Defining The Role Of A Palmitoylated Variant Of Sphingosine Kinase 1 In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,452.00
Summary
Sphingosine kinase is a protein that when dysregulated is involved in cancer development and progression. We have recently made a substantial breakthrough in this area by identifing a naturally occuring variant of sphingosine kinase that is constantly activated and has an enhanced ability to induce cancer. In this study we will examine and target this form of sphingosine kinase as a potential therapeutic intervention in cancer.
The Role Of Protein Glycosylation In The Malaria Parasite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,428.00
Summary
The parasites that cause malaria have unique proteins on their surface that are essential for infection of humans. These proteins are useful for making vaccines to train our immune system to recognize and block infection by the malaria parasite. Our latest research has shown that these proteins are modified with sugars that enhance parasite virulence. We are studying these modifications more closely to facilitate the development of improved malaria vaccines.
Role Of Sirtuins In The Regulation Of The Carcinogen Metabolising Arylamine N-acetyltransferases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,324.00
Summary
This project will investigate critical biochemical pathways that regulate metabolic differences in normal and cancer cells. By understanding how these processes differ, novel approaches for detecting and managing cancer cell proliferation in humans may be achievable.
Targeting The Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L For The Therapy Of Myc-induced Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,127.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma is the commonest solid tumour in early childhood. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in adults. In this application, we will define how a protein called histone methyltransferase DOT1L promotes cancer initiation and progression, and whether inhibitors of the histone methyltransferase DOT1L exert efficient anti-cancer effects against neuroblastoma and pancreatic cancer.
A Phase II Study Of Continuous, Low-dose LBH 589 (Panobinostat) In Patients With Refractory Solid Tumors, Including CNS Tumors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$811,512.00
Summary
Research done recently across three separate Australian laboratories has shown great promise with a new anti-cancer drug LBH589 used for cancers in children and young adults. We wish to start a clinical trial of LBH589 in children and young adult patients with cancer.
Protein Prenylation And Inflammation: New Insights Into The Pathophysiology And Treatment Of Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,755.00
Summary
This project is focused on a genetic, potentially fatal, inflammatory disease that appears in infancy. We have developed a new way of detecting the underlying defect as well as the first animal models that have the same genetic mutations and mimic the disease. With these revolutionary new approaches, we will discover the exact cause of the inflammation, test a new way of diagnosing the disease, and identify new and better therapies that treat the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms.
Importance Of Histone Variant H2AZ Acetylation In Gene Activation In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,737.00
Summary
DNA is packaged in the cell in such a way that essential genes are available to be switched on by the transcription machinery. The packaging involves nucleosomes, that consist of four histone proteins, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. H2A.Z is a histone variant that is often over expressed in cancer, and therefore could lead to abnormal gene transcription. This project is focused on understanding the role of H2A.Z in gene deregulation in cancer as modification of this mark may provide a potential novel canc ....DNA is packaged in the cell in such a way that essential genes are available to be switched on by the transcription machinery. The packaging involves nucleosomes, that consist of four histone proteins, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. H2A.Z is a histone variant that is often over expressed in cancer, and therefore could lead to abnormal gene transcription. This project is focused on understanding the role of H2A.Z in gene deregulation in cancer as modification of this mark may provide a potential novel cancer therapeutic target.Read moreRead less
Targeting Histone Deacetylases 1 And 5 To Reduce Inflammation And Bone Loss In Periodontitis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,745.00
Summary
Bone loss and tooth loosening are serious complications in periodontitis. Despite the prevalence of this disease current treatments do not directly stop the bone loss. Our recent laboratory studies show inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity with very low doses of inhibitors can effectively suppress this bone loss in periodontitis. This project aims to investigate specific targeting inhibitors of HDAC 1 and HDAC 5 to treat periodontitis by enhancing bone formation and reducing bone loss.
Understanding The Role Of Class IIa Histone Deacetylases In Metabolic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,779.00
Summary
Dysfunctional metabolism in skeletal muscle is integral in the development of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This project will examine proteins that alter the way genes are expressed for their role in dysfunctional metabolism in muscle. This project could uncover new therapies for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
Investigating Drug Treatments For A Machado Joseph Disease Using Transgenic Zebrafish
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,425.00
Summary
Machado Joseph disease (MJD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease that causes problems with a patient’s co-ordination and movement, leading to paralysis and death. Although the disease affects patients throughout the world, it is most common within Aboriginal communities of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. This project seeks to identify a drug treatment for the disease by examining the effect of relevant drugs on zebrafish genetically modified to have the human gene that causes MJD.