MicroRNAs are small molecules that modulate the expression of most genes and so affect nearly every biological process and pathology although, they were only discovered in humans less than 10 years ago. The bottleneck in discovering the functions of miRNAs is in identifying their molecular targets, the majority of which remain unknown. We aim to comprehensively identify direct target genes of epithelial-specific microRNAs and to confirm a number of them by gene target validation approaches.
Role Of The MiR-200 Target Quaking In Alternative Splicing During EMT And Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,160.00
Summary
The spread of cancer to other organs involves cancer cells changing to a more aggressive state and is a major cause of cancer related death. MicroRNAs are a class of genes that control whether cancer cells become more aggressive by regulating other genes. In this project we will examine the function of a new microRNA target which controls the cancer cell aggression. The outcome will be a better understanding of how cancers spread and the identification of new therapeutic targets.
The canonical stratification of jet spaces. Singularities occur everywhere in nature, from the formation and collapse of stars to the morphology of living embryos. They appear whenever the geometry of surfaces or spaces undergoes a process of twisting, folding, or collapsing on itself. Singularity Theory is the study of such phenomena, an important branch of modern mathematics which has close connections with many other branches of mathematics and applied sciences. Singularity Theory lies at the ....The canonical stratification of jet spaces. Singularities occur everywhere in nature, from the formation and collapse of stars to the morphology of living embryos. They appear whenever the geometry of surfaces or spaces undergoes a process of twisting, folding, or collapsing on itself. Singularity Theory is the study of such phenomena, an important branch of modern mathematics which has close connections with many other branches of mathematics and applied sciences. Singularity Theory lies at the crossroads of the paths connecting the most important areas of applications of mathematics with its most abstract parts. Analytic Singularity Theory is a central part of Singularity Theory. This project would lead to substantially new advancements in Analytic Singularity Theory.Read moreRead less
Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is a condition that arises in some patients with chronic reflux (heartburn) and increases the risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus. However, the exact mechanisms involved in its development are unknown. This project aims to investigate how a protein called sonic hedgehog might be involved using novel cell culturing techniques that allow us to model the growth of oesophageal tissue in the laboratory. This could lead to development of new therapies for treating BO.
The Sakai scheme-Askey table correspondence, analogues of isomonodromy and determinantal point processes. The Australian mathematical sciences enjoys two research groups with active interests on Painleve equations in applied mathematics which are able to address difficult problems. Such a problem is to give a formulation of Sakai's 2001 classification of the Painleve equations in a form most suitable for applications. For this links will be made with a seemingly distinct area of mathematics - t ....The Sakai scheme-Askey table correspondence, analogues of isomonodromy and determinantal point processes. The Australian mathematical sciences enjoys two research groups with active interests on Painleve equations in applied mathematics which are able to address difficult problems. Such a problem is to give a formulation of Sakai's 2001 classification of the Painleve equations in a form most suitable for applications. For this links will be made with a seemingly distinct area of mathematics - the Askey table from the theory of hypergeometric orthogonal polynomials. A number of tractable PhD projects are suggested by this proposal.Read moreRead less
Glucose is a critical fuel for living organisms and its presence in the gut triggers nerves that slow stomach emptying. However, little is known of how glucose is actually detected in the gut. We have established that sweet taste molecules of the tongue are also present in the gut, where they may detect glucose. This research will measure the expression and function of these molecules in the gut of humans and mice, and reveal key information on their potential as targets in health and disease.
Epithelial Drivers Of Neutrophil Plasticity In Early Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$849,462.00
Summary
Why airway inflammation becomes chronic so early in life for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) is unclear. This project will use the latest techniques to characterise immune cells found in airways of infants with CF and model in the laboratory how immune cells react to the CF airway. We will challenge CF airway cells with different bugs that can infect the lung, then see if the responses by CF airway cells can change the normal response of immune cells, triggering chronic disease.
The Mechanisms Of Epithelial Cell Survival That Govern Thymus Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,967.00
Summary
The thymus is an organ dedicated to the production of crucial immune cells, called T lymphocytes. Cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, destroy thymic function and impair immune recovery in patients. We aim to uncover molecular processes that govern the life and death decisions of cells in the thymus. Our goal is to then use this information to develop treatments to protect this critical organ from damage and improve immune recovery following radiation or chemotherapy.
Inhibition Of Cellcell Actin-based Motility During Poxvirus Infection By The Kinase Inhibitor Glivec
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,950.00
Summary
Although smallpox, one of the deadliest human pathogens, was eradicated in 1980, the current global climate has resulted in fears that smallpox may be used as a biological weapon. Unfortunately the smallpox vaccine poses a serious health hazard to certain people. We have shown that Glivec, a drug used to treat cancer, has potent anti-viral affects on poxvirus replication. This project will test the effectiveness of Glivec in treating smallpox in an animal model and study how it acts.
Symmetry in Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is a major branch of mathematics studying shape by using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area, especially concerned with the interaction between geometry, differential equations, and symmetry. The mathematical notion of symmetry was already formalised early last century and nowadays lies at the very heart of mathematics and physics. Advances in this area provide essential tools in basic s ....Symmetry in Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is a major branch of mathematics studying shape by using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area, especially concerned with the interaction between geometry, differential equations, and symmetry. The mathematical notion of symmetry was already formalised early last century and nowadays lies at the very heart of mathematics and physics. Advances in this area provide essential tools in basic science and unexpected technological benefits can easily arise (for example, in medical imaging). Fundamental mathematical research is absolutely necessary if Australia is to maintain a presence on the international scientific stage.
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