Pathways That Regulate Nuclear Export Of Circular RNA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$933,327.00
Summary
An emerging and unusual class of RNA molecules, circular RNAs (circRNAs), is widespread and plays important roles in cancer initiation and progression. However, the pathways responsible for nuclear export of circRNAs are unknown. We propose here to systematically determine how circRNAs are exported from the nucleus and characterise the effect of modulating circRNA export pathways in cancer. This will enable us to determine whether circRNAs can function as a biomarker of patient response.
A New Mechanism Of Tissue Fibrosis - A Small Peptide Regulator Of The TGF-beta1/Smad Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$768,757.00
Summary
Progressive scarring, or fibrosis, of organs leads to their loss of function. Fibrotic diseases are devastating to both the individual and our community and we lack effective therapies. We have identified a small protein, named SPRF, which represents a new mechanism in tissue fibrosis. These studies will examine the role of the SRPF protein in models of kidney, heart and lung fibrosis and its underlying mechanism of action. We will also test a therapy based on inhibiting SPRF function.
Deadly Commute - Targeting The Trafficking Mechanisms That Licence Inflammatory Cell Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$774,544.00
Summary
MLKL is a protein naturally found inside cells. MLKL is activated by inflammation. Once activated, MLKL relocates to the outer periphery of cells and kills them. Gut cells are especially vulnerable to death-by-MLKL and this problem causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Using cutting edge microscopy, we have discovered how MLKL moves to the periphery of cells prior to killing them. We will test if blocking this movement of MLKL to the cell periphery stops gut death and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.