and Treating Inflammatory Disease ($727,610 Mater Research)

Our research projectWith this NHMRC Fellowship my vision is to conduct high quality basic research integrated with and informed by relevant clinical services, and to provide support for clinical research. My proposed research concerns chronic inflammatory diseases (gut and respiratory inflammation, metabolic disease and arthritis) that are major contributors to morbidity and healthcare expenditure. My research seeks to: (a) deepen understanding of disease pathophysiology; (b) develop new therapies, test these in preclinical models, and help advance leads into clinical trial via commercial collaboration; and (c) provide relevant biological assessments for clinical research including trials. My research is already tightly connected with research active clinicians in Treating Inflammatory Disease [IBD] (Tim Florin), respiratory inflammation (David Serisier), metabolic disease (John Prins) and rheumatology (Ranjeny Thomas). I propose to further develop and enmesh my team with clinical units at the Mater and PAH via my new base in the Translational Research Institute. My exploration of basic pathophysiology will be focused by clinical needs and influenced by clinicians with intimate knowledge of the clinical challenges. Within this environment I will continue to mentor both scientists and clinicians to enhance Australian research capability in these fields.

Potential outcomes of the researchMy research seeks to improve understanding of several common diseases and use that knowledge to develop and test new therapeutic approaches in preclinical models. In addition my laboratories expertise will aid clinical studies including trials led by clinical collaborators.

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Professor Michael McGuckin

Mucins in Gastrointestinal Disease ($454,169 Mater Research)

Our research projectChronic gastrointestinal (GIT) inflammation predisposes individuals to the development of cancer. Our research has revealed that the cell surface mucins which block microbial attachment to the luminal surface of the GIT also have major influences inside the epithelial cell regulating growth, apoptosis (cell death) and inflammatory signalling. Appropriate expression and function of these molecules is thus likely to be important in setting the tone of the local inflammatory response during an infection, regulating whether epithelial cells live or die in response to toxic challenges, modulating mucosal healing following infectious and inflammatory insults, and preventing the type of local environment that leads to dysplasia and cancer development.

Our research has focussed on two cell surface mucins MUC1 and MUC13 which protect GIT epithelial cells from apoptosis and stimulate proliferation, indicating they are likely to limit epithelial loss in response to infection or inflammation and aid repair of damaged mucosa. We have also shown that these two mucins have differential effects on inflammatory signalling by gastric and colonic epithelial cells, with MUC1 suppressing and MUC13 promoting chemokine release. We know that this regulation appears important in some in vivo models of disease but there is much to learn about how this family of molecules protects the GIT.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis research could lead to new approaches to limit inflammation in the gut and prevent progression of chronic inflammatory disease to cancer. Additionally, the research seeks to develop ways to sensitise colon cancers to multiple forms of therapy which cause cell death.

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Professor Bryan MowryProfessor Bryan Mowry, Professor Peter Visscher, Dr Rangaswamy Thara, Dr Jacob Gratten

Genetic analysis of de novo and inherited exome variation in schizophrenia ($1,319,165 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectWe have pioneered statistical methods for understanding the genetics of complex conditions, including schizophrenia, and we have made major contributions to the interpretation of results from de novo (new) mutations in whole exome sequencing (WES) studies in neuropsychiatric disorders. The exome is that small fraction (1%) of the genome that is translated directly into proteins.

We will build upon this foundation and apply our expertise to the analysis of both de novo and inherited genetic variation identified by WES in 400 schizophrenia families from India, as well as equivalent data in large international studies led by our collaborators.

Our study will be the largest in schizophrenia to date, and will clarify the disease risk associated with de novo and inherited variation in the exome.

Potential outcomes of the researchSchizophrenia affects ~1% of the population. Severe psychiatric disorders explain one third of disability worldwide. The majority of schizophrenia risk (~80%) results from genetic factors. Identification of susceptibility genes may generate novel therapeutics and personalised treatments. Our study clarifies schizophrenia risk associated with de novo and inherited variation in the exome, and has high probability of identifying multiple risk genes.

