Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and pancreas. It is an inherited condition that results in large quantities of thick, sticky mucus being produced which clog the body's organs. This can lead to repeated infections and blockages, causing irreversible lung damage and death. Although rare, it is considered one of the most common life threatening genetic conditions and affects one in every 2,500 Australian babies. CF is an inherited condition with both biological parents carrying the gene, even if they don't have CF themselves. Cystic fibrosis is currently incurable and researchers are investigating methods of improving quality of life and survival rates.
This disease is being researched in the following projects:
Research Projects
- Determining bacterial and host behaviour to identify biomarkers during exacerbations of CF
- Development of novel anti-biofilm agents to combat antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Does Pseudomonas lung infection in CF lead to diabetes?
- Host-pathogen interactions in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
- Identification of a New Target for Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infections
- Mechanisms of exacerbations in cystic fibrosis lung disease
- PPARy as a therapeutic target in cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- The Immune Response of Cystic Fibrosis Sufferers to the Bacterium Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
- Cystic Fibrosis Mortality in Australia