Career Development Fellowship_Y C Gary Lee_Translational Research On Malignant Pleural Effusion And Pleural Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,489.00
Summary
My pleural research program uniquely combines a clinical and a lab research arm integrated with a tertiary clinical service. It has a strong track record in improving clinical care in pleural cancer and infection through patient-oriented research. My program has a high productivity and strong commitment to training future pleural researchers. This Fellowship will allow me to continue the upward trajectory in research publication, training of fellows, and making advances that impact patient care.
In Vivo Imaging Of Protective And Malignant B Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,412.00
Summary
B cells are responsible for producing antibody that protects us from infection. Disruption of healthy B cell function can lead to a myriad of diseases including immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and blood cancers such as leukaemia. The aim of my work is to use powerful microscopy to visualise how mutated B cells interact with their surrounding environment in real-time. These studies will allow the development of new treatments for cancer and immune conditions that target these interactions.
Targeting Tumour-Stromal Interactions In Pancreatic Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,095.00
Summary
Pancreatic cancer claims five Australian lives every day and is one of the nations most lethal diseases. Despite aggressive treatment regimes, there has been no improvement in patient survival in the last decade. Evidence suggests that targeting cancer cells alone is not enough. The intense stromal reaction inhibits drug delivery and increases the aggressiveness of the tumours. Thus, depletion of the stroma or pancreatic stellate cells is a potential therapeutic target.
Using Connective Tissue Stem Cells To Treat Human Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
In our recent Cell paper (January 15, 2015), we reported our discovery of two new adult stem cells. One of these, the osteochondroreticular (OCR) bone stem cell (pronounced “ocker” stem cell) has a particular affinity for developing cartilage. We are testing if this cell could be used as a new treatment for osteoarthritis. The second new stem cell we discovered, is called the iRSC, and lies within the intestine. We are studying this cell in the development and treatment of bowel cancer.
Identification And Targeting Of A Potent NK Cell “checkpoint” In Tumour Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Cancer must evade detection by the immune system in order to develop. Natural Killer (NK) cells can detect and kill cancer cells. We have discovered a potent "checkpoint" in the NK cell activation pathway that desensitizes NK cells to growth factors and switches off their activation and killer function. When this checkpoint is inhibited, NK cells become hyper-activated and prevent most types of cancer metastasis in mice. Targeting this checkpoint in humans could revolutionise cancer therapy
The Molecular Determinants Of Immunological Tolerance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,477.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases, such as type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis, are debilitating disorders that impose a massive toll on wellbeing in Australia and worldwide. This fellowship will support research aimed at determining the genes and mechanisms that control autoimmunity. New technologies will be brought to bear to track immune cells throughout their development, maturity and malfunction in disease settings. We aim to uncover new therapeutic targets to prevent and reverse autoimmune disease.