The Preferential Release Of Young Insulin Secretory Granules.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,005.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to investigate the cause of reduced glucose induced insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes. In pancreatic beta-cells, insulin is packaged and stored in secretory granules (SGs). Upon stimulation, these SGs deliver insulin to the bloodstream. It is known that insulin SGs exist in two functionally distinct pools; and one pool is preferentially secreted upon stimulation. How a cell can differentiate the two SG pools is unclear, and we will address this issue in this project.
Characterising The Beta-catenin Nuclear Targeting Pathway In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$485,081.00
Summary
Bowel cancer is caused by inherited gene mutations that cause build-up of beta-catenin protein in the cell nucleus. Bowel cancer is the second largest cause of cancer deaths in Australia. We aim to study the mechanisms controlling beta-catenin accumulation in the nucleus. We will characterise new signalling pathways that control movement and activity of beta-catenin in the nucleus. This will yield insights into the role of beta-catenin in cancer and possible targets for therapy.
The Role Of Nuclear Architecture In The DNA Damage Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,966.00
Summary
The goal of the proposed research is to understand how dynamic changes to the chromatin genome packaging network, interact with the DNA damage response and gene expression machinery, to repair damaged DNA and the impact this has on cancer biology. To do so we are combining cutting edge molecular biology techniques with innovative novel microscopy methods developed by our research team, that far exceed the spatiotemporal resolution currently used to study chromatin biology.