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TARGETING THE BRAIN VASCULATURE AS A TREATMENT FOR CEREBRAL TYPE I INTERFERONOPATHIES

Summary

Abnormal blood vessels are feature of cerebral type I interferonopathies. Discover how the endothelial cells that line the brain’s blood vessels contribute to disease in patients with cerebral type I interferonopathies. See www.hoferlab.com for more information. 

Supervisor

Dr Markus Hofer.

Research location

School of Life and Environmental Sciences

Program type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are increasingly recognized as a cause of neurological diseases. Chronic production of IFN-Is in the central nervous system (CNS) is a feature of a group of debilitating neurological disorders known as cerebral type I interferonopathies. They include genetic disorders such as Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, chronic and congenital infections including HIV and cytomegalovirus, and autoimmune diseases such as neurological manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). One of the hallmarks of cerebral type I interferonopathies are abnormal blood vessels in the CNS, including aneurysms, stenoses and calcifications. Our team has uncovered ground-breaking evidence that abnormal blood vessels are not just a feature but are in fact a key contributor to the disease process. Therapeutics that target blood vessels offer a highly promising approach as in contrast to the brain parenchyma, the brain's blood vessels are more easily accessible.

Additional information

HDR Inherent Requirements

In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:

- Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
- Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
- Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
- Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
- Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
- Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
- Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
- Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
- Hold a current scuba diving license;
- Hold a current Working with Children Check;
- Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2702

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