NHMRC Project Grant


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Dr Pamela PollockDr Pamela Pollock, Dr Nicholas Turner, Prof Moosa Mohammadi

Understanding intrinsic and acquired resistance to anti-FGFR therapies ($772,012 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectIn vitro and in vivo preclinical data suggests that inhibition of FGFR in endometrial cancer patients may be a viable therapeutic approach. Data from other cancers suggests that despite initial responses to kinase inhibitors, cancer cells develop resistance.

Potential outcomes of the researchThe project aims to identify and characterize the mechanisms of resistance that emerge following FGFR inhibition to design combination therapies that may delay and/or prevent the emergence of resistance.

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Professor Andry RakotonirainyProfessor Andry Rakotonirainy; Professor Hesham Rakha; Dr Patricia Delhomme; Professor Narelle L Haworth

CoopEcoSafe: a new cooperative, green and safe driving system ($432,000 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectRoad transport plays a vital role in our economy but generates huge costs in road trauma and greenhouse gases. Eco-driving has been trialed as a cost-effective approach to reducing fuel consumption, but little research has examined its effects on safety.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis research brings together disciplines of road safety, psychology and engineering to address the fundamental question: how can mobility be greener while being safer? It develops: a new theoretical model that optimises environmental and safety outcomes; new persuasive in-vehicle Human Machine Interface supported by cooperative Intelligent Transport System; and, comprehensive benefits evaluation. This research will bring major improvements to both road safety and energy use.

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Associate Professor Derek RichardAssociate Professor Derek Richard, Doctor Emma Bolderson, Professor Kenneth O’Byrne, Doctor Liza Cubeddu

Protecting our genetic code ($599,222 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectThis research centres on the initial basic discoveries to the translation from bench to bedside

Maintaining genetic stability is essential to protect us from diseases such as cancer. It is also clear that once a cancer does form, it changes the genetic code to allow it to grow and evade drugs. This project will help us understand how these processes occur, providing insight into new ways to tackle cancer.

Cancer is the single biggest clinical problem facing the world. It has been estimated that by 2030 half of all deaths worldwide will be from cancer. Almost all of these cancers will have developed due to loss of genome stability. Defects in these pathways result in the accumulation of driver mutations, oncogene duplication or tumour suppressor loss.

This project will investigate hSSB1, one of the key proteins that functions to protect our genetic code from damage. We have already characterised the essential role of hSSB1 in repairing double strand DNA breaks and we will now explore the role of hSSB1 in repairing oxidised DNA. We shall also explore further the potential of hSSB1 as a therapeutic target and as a biomarker.

Potential outcomes of the researchOne of the potential outcomes from this project will be to validate alternate therapeutic avenues to target hSSB1.

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Dr Ronald Schroeter

Risky Gadgets to the Rescue: Designing Personal Ubicomp Devices to Foster Safer Driving Behaviours in Young Males ($395,220 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectDr Ronald Schroeter is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Quensland, Queensland University of Technology. His research interests include in-vehicle information systems and human-computer interaction, design, mobile applications and urban computing and informatics.

Potential outcomes of the researchYoung males are over-represented in road crashes. Part of the problem is their proneness to boredom, a hardwired personality factor that can lead to risky driving or distractions. This project aims to design innovative ubiquitous computing technologies that make safe driving more stimulating and pleasurable. This research will inform the future design of personal ubiquitous devices that pose a threat to road safety, by replacing the stimuli from risky driving with safer stimuli and simulating risk to increase risk perception when it is actually not present. This project aims to reduce risky driving behaviours, and, in the process, advance our knowledge about the role of boredom in the road safety context.

