Mitochondrially targeted anti-cancer drugs modulate the mitochondrial genome. Successful cancer management requires novel therapeutical approaches. This project will test the effect of a new class of compounds that target mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, where they suppress expression of mitochondrial genes. By this mechanism, cancers that are resistant to apoptosis induction can be inhibited.
Improving Sexual Health In Men With Prostate Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial Of Exercise And Psychosexual Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,416.00
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common and distressing side effects of prostate cancer. Despite being a critical survivorship care issue, there is a clear gap in knowledge surrounding the optimal treatment of sexual dysfunction in men with prostate cancer. This project examines whether exercise aids in the management of sexual dysfunction and explores if an integrated treatment model incorporating pharmacological, exercise and psychosexual therapies maximises improvement in sexual health.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology. The CoE in Convergent Bio-Nano Science &Technology comprises a multi-disciplinary team focused on research aiming to understand and control the interface of materials with biological systems. The Centre will exploit knowledge of the bio-nano interface to design materials that transport and deliver vaccines, drugs and gene therapy agents, and to design new diagnostic agents and devices. Nanomedicines are on the cusp of revol ....ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology. The CoE in Convergent Bio-Nano Science &Technology comprises a multi-disciplinary team focused on research aiming to understand and control the interface of materials with biological systems. The Centre will exploit knowledge of the bio-nano interface to design materials that transport and deliver vaccines, drugs and gene therapy agents, and to design new diagnostic agents and devices. Nanomedicines are on the cusp of revolutionizing diagnosis and therapy in many diseases. The CoE will be the focus of bio-nano research activity in Australia, uniting universities, research agencies, institutes and companies. The expected outcomes are better diagnostic and therapeutic tools designed via an enhanced understanding of the bio-nano-interface.Read moreRead less
Identification of functionally important autophosphorylation site(s) on ataxia telangiectasia and Rad 3 - related (ATR) protein kinase. The integrity of our genetic material must be maintained so that it can be passed on from one generation to the next and also to minimize the risk of cancer and other pathologies in an individual. There are multiple proteins involved in protecting our DNA including several enzymes that detect and signal DNA damage to a series of pathways involved in halting the ....Identification of functionally important autophosphorylation site(s) on ataxia telangiectasia and Rad 3 - related (ATR) protein kinase. The integrity of our genetic material must be maintained so that it can be passed on from one generation to the next and also to minimize the risk of cancer and other pathologies in an individual. There are multiple proteins involved in protecting our DNA including several enzymes that detect and signal DNA damage to a series of pathways involved in halting the passage of cells through the cell cycle so that repair can occur. This project studies the mechanism of action of one of these enzymes which will be of benefit in designing new compounds to fight disease. Read moreRead less
Most eye diseases have a genetic contribution, whether rare disorders affecting children such as retinoblastoma or congenital cataracts through to common disorders of older people such as myopia, age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma. We will continue our successful research to find genes that cause these diseases and use this to improve patient care and prevent blindness. We will work out how families can use this genetic information to participate in trials to develop new treatments.
Adequate nutrition is necessary for recovery from illness. 30-40% of hospitalised patients may be malnourished. The critically ill are at higher risk because of increased energy requirements yet often receive less than 50% of required nutritional intake. Adequate nutrition therapy is associated with improved patient outcomes, such as reduced mortality and reduced infectious complications. Robust strategies to implement of evidence-based recommendations for nutrition therapy are required.
A Phase III Trial Comparing Adjuvant Versus Salvage Radiotherapy For High Risk Patients Post Radical Prostatectomy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$819,138.00
Summary
About half of all patients Treated with an operation to remove their prostate cancer have a high chance of the cancer coming back. Giving immediate radiotherapy to all patients will improve cure rates but does not benefit all men and can cause significant side effects. This study explores whether it is safe to wait and only give radiotherapy when there is a rising PSA after surgery indicating active cancer. A total of 470 men from Australasia will enter this study comparing the two approaches.
Role Of IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) And IGFBP-5 As Modulators Of Nuclear Hormone Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,750.00
Summary
The insulin-like growth factors are small proteins involved in the growth of most tissues. Their actions are regulated by binding to larger proteins (known as IGFBPs) in the bloodstream and outside the cell. However, some IGFBPs are also found inside cells, where they seem to carry out other functions. We believe that two of these binding proteins, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5, change the way cells respond to vitamin A and vitamin D. These two vitamins are important in cell growth and in the way certain ....The insulin-like growth factors are small proteins involved in the growth of most tissues. Their actions are regulated by binding to larger proteins (known as IGFBPs) in the bloodstream and outside the cell. However, some IGFBPs are also found inside cells, where they seem to carry out other functions. We believe that two of these binding proteins, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5, change the way cells respond to vitamin A and vitamin D. These two vitamins are important in cell growth and in the way certain cells perform specialised functions. In test-tube experiments, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 interact directly with the receptors that regulate the effects of these hormones. If the same thing happens inside the cell, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 could change the way these receptors respond to signals from outside the cell. We will investigate what effect these IGFBPs have in living cells and in whole animals and how this may relate to human disease. If we are able to understand how IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 affect the way cells respond to vitamin A and D, then we may be able to develop new ways to treat certain human diseases.Read moreRead less
Investigating Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
In this program, I will enhance our understanding of cancer gene regulation and provide novel avenues for the treatment of aggressive tumours. Using own data and that from collaborators, I will determine patterns of gene regulation in blood cancers and identify markers that predict disease outcome. I aim to understand how gene regulation can transform healthy cells into tumour cells and whether personalised treatment can kill tumour cells more effectively and prevent relapse and metastasis.
The Genetic Basis of Differences Between the Sexes. Improved medical interventions against genetic disorders like cancer are made possible by advances in fundamental understanding of gene function and, especially, genetic mechanisms (like genomic imprinting) that are directly implicated in these disorders. Furthermore, an understanding of environmental effects within and across generations is vital in an age of global climate change. Recent theory and evidence suggest that research on sexually d ....The Genetic Basis of Differences Between the Sexes. Improved medical interventions against genetic disorders like cancer are made possible by advances in fundamental understanding of gene function and, especially, genetic mechanisms (like genomic imprinting) that are directly implicated in these disorders. Furthermore, an understanding of environmental effects within and across generations is vital in an age of global climate change. Recent theory and evidence suggest that research on sexually dimorphic traits may hold a key to a better understanding of these phenomena. The proposed research will strengthen Australia's position as leader in evolutionary genetics, enhance knowledge of native fauna, and improve our understanding of biological phenomena that affect human health. Read moreRead less