Information theoretic approaches to optimise genome wide association studies with application to continuous and discrete traits. This project aims to develop new mathematical methods to find genetic associations from new genome-wide studies of colorectal cancer and breast cancer risk factors. If successful, this will result in improved use of expensive genetic data to better predict and understand diseases, conditions and other characteristics for humans, animals and plants.
New methods for the chemical synthesis of a library of glycopeptide-based tri-component cancer vaccines. A novel method for the synthesis of tumour-associated glycopeptides will be developed in this research as well as the preparation of a library of glycopeptide-based cancer vaccines. These vaccines will be tested in immunological studies with a view to elucidating new immune-based therapies for the treatment of cancer.
Total Synthesis of Myxobacteria Metabolites and Analogues. This project will investigate the total chemical synthesis of complex myxobacteria metabolites. In addition, the synthesis of new analogues of some of these natural products will also be investigated. The project endeavours to develop new methods for chemical synthesis and also to produce new therapeutic products which may possess greater efficacy and superior biological activities than the natural compounds. Most significantly, this pro ....Total Synthesis of Myxobacteria Metabolites and Analogues. This project will investigate the total chemical synthesis of complex myxobacteria metabolites. In addition, the synthesis of new analogues of some of these natural products will also be investigated. The project endeavours to develop new methods for chemical synthesis and also to produce new therapeutic products which may possess greater efficacy and superior biological activities than the natural compounds. Most significantly, this project will deliver natural and new compounds for analysis of anti-cancer activity. The rewards of the development of new synthetic methods are enormous for the community and in the education of our scientists.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101632
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,220.00
Summary
Development of Innovative Chemical Tools for Studying Glycosyltransferases . This project aims to develop chemical probes capable of selectively binding and inhibiting two classes of carbohydrate processing enzymes known as O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine transferase and sialyltransferases. These enzymes are overexpressed in various cancers and play critical roles in cancer progression. Probes will be developed to analyse the activities of these enzymes in cancer cells.
On-demand 3D polymer scaffolds for directed stem cell differentiation. The project will develop new polymer gels that can be sculpted into shapes, representing tissues and organs. This 3D scaffold will provide a surface with biological signals to create functional tissues from stem cells. The approach will create engineered intestinal tissue with great promise to increase the survival rates of colon cancer patients.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101673
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Access to biomimetic carbohydrate receptors using dynamic combinatorial chemistry. This project aims to utilise novel synthetic technology for the development of cyclic peptide libraries as novel drug leads for the treatment of Dengue virus, HIV and cancer.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101653
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Selective fluorination chemistry: a tool for creating bioactive, shape-controlled peptides. Fluorine atoms are desirable substituents in drug candidates because they can increase metabolic stability and hydrophobicity, and because they can be used to constrain molecules into optimal bioactive conformations. These concepts are being exploited to create shape-controlled peptides with applications in anti-cancer and anti-microbial therapy.
Linking chemical synthesis with protein discovery to reveal key biological pathways. The project aims to pioneer a chemical biology technology to deliver a much better understanding of key molecules that regulate diseases such as cancer. For decades phorbol esters have been prominent molecules for controlling cell switches in complex diseases but our knowledge is incomplete because of the limited natural abundance of these molecules.
Inhibition of membrane-bound carbonic anhydrases with small molecules as a novel approach to target a safe and effective treatment for solid tumours. Over 85 per cent of human cancers are solid tumours and the prognosis for patients with advanced solid tumours is extremely poor owing to resistance to conventional chemo- and radio- therapies. Our research will underpin the development of new, safe and effective drug treatment options for cancer patients with solid tumours.
Chiral Catalysts by Rational Design. This project aims to integrate theory and experiment to design new catalysts for the synthesis of multi-stereocentre-containing molecules. Such molecules offer clear advantages in the area of drug design, owing to their potent and selective binding to biological targets, but a lack of available methods for their preparation currently limits their widespread use. This project will use theory to guide the discovery of new ways to make these molecules. It is exp ....Chiral Catalysts by Rational Design. This project aims to integrate theory and experiment to design new catalysts for the synthesis of multi-stereocentre-containing molecules. Such molecules offer clear advantages in the area of drug design, owing to their potent and selective binding to biological targets, but a lack of available methods for their preparation currently limits their widespread use. This project will use theory to guide the discovery of new ways to make these molecules. It is expected that detailed understanding of the factors that control stereocentre formation will be obtained from accurate theoretical modelling and will be applied to invent new catalysts that deliver improved performance and control over product structure.Read moreRead less