Role Of The Anaphase-Promoting Complex Activator Cdh1 In Oocyte Maturation And Meiotic Aneuploidy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,878.00
Summary
Eggs containing an incorrect number of chromosomes are described as aneuploid. This project sets out to examine the molecular causes of aneuploidy and why it increases with female age. We focus on the protective role of the protein Cdh1 in this process. The outcome would be to better understand the origins of aneuploidy so as to find methods of decreasing it as women age. This is highly significant given aneuploidy is the leading cause of early embryo loss and produces Down Syndrome babies.
Male Chlamydia Infections: The Key Role Of Macrophages In Testicular Dissemination And Disrupted Spermatogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$868,464.00
Summary
Male partners of couples seeking IVF, who are seropositive for Chlamydia, indicating a prior infection, often have significantly impaired sperm quality (reduced motility, increased DNA damage and abnormal sperm morphology). Our studies will define how Chlamydia are transported to the testis from the penis and how chronic chlamydial infection in the testis disrupts sperm development. We will also develop new antibiotic delivery systems to improve treatment of male chlamydial infections.
Towards A Chlamydia Vaccine For Males: The Key Role Of Mucosal IgA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,978.00
Summary
Genital Chlamydia infections are the most common sexually transmitted infection in Australia with annual health costs of 90-160 million dollars. Infection rates in 15-29 olds are increasing at 15-20% per year in both females and males. Antibiotics are currently the treatment of choice, however antibiotic resistance is increasing and most infections are asymptomatic and not treated in the absence of screening programs. This project aims to develop a Chlamydia vaccine tailored to protect males .
We have discovered a single tumour factor which causes cancer cachexia, a wasting condition that is one of the worst complications of malignancy, for which there is no current effective treatment. We have developed antibodies which effectively block this condition in preclinical models and have produced human/humanised version of this. This application is to characterise these human antibodies to allow us proceed to clinical trials.
Alpha-particles linked to recombinant antibodies targeting tumour cells have potential to effectively treat tumours while minimising normal tissue side effects. We will explore a novel alpha-particle therapy approach to solid tumours, by delivering 225Ac directly into tumour cells, or into cells that support the tumour (microenvironment). This approach will hopefully result in development of a new approach to treatment of cancers that are resistant to conventional therapies.
Melanotransferrin: A “Missing Link” And A Novel Pharmacological Target For Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,848.00
Summary
Despite >30 years of research, the precise function of the protein, melanotransferrin (MTf), is unknown. However, we have breakthrough evidence that MTf stimulates WNT signalling as a major driver in cancer progression. We will investigate this hypothesis, which will underpin new cancer therapies. Indeed, we designed a new class of drugs that target the WNT pathway via up-regulating the WNT inhibitor, NDRG1. This drug (DpC) inhibits MTf expression to block tumour cell growth and metastasis.
Griseofulvin, A Novel Host-directed Antimalarial Drug
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,551.00
Summary
This grant is for a Phase II clinical trial to test an FDA & TGA approved drug for a new use as an antimalarial drug. The parasite uses an enzyme from the human RBC to help it replicate & early trials show this drug appears to disrupt the life cycle of the parasite. This Phase II clinical trial will test the drug on human subjects, & if successful, the drug will be a new and novel way in which to treat and prevent malarial infections in humans.
Targeting An Ion Pump In The Malaria Parasite With Multiple Compound Classes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,686.00
Summary
Large-scale antimalarial drug screening projects have identified three different classes of compound that kill the malaria parasite at extremely low doses and which hold real promise as next-generation antimalarials. Genetic evidence, as well as preliminary data from our own lab, has led us to the hypothesis that all three compound classes exert their antimalarial effect by blocking a molecular ion pump on the parasite surface. The aim of this study is to test this.
Humanisation And Pre-clinical Validation Of A Therapeutic Anti-cancer Antibody
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,136.00
Summary
This grant will develop a novel antibody against a protease expressed on cancer cells. Preclinical studies, and antibody humanisation, will be performed. This project will also provide vital information on optimal therapeutic approaches with the antibody that can be ultimately taken into human trials.