Improved Outcomes For Children With Cancer Through Improved Target Identification And Drug Discovery: Neuroblastoma As A Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,394,247.00
Summary
The majority of children with neuroblastoma still die of their disease, and survivors have serious side-effects of cancer treatment. We aim to discover better therapies for children with this cancer, conducting clinical trials using existing and new drugs in novel combinations. We will also investigate novel ways of targeting neuroblastoma cells, and study possible prevention strategies for this and other embryonal cancers. This work will have application in other childhood and adult cancers.
Social media, weather forecasting and mineral exploration are driven by Big Data enabled by new technologies. Likewise, disease prevention, diagnosis and prediction is moving towards personalised and precision medicine, facilitated by novel genomics technologies. This Program of research will develop analysis methods and tools and apply them to clinical genomics data in neurological and psychiatric disorders, thereby paving the way for the translation of genomic tools to common diseases.
Central to improving the management of patients with cancer is an understanding of the molecular drivers of cancer. Based on our fundamental discoveries about the role of cell growth and perturbed cell signalling as drivers of cancer we will use the integration of molecular and imaging biomarkers with targeted therapies to translate this knowledge into better outcomes for cancer patients with defined molecular drivers of their cancer.
Biomedical research now routinely generates massive, complex datasets using next generation sequencing platforms and other high throughput “omics” technologies. Our unique program will develop powerful computational and statistical methods to analyse such data. We will apply these methods to a range of human diseases including cancer, and infectious and genetics disease, contributing to deeper insight into pathological states.
Atherosclerosis - The Key Roles Of HDL, Cell Cholesterol Metabolism And Vascular Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,085,050.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis, an accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall, is a major cause of illness and premature death worldwide. It is caused by conditions such as low levels of the protective high density lipoproteins (HDLs), diabetes, smoking and abnormal function of arteries, all of which are linked to disorders of cholesterol metabolism. With our expertise in HDLs, cholesterol metabolism and artery function, our research will lead to the development of novel strategies for early detection and ....Atherosclerosis, an accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall, is a major cause of illness and premature death worldwide. It is caused by conditions such as low levels of the protective high density lipoproteins (HDLs), diabetes, smoking and abnormal function of arteries, all of which are linked to disorders of cholesterol metabolism. With our expertise in HDLs, cholesterol metabolism and artery function, our research will lead to the development of novel strategies for early detection and prevention of atherosclerosis and heart disease.Read moreRead less
Molecular Determinants Of Risk, Progression And Treatment Response In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,161,573.00
Summary
The investigators, all associated with the Melanoma Institute Australia, have recruited numerous people and biospecimens in order to study the causes, subtypes and treatment strategies in melanoma. The team aims to develop a scientific basis for improved 1) management of individuals at high risk of melanoma development and progression, and 2) treatment of patients with early and disseminated melanoma, thereby contributing to improved prospects of successfully treating this dangerous cancer.
Uncovering The Basis Of Inflammatory And Immunodeficiency Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,718,075.00
Summary
A world-class team from 3 institutions, spanning disciplines of clinical and experimental immunology, therapeutics, signalling and genetics, will identify how immune and inflammatory responses are controlled in both health and disease. The major outcomes of this work will be the generation of new knowledge, concepts and approaches to diagnose, prevent and treat the major human health problems of autoimmune diseases, inflammation, allergy and immunodeficiency.