Identifying Novel Long-noncoding RNAs Involved In The Development Of Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$785,204.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these non-coding genes that are modulate breast cancer risk. Understanding how sequences variations that alter these novel genes contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.
Structural And Functional Analysis Of A Cancer-linked Co-regulator Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$729,571.00
Summary
We seek to understand the mechanisms by which genes are switched on and off throughout our lifetime. A number of multi-component protein machines are involved in this process but their make-up and mechanism of action is not understood. We will investigate the structure and function of one of these machines that has been strongly linked to cancer.
Functional Analysis Of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Regions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$790,588.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Several of these regions do not contain any known genes, suggesting that regulatory DNA sequences are responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these DNA sequences. Understanding how sequences variations in these regions contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.
Post-GWAS Functional Characterisation Of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Loci
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,632.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Several of these regions do not contain any known genes, suggesting that regulatory DNA sequences are responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these DNA sequences. Understanding how sequences variations in these regions contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.
Signaling Pathways To Enhance Potency Of AMPK-targeting Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,966.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to epidemics of obesity-related metabolic diseases that place enormous financial and medical burden on the Australian economy. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as both a cellular fuel gauge and co-ordinator of whole-body metabolism. Our goal is to improve AMPK drug potency by identifying novel processes that sensitize AMPK to drugs.
Macrophage Polarisation And Control Of Pulmonary Inflammation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,494.00
Summary
As key immune cells, macrophages are polarised to phenotypes that turn inflammation on or off. In cystic fibrosis, defective macrophage polarisation enhances inflammation and prevents lung repair. We are defining the molecules and cellular pathways that control this process and identifying targets for existing drugs that can be used to reprogram macrophages and restore lung repair to improve patient outcomes.
Antibiotic resistance is a looming public health crisis. New antibiotics with new mechanisms of action are desperately needed. The long-term goal of this research is to develop new drugs that disarm bacteria to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance.
We have identified genetic abnormalities in 5% of breast cancers that fall in a novel DNA element called BIME1. This proposal aims to determine whether these genetic abnormalities contribute to breast tumourigenesis and which genes and pathways are affected by these mutations. The outcomes of this proposal may lead to the development of novel therapies for breast cancer or could influence the choice of existing therapies for patients that harbour these genetic abnormalities.
Investigating The Molecular Signature Of ASD Through Integrative Genomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,128.00
Summary
Autism is the most severe end of a spectrum of neurodevelopmental conditions, autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We have identified a signature of genes dysregulated in the brain of autistic individuals. The proposed project will investigate how the molecular signature of autism is regulated in the brain, and whether genetic variants in regulatory DNA contribute to the genetic architecture of ASD.
Activation Of TERT Gene Expression In Breast Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$693,440.00
Summary
A key step in the development of most cancers is the switching on of an enzyme, telomerase, that allows cancer cells to keep growing without limit. We will study the molecular details of this step using new techniques for functional analyses of the genome in human breast cells grown in the laboratory. Blocking telomerase has great potential for cancer treatment, so analysing how this enzyme gets switched on may identify new strategies for achieving this for breast cancer - and other cancers.