My research objectives centre on new technology development for improving diagnostics and therapeutics applied to skin. I have developed and patented novel devices for minimally invasive topical drug delivery and skin sampling. My leadership and tangible research outcomes are now enabling previously impossible skin research to be done and now are also impacting the commercial sector in addition to creating new knowledge in the field.
Structural And Drug Discovery Studies Of Medically Important Protein Complexes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,577.00
Summary
My research is focused on structural studies of medically important biological systems, where specific protein complex formation contributes to human illnesses. I use X-ray crystallography to visualize the whole complex at atomic resolution as well as to determine whether binding partners have undergone changes in shape upon complex formation. This structural information then helps me in drug design with goals to either disrupt or modulate the complex.
The Hunt For New-generation Lipopeptide Antibiotics Targeting Gram-negative ‘Superbugs’
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,477.00
Summary
The dry antibiotic discovery and development pipeline, together with the increasing incidence of bacterial resistance in the clinic has been dubbed ‘the perfect storm’. This project involves the design, synthesis and preclinical evaluation of a new generation of polymyxin-like lipopeptides that have low nephrotoxicity and specifically target polymyxin-resistant Gram-negative ‘superbugs’.
Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems For Under-served Populations Worldwide
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
The World Health Organization has identified the strengthening of primary health care systems as a priority area for global health. My research program focusses on identifying, developing and testing innovative strategies to improve access to high quality primary health care for under-served populations in Australia (particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities), rural India, China and the USA.
Follicular Helper T Cell Development And Function: From Mechanisms To Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Antibodies are the basis of most successful vaccinations. Diminished antibody responses lead to immunodeficiency while excessive antibody responses contribute to autoimmune diseases. We are studying a newly identified specialised helper T cell subset, termed follicular helper T cells, which is essential to regulate the high-affinity and long-lived antibody responses. The knowledge should provide new strategies to design better vaccines, to control infections, or to treat autoimmune disorders.
Investigations Into Supraphysiologic T Cell Receptors And T Cell Agonists.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
T cells are critical in controlling infection and important for the natural eradication of cancer. Through shape recognition, T cells identify dangerous antigens via the surface-bound T cell receptor (TCR). Using new technologies this project aims to "tune up" the strength of this molecular interaction and create a new generation of high affinity TCR and antigens for use as therapeutic and prophylactic drugs in the battle against infectious disease and cancer.
Discovering The Genetic Causes Of Congenital Heart Disease Using Systems Biology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects one in one hundred live-born babies, representing a significant health burden in Australia and worldwide. My research team is using state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technology to sequence the entire genome of hundreds of patients with CHD and their family members. My research program develops fast and reliable computer software to accelerate the discovery of the genetic causes of CHD, and make personalised genome-based medicine a reality.
Novel Health Data Systems For Translation And Impact
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Health research seeks to benefit society by improving health. However, there is a gap between the findings of research and healthcare practice. New systems are beginning to change the way research data are used to improve health outcomes. I am an HIV specialist developing and evaluating several new data systems and my vision for the next four years is to use these to improve the translation of health research into practice and policy for the benefit of people with HIV and society at large.
Exploring And Exploiting Novel Therapeutic Avenues In Mesothelioma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer of the lungs. It rapidly grows and invades surrounding tissues such as the ribcage, causing severe shortness of breath and pain. Chemotherapy has limited effect and although immunotherapy appears promising, most patients do not respond. I will investigate why mesothelioma is so invasive; how to improve the response to immunotherapy and how to best combine chemotherapy and immunotherapy. I aim to develop new treatments that will benefit patients with mesothelioma.