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Associate Professor Matthew SimpsonAssociate Professor Matthew Simpson, Associate Professor Scott W McCue; Professor Adrian C Herington, Associate Professor Lisa K Chopin, Prof Philip K Maini

A new hierarchy of mathematical models to quantify the role of ghrelin during cell invasion ($402,391 Queensland University of Technology)

Potential outcomes of the researchGhrelin is a recently-discovered growth factor that regulates appetite and promotes tumour growth by enhancing cell invasion. The mechanisms by which ghrelin enhances cell invasion are, at present, unknown. This innovative project will develop a new hierarchy of multiscale mathematical models that will be used to quantify how ghrelin modulates cell behaviour (motility, proliferation and death) and provide insight into the precise details of how ghrelin promotes cell invasion.

This project will demonstrate the potential for ghrelin-based strategies to control cell invasion. By linking appetite regulation and tumour growth, the outcomes from this project will inform Australian health policy in this important area.

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Associate Professor Matthew Simpson

New data-driven mathematical models of collective cell motion ($402,391 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectCancer and chronic wounds are a national, and indeed, international health problem set to worsen as our population ages. Predictive and interpretive tools are required to improve our understanding of collective cell migration in relation to cancer and chronic wounds.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis project will produce new validated mathematical tools for predicting collective cell migration in a general framework that can deal with application-specific details, such as the role of cell shape and cell size. Although cell shape and size are known to affect collective cell migration, standard mathematical models ignore these details. This project will produce new predictive mathematical modelling tools that are validated by new experimental data.

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ARC Future Fellowship


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Professor H. Peter SoyerProfessor H. Peter Soyer, Associate Professor Richard SturmDr David Duffy, Associate Professor Helmut Schaider

Genetic polymorphisms associated with clinical and dermoscopic naevus signature patterns ($814,994 The University of Queensland)

Our research projectMelanoma is a form of skin cancer that arises from the cells that produce pigment and is a major public health issue in Australia. We will examine the relationship between the form, structure and colour of existing types of moles and their subsequent risk of developing into melanoma. This study will combine dermoscopy, a non-invasive examination technique, with DNA tests of the genes that determine number of naevi, skin, hair and eye colour, aiding in the early prediction and diagnosis of skin cancer.

Potential outcomes of the researchAustralia has the highest skin cancer incidence rate in the world. While melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, it is the most life threatening. More than 12,500 new cases are reported every year, with more than 1,500 deaths due to Melanoma per year. The research outcome will improve the diagnostic potential of melanoma formation using dermoscopy.

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Professor Shilu Tong

Uncoupled Research Fellowship ($120,284 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectGlobal climate change (GCC) will have wide-ranging, and mostly adverse, impacts on many natural and human-made systems and constructs. Of particular concern are the risks posed by GCC to the Earth’s basic geophysical processes and ecological systems and processes. Those disruptive impacts, in turn, pose a range of great risks to human health, well-being and survival – risks which, until recently, have attracted limited research attention.

Assessment of the present and future health risks due to climate change is an increasingly important scientific and public health priority. Human pressures on the natural environment are adding a new, important and larger dimension to the range of environmental hazards to health; geophysical and ecological systems (including the climate system) are being changed, disrupted or depleted in ways that pose significant risks to human health. These are not yet widely understood or recognised. This Fellowship will enable further development and expansion of a productive and innovative research program in this challenging field. Areas of focus will include:

• Evaluating the impact of heatwaves on morbidity and mortality• Climate change and infectious diseases• Assessing interactive effects of global warming and air pollution on population health• Improving future projections on health risks of climate change

Potential outcomes of the researchThe funding will enable a strengthened scientific basis for understanding and estimating the health risks of climate change and advancement of techniques for scenario-based risk assessment. Through the development of Improved projections of health risks of climate change in Australia and alignment of a scenario-based health risk assessment with climate change policies, a solid foundation for the development of human resources, especially the next generation of researchers, in this increasingly important area will be laid.

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Professor Simon P WashingtonProfessor Simon P Washington, Dr Md. Mazharul Haque

Proactive detection of motor vehicle crash black spots based on their underlying behavioural, engineering, and spatially related causes ($171,277 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectRoad traffic crashes are responsible for about 1400 fatalities and 32,500 injuries on Australian roadways each year. A significant research opportunity exists to fundamentally rethink how the profession quantitatively identifies black spots on the transport network.

