Deciphering The Role Of Atypical DNA Methylation In Neuronal Genome Regulation And Neurological Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,484.00
Summary
This research will use a combination of genomic, biochemical and functional genomics approaches to investigate the role of the atypical mCH form of DNA methylation in neuronal genome regulation and function, and provide new insights into the role of the epigenome in healthy brain function and neural pathologies.
Leveraging Genomics Strategies To Generate Adult Neurons From IPSCs And Somatic Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,593,336.00
Summary
Recent advances have made it possible to derive myriad specialized human cells from stem cells or by directly reprogramming cell identity. However, these derived cells are generally arrested at a fetal developmental stage, and do not mature to function like adult cells. We will use new genomic, epigenetic, cell reprogramming, and manipulation methods to discover how to derive mature cells, aiming to generate mature neurons for use in neurobiology research, disease modeling, and drug screening.
EPIGENETIC REPROGRAMMING OF MALIGNANT BREAST CANCER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,268.00
Summary
Poorly differentiated breast cancers are aggressive tumors, frequently resistant to chemotherapy and associated with high morbidity. Herein we propose the engineering of more selective therapeutic agents able to target the genes involved in cancer initiation and resistance to treatment. We aim to correct and reprogram the cancer cell genome in state that is similar to normal, not tumorigenic cells. This work will generate novel forms of treatment for cancers that are presently not curable.
Investigating The Cellular Response To Iron-Depletion: The Trilogy Of ASK1, Thioredoxin And Ribonucleotide Reductase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,572.00
Summary
Iron is crucial for many essential biological processes. Recently, we demonstrated that iron-depletion can affects important signalling pathways (e.g., JNK and p38) that play important roles in growth arrest and apoptosis. This study is designed to investigate the cellular and molecular effects of iron depletion which currently remains unclear. The research is crucial for understanding: (1) the effects of iron deficiency and (2) for understanding the effects of iron chelators that are used for t ....Iron is crucial for many essential biological processes. Recently, we demonstrated that iron-depletion can affects important signalling pathways (e.g., JNK and p38) that play important roles in growth arrest and apoptosis. This study is designed to investigate the cellular and molecular effects of iron depletion which currently remains unclear. The research is crucial for understanding: (1) the effects of iron deficiency and (2) for understanding the effects of iron chelators that are used for treating various diseases.Read moreRead less
Investigating Underlying Mechanisms Linking Type 2 Diabetes With Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$701,950.00
Summary
With type-2 diabetes representing a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms. This project will provide significant insight into how T2D impacts the brain with a focus on how deficiencies in brain inuslin signaling drives neurodegeneration. We will also evaluate novel inuslin like molecules at improving brain insulin siganling and preventing or slowing down the neurodegenerative process.
Testing Novel Therapies Using Paediatric Brain Tumour Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,023.00
Summary
Brain tumours are the second most common childhood cancer, with 300 children affected in Australia each year. Many children with brain tumours continue to die of their disease, whilst survivors are often left with devastating life long side effects. Our goals are to harness the power of innovative model systems of childhood brain tumours, in order to test the effectiveness of new treatments for these devastating diseases, so that the most promising therapies can be taken through to the clinic.