Gene Mining For Novel Molecular Determinants Of The Skeleton
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,447.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal conditions affect over 6 million Australians and research has shown that genetic background strongly influences development of these disorders. This project will identify genes that have a role in controlling bone and joint architecture. Identification of these genes will assist in the development of treatments targeting bone disorders and allow screening for these genes to provide an opportunity for people to take preventative action to improve bone and joint health.
Melanoma Mutation Profiling For Personalised Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,191.00
Summary
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer, and the leading cause of skin cancer related deaths. Disease spread is difficult to detect and extremely difficult to cure. This bleak clinical outcome is changing with the development of personalised therapies which include small molecule inhibitors to treat metastatic melanoma. Here we seek to identify the spectrum of mutations in patient tumours and circulating tumour cells for advanced personalised treatment.
Functional Effects Of Polymorphic Variation Of The Aromatase (CYP19) Gene On Enzyme Activity:relationship To Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$237,708.00
Summary
After menopause, oestrogen synthesis changes from an ovarian to an adipose source by concersion of androgens to estrogens, a process catalyzed by aromatase, the product of the CYP19 gene. We will generate mutants of the CYP19 gene that we have previously found in humans by site-directed mutagenesis and observe the effects of these mutants on aromatase function. This research will help with diagnosis and treatment of breast and other cancers and osteoporosis in humans .