The Regulation Of Pleiotropic Responses By Bidentate Motifs Embedded In The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,336.00
Summary
Cells in our bodies are able to accomplish an impressive array of functions. Diffusible factors (called growth factors) are important in regulating diverse cellular functions. We have identified a new molecular switch inside cells that acts as a master controller of cellular functions. This molecular switch relays information to instruct specific cellular functions. We have shown that these molecular switches are short-circuited in breast cancer promoting cell growth and survival.
Therapeutic Targeting Of A New Growth Factor In Mesothelioma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,775.00
Summary
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable cancer. This study will build on our recent data showing a protein termed FGF-9, not previously linked with mesothelioma, could significantly stimulate mesothelioma growth. This project will examine the biologic activities of FGF-9 and its receptors in mesothelioma, and the therapeutic benefits of antagonizing FGF-9 in mesothelioma in vivo.
Identification Of Novel Biomarkers And Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. In this fellowship, I will investigate different markers in the blood and risk factors that can help to identify people at an increased risk of developing heart disease. The ultimate aim of this project is to identify blood markers or factors that can be used to identify and treat people at the early stages of heart disease, thus reducing the death rate and associated economic burden of the disease.
Does Enhanced Vitamin D Activity In Bone Heal The Skeleton In Disorders Of FGF23 Excess?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$855,925.00
Summary
X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a genetic disorder which results in phosphate wasting and rickets. This severe disorder has no effective treatment. We have compelling new evidence that the rickets in XLH is not primarily a disorder of low blood phosphate, but rather specific issue of low cellular levels and activity of vitamin D (1,25D) within bone. This proposal is designed to specifically demonstrate this new concept and outline a new paradigm for a new XLH treatment.
Characterising Signals Important For Lymphangiogenesis During Development And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,938.00
Summary
Lymphatic vessels are a vital component of the cardiovascular system. Abnormalities in the growth and development of lymphatic vessels are associated with human disorders including cancer, lymphoedema and inflammatory diseases. The focus of this application is to characterise signals that direct the construction of lymphatic vessels, with the aim of identifying targets to which novel therapeutics for the treatment of lymphatic vascular diseases could be generated.
Integrin-growth Factor Interactions In The Development Of Airway Wall Remodelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,300.00
Summary
Asthma is a clinically and socio-economically important disease with prevalence in the Australian population of approximately 13% for adults and approaching 25% for children. Currently, glucocorticoids (GCS) are first line prophylactic therapy for the disease. Despite a wide diversity of precipitating factors, the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain unclear. A marked thickening of the airway wall bought about by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix is a prominent pathological f ....Asthma is a clinically and socio-economically important disease with prevalence in the Australian population of approximately 13% for adults and approaching 25% for children. Currently, glucocorticoids (GCS) are first line prophylactic therapy for the disease. Despite a wide diversity of precipitating factors, the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain unclear. A marked thickening of the airway wall bought about by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix is a prominent pathological feature but why this occurs and how it can be prevented is equally unclear. Recent studies have suggested that interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix influence the airways response to inflammation and modulate the effectiveness of currently available therapies. Indeed, there is mounting evidence to suggest that GCS fail to modulate and indeed in some cases even contribute to structural changes in the remodeled airway wall. The aim of this study is to assess the mechanisms by which cells and the extracellular matrix interact to promote remodelling of the airway wall and to determine whether this association influences the responsiveness to traditional asthma therapies.Read moreRead less