Investigation of the biochemical and physiological functions of the negative regulator of cytokine signalling SOCS-2. Cytokines exert their effects by binding and signalling through specific cell surface receptors to elicit their biological action, and if left unchecked, this signalling can cause significant tissue damage and toxicity. Our aim is to characterise a novel regulator of cytokine signalling, SOCS-2. SOCS-2 is strongly implicated in the regulation of post-natal growth as SOCS-2 defici ....Investigation of the biochemical and physiological functions of the negative regulator of cytokine signalling SOCS-2. Cytokines exert their effects by binding and signalling through specific cell surface receptors to elicit their biological action, and if left unchecked, this signalling can cause significant tissue damage and toxicity. Our aim is to characterise a novel regulator of cytokine signalling, SOCS-2. SOCS-2 is strongly implicated in the regulation of post-natal growth as SOCS-2 deficient animals are 40 percent larger than normal. Consequently, we wish to determine how SOCS-2 acts to limit the size of an animal and whether this involves regulation of growth hormone action.Read moreRead less
The molecular role of ADAM12 in maintenance of skeletal muscle, myogenesis and adipogenesis. An understanding of the molecular control of skeletal muscle growth, maintenance and balance between muscle and fat production is of fundamental importance for a competitive meat industry, for the promotion of strong muscles in the ageing population and for disorders such as muscle diseases, diabetes and obesity. This project will enhance strong international collaborations and expand cutting-edge resear ....The molecular role of ADAM12 in maintenance of skeletal muscle, myogenesis and adipogenesis. An understanding of the molecular control of skeletal muscle growth, maintenance and balance between muscle and fat production is of fundamental importance for a competitive meat industry, for the promotion of strong muscles in the ageing population and for disorders such as muscle diseases, diabetes and obesity. This project will enhance strong international collaborations and expand cutting-edge research within Australia with many potential economic benefits for the meat industry, biotechnology and health. The expertise developed by this pioneering research will ensure that Australia is well placed to harness new technologies and exploit future advances in this fast-moving field of muscle biology.Read moreRead less
Elucidation of the hierarchy of stem, progenitor and mature cells in the mouse mammary gland. Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women in Australia. Although the treatments have improved over the last 30 years, many women still die from the disease. It is therefore important to identify new targets for breast cancer treatment. There is growing interest in the concept that a cancer-initiating cell may arise from a stem cell or progenitor cell in the mammary gland. O ....Elucidation of the hierarchy of stem, progenitor and mature cells in the mouse mammary gland. Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women in Australia. Although the treatments have improved over the last 30 years, many women still die from the disease. It is therefore important to identify new targets for breast cancer treatment. There is growing interest in the concept that a cancer-initiating cell may arise from a stem cell or progenitor cell in the mammary gland. Our goal is to identify those cells and to determine which genes are involved in transforming a normal cell to a cancerous cell.Read moreRead less