Cell Trafficking In A Stem Cell Model For Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,082.00
Summary
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a genetic disease passed down in affected families. It is a slowly progressing lower limb paralysis that gradually restricts daily activities until the sufferer is confined to bed. There are no cures. This project investigates patientsÍ stem cells to study how HSP genes cause disease. We will use these stem cells to discover new potential drug therapies.
Television Advertising To Promote NHMRC Guidelines For Low Risk Alcohol Consumption: Experimental Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,013.00
Summary
This project aims to experimentally assess the impact of television advertising that promotes the 2009 NHMRC Guidelines on alcohol consumption, on adults' (aged 18-64) estimates of drinking levels that incur an increased risk of short and long term harm. The Guidelines advise that adults should limit consumption to 2 standard drinks/day to reduce the risk of lifetime harm, and to 4 standard drinks on any single drinking occasion to reduce the risk of short-term harm from that occasion.
How Does The Endometrium Regenerate? Role Of Epithelial Stem/progenitor Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,397.00
Summary
Endometriosis and endometrial cancer are disorders of endometrial growth and regeneration. We recently discovered adult stem cells in the endometrium (uterine lining), which are responsible for its regeneration each month during the menstrual cycle. We aim to examine the role of a molecular pathway in endometrial epithelial stem cell function during endometrial regeneration to identify novel targets for devising more effective non-hormonal therapies for endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
Mediator Kinase As A Therapeutic Target For Wnt/β-catenin Dependent Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$949,907.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in Australia and globally. The Wnt/?-catenin signalling pathway is a well established driver of colon cancer growth in >90% of cases. Using sophisticated genetic screens, we identified CDK8/19 as a colon cancer oncogene and critical regulator of Wnt/?-catenin activity. In this proposal, we will use innovative cancer models in mice and human cancer tissues to investigate newly developed CDK8/19 inhibitors for colon cancer therapy ....Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in Australia and globally. The Wnt/?-catenin signalling pathway is a well established driver of colon cancer growth in >90% of cases. Using sophisticated genetic screens, we identified CDK8/19 as a colon cancer oncogene and critical regulator of Wnt/?-catenin activity. In this proposal, we will use innovative cancer models in mice and human cancer tissues to investigate newly developed CDK8/19 inhibitors for colon cancer therapy.Read moreRead less
Repair Of Epigenetic Abnormalities In Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells By Targeted Epigenome Engineering
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$810,366.00
Summary
New advances enable a patient’s cells to be reprogrammed into an adult stem cell, with the capacity to turn into any specialized cell type to replace a patient’s damaged cells. However, we have discovered that adult stem cells are flawed, they have an epigenetic memory of their past specialized form that limits their capacity to transform into other specialized cells. We will use a novel molecular tool to erase this memory, thus repairing adult stem cells for their use in regenerative medicine.
Control Of Germline Progenitor Cell Fate And Fertility By The MTORC1 Signaling Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,798.00
Summary
Maintenance and repair of many adult tissues is dependent on a rare population of stem cells. Germline stem cells are essential for male fertility although the mechanisms controlling these cells are poorly understood. We have identified a key role for the growth-promoting mTORC1 pathway in regulation of germline stem cell function. Our studies of upstream regulators and downstream targets of this pathway in germline cells promise unique insight into infertility, tissue regeneration and cancer.
Understanding Dendritic Cell Dysfunction And Apoptosis In Malaria In Endemic Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$493,179.00
Summary
The Asia-Pacific has 40% of the global malaria burden, and both major malaria species (falciparum & vivax) cause disease and death. To eliminate malaria we need to understand how malaria parasites prevent our body making new immune responses. Our experienced team will measure how and when the two major malaria parasites switch off and kill specialised immune cells, when immune cells recover after antimalarial therapy and may suggest the need for malaria drugs to be given before immunisations.
Tissue Engineering A Cell-based Therapy For Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$709,975.00
Summary
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a hidden burden affecting 50% of all women. POP is the herniation of the uterus, bladder and/or bowel into the vagina causing incontinence and sexual dysfunction. POP results from injury to pelvic tissues during childbirth. Reconstructive surgery used to treat POP often fails. We aim to develop an innovative cell-based therapy using a woman’s own mesenchymal stem cells combined with novel scaffold materials that will regenerate the damaged pelvic tissues.
A Randomised Trial Of A Clinical Prediction Tool For Targeting Depression Care (Target-D)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$944,774.00
Summary
The Target-D Study uses a novel clinical prediction tool to test a new approach to depression care in general practice based upon sub-grouping patients into low, medium and high risk of ongoing depression. Participants will be randomly allocated to targeted treatments based upon their risk profile or to usual general practice care. We will measure whether the new approach results in greater improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life and functioning and whether there are cost benefits.
Towards Clinical Translation Of A Cell-based Therapy For Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,100,689.00
Summary
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a hidden burden affecting 50% of all women. POP is the herniation of the uterus, bladder and/or bowel into the vagina causing incontinence and sexual dysfunction. POP results from injury to pelvic tissues during childbirth. Reconstructive surgery used to treat POP often fails. We aim to develop an innovative cell-based therapy using a woman’s own mesenchymal stem cells combined with novel scaffold materials that will regenerate the damaged pelvic tissues.