Inherited Musculoskeletal Disorders: Molecular Genetics, Cellular Mechanisms And Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,458.00
Summary
My goal is to understand the causes of inherited muscular dystrophies and disorders affecting development of the skeleton. I study muscular dystrophies caused by collagen VI mutations, provide diagnosis for patients and families, and identify how and why the changes cause muscle disease. I am searching for genes that modify muscular dystrophy severity and exploring potential therapies. I discovered a new gene for inherited arthritis and am searching for genes for other skeletal disorders.
Biosensor Imaging In Preclinical Pancreatic Cancer Targeting: Taking Cancer Targeting To New Dimensions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
Using cutting-edge imaging technology and 3D models that mimic cancer, we can map areas of poor drug response within distinct 'stages' or regions of tumours. Here, we pinpoint and specifically target key factors limiting efficient drug response in order to improve the encouraging anti-cancer profile of new or current drugs in pancreatic cancer.
Reproductive health critically impacts a woman’s wellbeing, irrespective of her choice to have children. The ovary and its hormones govern physiological events regulating health at puberty, across the menstrual cycle, during the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, and in parturition, lactation and menopause. The major health burdens concerning ovaries that we are studying include polycystic ovarian syndrome and assisted reproductive technologies used to treat infertility.
I am a cartilage biochemist investigating (1) cartilage remodelling in normal skeletal growth & development and (2) the molecular events that destroy cartilage in arthritic diseases. My research focuses on the molecules that define cartilage structure, and the enzymes that degrade and remodel it. Our analyses include work with molecules in test tubes, genetically modified mice with degradation-resistant cartilage, and synovial fluid samples from arthritis patients.