Structural and pharmaceutical studies on a novel human protein, MIC-1. Cancer and obesity are two of the main health problems facing Australia, as reflected by the National Research Priority: Promoting and Maintaining Good Health. This project will develop new diagnostic tools for early cancer detection and prognosis using the protein, MIC-1. MIC-1 is responsible for cachexia, a wasting disorder responsible for 25% of cancer deaths, which has no effective therapy. MIC-1 and antibodies neutrali ....Structural and pharmaceutical studies on a novel human protein, MIC-1. Cancer and obesity are two of the main health problems facing Australia, as reflected by the National Research Priority: Promoting and Maintaining Good Health. This project will develop new diagnostic tools for early cancer detection and prognosis using the protein, MIC-1. MIC-1 is responsible for cachexia, a wasting disorder responsible for 25% of cancer deaths, which has no effective therapy. MIC-1 and antibodies neutralising MIC-1 may provide therapeutic agents to control cancer cachexia and severe obesity. The project will optimise these molecules for therapeutic uses. These diagnostic and therapeutic tools will form the basis of a spin-off company for commercialisation. Read moreRead less
Genetic manipulation of Clostridium sporogenes. The overall objective of this project is to develop genetic methods for the manipulation of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium sporogenes. Specifically, the project aims to manipulate this microorganism so that genes encoding enzymes that convert prodrugs to anticancer drugs can be introduced and stably maintained on its chromosome. The significance of the project is that the resultant bacteria, and others constructed using these methods, will th ....Genetic manipulation of Clostridium sporogenes. The overall objective of this project is to develop genetic methods for the manipulation of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium sporogenes. Specifically, the project aims to manipulate this microorganism so that genes encoding enzymes that convert prodrugs to anticancer drugs can be introduced and stably maintained on its chromosome. The significance of the project is that the resultant bacteria, and others constructed using these methods, will then be able to be tested for their ability to act as specific drug delivery systems for use in the treatment of solid tumours.Read moreRead less