The first project aim is to develop, test, and validate an evidence based methodology to proactively detect motor vehicle crash black spots. The second aim is decompose (statistically) observed crashes at a site into their engineering, behavioural, and unobserved spatial components.

Potential outcomes of the researchThe new methods combined will lead to fundamentally novel insights and knowledge regarding transport network safety management, in turn leading to reductions in the Australian road toll.

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Associate Professor Jonathan Whitehead

Characterisation of novel hormone receptors ($430,505 Mater Research)

Our research projectThe increasing incidence of cardiometabolic disease highlights an unmet need for novel therapeutic approaches. Greater understanding of the detail governing cardiometabolic function is required to provide a foundation to construct effective strategies. We will characterise two novel receptors that are important in the regulation and maintenance of cardiometabolic systems (including heart, vasculature, liver, muscle and fat), seeking to identify strategies to enhance receptor and cardiometabolic function and reduce disease burden. These novel receptors are related to a family of proteins that are targeted by around 40% of today’s drugs suggesting high feasibility.

Potential outcomes of the researchThe knowledge and understanding acquired through this work will provide a foundation on which to build novel therapeutic strategies to reduce cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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Associate Professor Mia WoodruffAssociate Professor Mia Woodruff; Dr Keith Blackwood; Dr Julian Dye; Prof Sheila MacNeil; Dr Gregory Couzens

Smart Matrix approaches towards neo vascularisation in bone repair ($231,250 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectTreatments for bone defects, such as those caused by trauma, disease or growth defects costs Australia more than $1 billion annually. The project aims to develop a medical device for the treatment of these injuries. It combines technologies including a new pro-angiogenic Smart Matrix™; developed at the Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust (RAFT) in the UK, with leading polymer scaffold expertise from Australian researchers based at QUT.

Potential outcomes of the researchThe new device will deliver faster wound healing by increasing the rate of vascularisation of the defect/wound site, while providing the structural support required for bone tissue regeneration. This medical device will reduce costs of treatment and provide a better quality of life.

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Associate Professor Mia WoodruffAssociate Professor Mia Woodruff, Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Dr Simon Pearce

A novel electrospraying technology platform for controlled and targeted growth factor delivery ($171,154 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectIn Australia, > $1 billion is invested annually in the treatment of skeletal defects, caused by trauma, disease or growth defects. Bone morphogenic proteins are a family of growth factors proven to stimulate the growth and repair of bones. This project will combine biomaterial and drug delivery expertise from teams at QUT and from the UK to produce an advanced growth factor delivery system using electrospraying technology which aims to deliver a sustained release of therapeutic molecules from slow degrading polymeric microspheres.

Potential outcomes of the researchThis will provide a cheaper, more efficient and safer delivery system than previously possible. This novel technology platform may be translated to numerous other drugs in addition to bone-specific growth factors.

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Associate Professor Andrew J ZeleAssociate Professor Andrew J Zele, Professor Jan Kremers, Dr Beatrix K Feigl

The rules governing combined rod and cone photoreceptor signalling in visual pathways ($296,826 Queensland University of Technology)

Our research projectThe research program investigates vision at dim (mesopic) light levels where rod and cone photoreceptors simultaneously transmit visual information. The interaction between rod and cone signals is not trivial because their different amplitudes, timings and delays significantly change the perceptual qualities of our visual experience. The research addresses fundamental questions about how the retina and brain integrate disparate signals from the rods and cones to produce a homogenous visual percept.

Potential outcomes of the researchNew psychophysical and electroretinographic paradigms will independently control the retinal photoreceptors to resolve the long standing problem of how noise modifies signalling and information flow between the retina and visual cortex.

