Nerve cell survival is dependent on both growth-promoting factors and factors released by neurotransmission, which can promote recovery in neurodegenerative conditions by overriding cell death pathways. The molecule responsible for activating death pathways in the nervous system is called p75. This project will investigate how p75 results in cell death, how synaptic signals can prevent the activation of the p75 death pathway and whether blocking p75 function can limit neurodegeneration.
Understanding Natural Killer Cell Development And Target Recognition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Immune detection and eradication or control of cancer and cancer immunotherapies are based in part on the idea that tumour-specific white blood cells can protect the body from tumour development, growth and metastases. While strong evidence supports this, the means by which these white cells first recognize the cancerous tissue is largely unknown. We will study a new family of white blood cell receptors that may be important in this recognition, either naturally or following therapy.
Decoding The Transcriptional Program Of Vessel Growth In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Lymphatic vessels are essential to maintain fluid balance in most tissues of the human body. Further the lymphatic vasculature plays a central role during cancer and contributes to tumour metastasis. Despite this integral function in health and disease little is known about the molecular programs that coordinate gene expression to build a functional vasculature. This research project will address this gap in our knowledge and will open up new therapeutic avenues for lymphatic vascular disorders
Development Of Endogenous Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Antagonism As A New Therapeutic Approach To Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,561.00
Summary
Neutrophils play a pivotal role in inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). G-CSF is a growth factor that is important to neutrophil survival and function. We have shown that in the absence of G-CSF the incidence and severity of experimental autoimmune arthritis are reduced. We will investigate the mechanisms by which this occurs as well as studying the effects of G-CSF blockade on function and survival of human neutrophils from healthy donors and RA patients.
Dysferlin Coordinates Membrane Repair For Skeletal And Cardiac Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
Muscles are damaged all of the time, as we stretch and contract them, but we don't fully understand how they repair themselves. We are studying the molecular steps taken by a muscle cell to repair membrane damage. Our research will provide valuable insights into how to treat muscular dystrophy and other conditions characterised by membrane damage to cells, such as heart attack and stroke.
Nfi Genes Regulate The Switch Between Neurogenesis And Gliogenesis During Cortical Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Cells within the brain fall into two categories; neurons or glia. Importantly, both derive from a common progenitor population, the radial glia, during development. Early in development radial glia produce neurons, while later they generate glia. The genes which control the switch from neuron production to glia production remain poorly defined. I propose to investigate how this switch is controlled in radial glia, focussing on a family of proteins known to regulate gene transcription.
Understanding ILC1 Transcriptional Regulation And Function In Immune Protection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Natural killer cells are innate cells that provide first line defense against infection and cancer. The recent discovery of a novel innate cell population has modified our vision of the early events necessary for immune protection. Understanding the role of these cells is critical as they could represent viable therapeutic targets. We have developed unique mouse models to experimentally target this population to determine how they are generated and their role in combating infection and cancer.
Lymphangiogenesis From Development To Disease: Analysis Of SOX18 Function In The Control Of Lymphatic Remodeling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Cancers are lethal mainly because they spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body via blood vessels and lymphatic ducts. Pilot studies suggest that suppressing the function of a gene, SOX18, reduces tumour metastasis. We now propose to confirm these findings and study this effect in detail, with the ultimate aim of developing new therapies able to complement already existing anti-cancer treatments.