Search
News & Events
Fellowship to support research into ways to improve the lung health of people born pretermWal-yan Respiratory Research Centre researcher Ms Denby Evans has been awarded one of four inaugural fellowships supported by the State's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund and Brightspark Foundation, enabling her to further her research into ways to improve the lung health of people
Leading the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Western Australia.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Western Australian Epithelial Research Program (WAERP), please click here to access our contact details.
Research
Lentiviral vector gene therapy and CFTR modulators show comparable effectiveness in cystic fibrosis rat airway modelsMutation-agnostic treatments such as airway gene therapy have the potential to treat any individual with cystic fibrosis (CF), irrespective of their CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene variants. The aim of this study was to employ two CF rat models, Phe508del and CFTR knockout to assess the comparative effectiveness of CFTR modulators and lentiviral vector-mediated gene therapy.
Research
Transcriptomic analysis of primary nasal epithelial cells reveals altered interferon signalling in preterm birth survivors at one year of ageMany survivors of preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation) have lifelong respiratory deficits, the drivers of which remain unknown. Influencers of pathophysiological outcomes are often detectable at the gene level and pinpointing these differences can help guide targeted research and interventions. This study provides the first transcriptomic analysis of primary nasal airway epithelial cells in survivors of preterm birth at approximately 1 year of age.
Research
Respiratory and chest wall mechanics in very preterm infantsData on static compliance of the chest wall (Ccw) in preterm infants are scarce. We characterized the static compliance of the lung and Ccw to determine their relative contribution to static compliance of the respiratory system in very preterm infants at 36 wk postmenstrual age. We also aimed to investigate how these compliances were influenced by the presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and impacted breathing variables.
A public health campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of chronic wet cough in Aboriginal children is helping to improve detection, diagnosis and management of the condition.
Research
Exposure to biodiesel exhaust is less harmful than exposure to mineral diesel exhaust on blood-brain barrier integrity in a murine modelEmerging data suggest that air pollution is a persistent source of neuroinflammation, reactive oxygen species, and neuropathology that contributes to central nervous system disorders. Previous research using animal models has shown that exposure to diesel exhaust causes considerable disruption of the blood-brain barrier, leading to marked neuroinflammation.
Research
Phage therapy to treat cystic fibrosis Burkholderia cepacia complex lung infections: perspectives and challengesgeBurkholderia cepacia complex is a cause of serious lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis, exhibiting extremely high levels of antimicrobial resistance. These infections are difficult to treat and are associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Research
Lytic activity, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities and genomic characterisation of two bacteriophages active against respiratory MRSAThis study aimed to characterise bacteriophages for potential therapeutic use against Staphylococcus aureus, focusing on clinical respiratory isolates of methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains. Specifically, it sought to evaluate phage lytic activity, host range, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities, and overall safety for therapeutic use.