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Associate Professor Geoffrey Faulkner Blocking mobile DNA activity in induced pluripotent stem cells ($685,379 Mater Research)

Associate Professor Geoffrey Faulkner Mobile DNA reveals new liver cancer risk factor genes ($612,562 Mater Research)

Dr Brooke Harcourt Contribution of the peri-renal environment to kidney disease ($304,596 Mater Research)

Associate Professor Jean-Pierre Levesque Discovering new drugs to facilitate blood stem cell transplantation in cancer patients ($631,791 Mater Research)

Miss Hayley O’NeillDefining how novel hormone receptors work to identify new treatments for heart disease ($304,596 Mater Research)

Dr Amirali PopatSmart nanoparticles for better treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) ($304,596 Mater Research)

This list includes grants from The Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at QUT, some of their research activity is therefor not conducted through Diamantina Health Partners

Additional National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Research Council grants commencing in 2014


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Professor Selena BartlettThe rules governing combined rod and cone photoreceptor signalling in visual pathways ($513,860 Queensland University of Technology)

Dr Jyotsna Batra, Professor Judith Clements, Dr Amanda SpurdleIdentification and characterisation of a novel genetic signature at the 5p15 region associated with risk of prostate cancer ($590,222 Queensland University of Technology)

Professor Kenneth Beagley, Professor Peter Timms, Professor Richard Blumberg, Dr Danica HickeypH-dependent, antibody-mediated enhancement of genital chlamydial infection: implications for vaccine design? ($360,431 Queensland University of Technology)

Dr Antje Blumenthal A new macrophage sensor for Mycobacterium tuberculosis ($506,349 The University of Queensland)

Vanessa Brunelli Evaluating a program for developing specialist cancer nurse competencies for effective and sustainable self-management of dyspnoea in lung cancer patients ($85,585 Princess Alexandra Hospital)

Elizabeth BurmeisterPatterns of care in patients with pancreatic cancer ($78, 437 Princess Alexandra Hospital)

Dr John Duley, Dr Helen Liley, Professor Paul Shaw, Dr Christine Knox, Associate Professor Bruce CharlesA mechanism for regulation of oral and gut microflora by interaction of salivary metabolites with breast milk ($597,089 The University of Queensland)

Dr Liliana Endo-Munoz, Associate Professor Nicholas SaundersCharacterisation of two novel markers of osteosarcoma metastasis as potential therapeutic targets ($602,877 The University of Queensland)

Associate Professor Geoffrey Faulkner, Dr Ryan Taft Somatic retrotransposition drives neoplastic mutagenesis in glioblastoma multiforme ($643,847 Mater Medical Research Institute)

Associate Professor Geoffrey Faulkner, Dr Lucia Clemens-Daxinger, Dr Kyle UptonEpigenetic regulation of L1 retrotransposition in mouse models of abnormal human neurobiology ($403,390 Mater Medical Research Institute)

Professor Ian Frazer, Professor Mark Kendall Sterile inflammation as a determinant of adaptive immunity ($500,000 The University of Queensland)

National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Research Council grants commenced in 2013


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Professor Len Gray, Dr Melinda Martin-Khan, Professor Elizabeth Beattie, Dr Sisira Edirippulige, Associate Professor Trevor Russell, Associate Professor Anthony Smith, Professor Deborah Theodoros, Associate Professor Ian Scott, Doctor Ruth HubbardTelehealth in residential aged care facilities: a pragmatic randomised control trial ($972,605 The University of Queensland)

Associate Professor Carmel Hawley, Associate Professor Grahame Elder, Professor Robert Walker, Dr Geoffrey Block, Professor Randall Faull, Associate Professor Kevan Polkinghorne, Associate Professor Nigel Toussaint, Associate Professor Eugenia PedagogosA randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effect of phosphate reduction with lanthanum carbonate on arterial compliance and vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-4 ($1,596,697 The University of Queensland)

Professor Dietmar Hutmacher, Professor Michael Schuetz, Dr Devakar Epari, Dr Mia Woodruff, Dr Roland Steck, Dr Ian Dickinson, Professor Peter Choong, Dr Simon Pearce, M. Swee-Hin Teoh, Mr James Green, Mr Mike LehmickeBioactive and biodegradable scaffold and novel graft source for the repair of large segmental bone defects ($440,902 Queensland University of Technology)

Professor David Johnson, Professor David Harris, Professor Randall Faull, Dr Suetonia Palmer, Associate Professor Neil Boudville, Dr Sunil Badve, Dr Gopala Rangan, Associate Professor John Kanellis, Professor Robert Walker, Dr Fiona Brown Controlled trial of slowing of kidney disease progression from the inhibition of Xanthine oxidase (CKD-FIX): A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial ($1,917,146 The University of Queensland)

Associate Professor Jean-Pierre Levesque, Dr Allison Pettit, Dr Ingrid Winkler How does the bone marrow regulate normal blood formation and leukaemia progression? (569,737 Mater Medical Research Institute)

Dr Stephen Mattarollo Therapeutic vaccine against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma targeting the immune adjuvant properties of Natural Killer T cells ($434,640 The University of Queensland)

Professor Michael McGuckin, Dr Sumaira Hasnain, Professor Timothy Florin, Associate Professor David Serisier, Dr Simon PhippsUnderstanding the interplay between ER stress and inflammation ($541,472 Mater Medical Research Institute)

Dr Peter Mollee, Associate Professor Glen Kennedy, Associate Professor David Looke, Ms Rosita Van KuilenburgCentral venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections in patients with cancer: A prospective randomised controlled trial ($86,658 Princess Alexandra Hospital)

Dr Arnold Ng Pathophysiology of diabetic heart disease ($179,782 Princess Alexandra Hospital)

Associate Professor Andrew Perkins, Dr Marcel DingerlncRNAs and mesoderm formation ($555,112 Mater Medical Research Institute)


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Professor Elizabeth Powell, Associate Professor Andrew Clouston, Dr Katharine Irvine, Dr Kelli MacDonald, Dr Matthew SweetDefining the role of MMP-9-expressing macrophages in liver injury in chronic liver disease ($523,321 The University of Queensland)

Dr Tarl Prow, Professor Peter SoyerImage-guided skin microbiopsy technology development ($370,000 The University of Queensland)

Professor Michael Roberts, Professor Mark KendallSpecific targeting of nanosystems by cutaneous delivery ($951,201 University of South Australia)

Professor Michael Roberts, Professor Darrell Crawford, Professor Guy MaddernAdvanced imaging to define hepatic & intestinal drug disposition in aging & liver diseases ($735,820 University of South Australia)

Professor Pamela Russell, Professor Andrew Whittaker, Dr Kristofer Thurecht Simultaneous Imaging and Drug Delivery for Prostate Cancer Theranostics ($545,362 Queensland University of Technology)

Dr Raymond Steptoe, Dr Janet Davies A new and effective approach to reversal of allergic airways inflammation by turning off allergic responses ($379,931 The University of Queensland)

Dr Raymond SteptoeReversing autoimmune diabetes by controlling pathogenic effector T-cells ($394,556 The University of Queensland)

Professor John Upham, Dr Anthony Bosco, Associate Professor Ian MackayAnti-viral immunity in asthma: a detailed assessment of TLR7 function and the regulation of interferon α/β synthesis ($499,393 The University of Queensland)

Professor Zee Upton, Dr Michael Doran, Associate Professor Kiarash KhosrotehraniInnovations in Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) Wound Care ($387,711 Queensland University of Technology)

Professor Peter Visscher Exploiting SNP data in epidemiology and genetics through multivariate analysis of complex traits ($460,517 The University of Queensland)

Professor Peter Visscher, Professor Grant MontgomeryCAGE: Consortium for the Architecture of Gene Expression ($484,190 The University of Queensland)

Dr Timothy Warren Molecular and epidemiological investigation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with perineural invasion ($38,079 Princess Alexandra Hospital)

Associate Profesor Jonathan Whitehead, Professor Johannes PrinsDefining a new adipogenic pathway ($448,514 Mater Medical Research Institute)

Dr Jian Yang Dissecting genetic variation for human complex diseases and traits ($397,724 The University of Queensland)


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Mater Medical Research Institute (MMRI) / Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Associate Professor Philip Sutton, Professor Michael McGuckin (MMRI)

Muc1 regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the gastrointestinal tract ($429,014)

Menzies School of Health Research Professor Anne Chang, Professor John Upham (UQ SOM/PAH), Professor Peter Gibson, Dr Stephanie Yerkovich, Dr Katherine Baines, Associate Professor Sandra Hodge, Mrs Susan Pizzutto, Associate Professor Ian Masters, Dr Helen Buntain

Protracted bacterial bronchitis: long term outcomes, systemic and airway predictors of recurrence ($777,376)

Menzies School of Health Research Assoc Professor Patricia Valery, Associate Professor Gail Garvey, Professor Ross Bailie, Associate Professor Euan Walpole (PAH), Professor Jonathan Adams, Mr Daniel Williamson, Associate Professor Jennifer Martin (UQ SOM/PAH)

Improving systems and quality of cancer care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care settings ($617,502)

Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Associate Professor V Nathan Subramaniam, Dr Daniel Wallace, Associate Professor, Jonathan Harris, Professor Carlos Lopez-Otin, Associate Professor John Hooper (MMRI)

Dissecting the TMPRSS6 regulation of iron homeostasis ($592,142)

The University of Adelaide Professor Mark Bartold, Professor Stan Gronthos, Professor Saso Ivanovski, Professor Dietmar Hutmacher (QUT)

Comparison of periodontal ligament stem cells and induced pluripotent periodontal ligament stem cells for periodontal regeneration ($802,470)

The University of Adelaide Professor Richard D’Andrea, Professor Thomas Gonda (UQ PACE), Dr Anna Brown, Associate Professor Ian Lewis

Identification and characterisation of novel FLT3-ITD co-operating mutations ($636,662)

The University of Melbourne Professor Danny Rischin, Associate Professor June Corry, Associate Professor Richard Fisher, Professor Madeleine King, Associate Professor Sandro Porceddu (PAH)

A randomized trial of radiation with cetuximab or weekly cisplatin in low risk locoregionally advanced HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer ($1,097,932)

Researchers affiliated with projects commenced in 2013


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The University of Sydney Associate Professor Trevor Leong, Professor John Zalcberg, Professor Carol Swallow, Professor Florian Lordick, Associate Professor Bernard Smithers (PAH/UQ SOM), Professor Val Gebski, Associate Professor Alex Boussioutas, Professor Karin Haustermans, Professor Rebecca Wong, Associate Professor Michael Michael

A randomised phase III trial of preoperative chemoradiotherapy vs preoperative chemotherapy for resectable gastric cancer ($1,974,558)

The University of Queensland Dr Marcel Dinger, Professor Grant Montgomery, Associate Professor Brian Gabrielli (UQDI)

Functional characterization of the regulatory architecture of melanoma-associated loci ($624,298)

The University of Queensland Dr Jason Roberts, Professor Jeffrey Lipman, Professor Michael Roberts (UQ SOM), Associate Professor Sanjoy Paul (UQ), Associate Professor Sandra Peake, Professor John Turnidge

Robust antibiotic dosing for critically ill patients receiving renal replacement therapy ($1,034,978)

University of Tasmania Dr James Sharman Associate Professor Walter Abhayaratna, Professor Michael Stowasser (UQ SOM/PAH)

Targeted LOWering of Central Blood Pressure in patients with hypertension: a randomised controlled trial (LOW CBP study) ($1,384,301)

Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Limited Professor Sally Dunwoodie, Dr Duncan Sparrow, Associate Professor Emma Duncan (RBWH/UQDI)

Determining the causes of congenital vertebral defects ($926,275)

©Diamantina Health Partners November 2013This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be

reproduced by any process without prior written permission from Diamantina Health Partners. Enquiries should be directed to [email protected]

Diamantina Health Partners disseminates worthy news of grant success and research achievements.Please contact Ms Areti Gavrilidis, DHP Executive Consultant, on:

Telephone (07) 3443 8063Email [email protected] Level 7, Translational Research Institute 37 Kent Street Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102Web http://diamantina.org.au

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