How Does Fra-1 Regulate The Invasive Properties Of Tumour Cells?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
Most cancer deaths occur when tumours spread and destroy vital body functions. The invasion of tumour cells into surrounding tissue is a critical step during the spread of cancer. This project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms that control the ability of tumour cells to invade into surrounding tissue and subsequently spread to other sites in the body. We expect to identify potential targets to better diagnose and treat the spread of cancer.
Defining Epigenetic Predictors Of Long-term Outcomes Of Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,408.00
Summary
On average, those born premature do worse health-wise than those born at term. However, some do worse than others. Our aim is to identify these people at birth to better help doctors and parents to closely monitor their health. For this, we will be “reading the diary of pregnancy” in the molecules added to chromosomes in blood during pregnancy in young adults with will characterised states of health. We will analyse DNA from blood that we will extract from stored heel prick spots.
Regulation Of Actin Polymerization During Malaria Parasite Invasion Of The Human Erythrocyte
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,147.00
Summary
Malaria parasites depend on successful invasion of red blood cells for their survival. Invasion is powered by a molecular motor based on two key proteins: actin and myosin. Non-specific drugs that inhibit parasite actin block invasion, demonstrating how important its regulation is to parasite success. This project will study several newly identified malaria actin-regulators, aiming to identify new drug targets that will block malaria actin function, stop motility and as such prevent disease.
Improving Outcomes For Women Diagnosed With Mucinous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,238.00
Summary
Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) is different from other ovarian cancers but few studies have characterized the genetic changes specific to this subtype. It is often confused with metastases from other organs and does not respond well to standard ovarian cancer therapies. If MOC is more similar to mucinous cancers from other organs than other ovarian cancers, it may be better treated with chemotherapeutics that show success with other mucinous tumours.
Investigating Cytoskeletal Dynamics Across The Lifecycle Of The Malaria Parasite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,741.00
Summary
During its lifecycle the malaria parasite must cross tissues and invade cells in two very different hosts - humans and mosquitos. Although the molecules that drive this process are known, we know nothing about their dynamics in live parasites. Here, we will use state-of-the art microscopy and genetics to dissect parasite motility, tracking proteins in the parasite cell on their journey from human host through to the mosquito - utilising the first Australian malaria-dedicated insectary.
Genetic And Functional Analysis Of Brain Malformations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,327.00
Summary
Disorders of early brain development are recognised as a significant cause of illness and disability in children. Unfortunately, the causes of these conditions are poorly understood, and treatment options are limited. It has become apparent that many of these conditions have an underlying genetic basis. This project will identify genes that regulate brain development and aid the development of improved treatment programs for brain and mind disorders.
Tailoring Targeted Therapy To DNA Repair-defective High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$802,247.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is a major cause of cancer death in women because current treatments are inadequate. Half of aggressive ovarian cancers have abnormalities in DNA repair and should be susceptible to new PARP inhibitor therapy, yet not all those respond. By developing a new model of studying human ovarian cancers in mice, we can discover markers to predict which ovarian cancers will respond best to these exciting new treatments.
A Study Of The Molecular Epidemiology And Virulence Determinants Of Enterovirus 71 Strains From The Asia-Pacific Region
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$286,325.00
Summary
In this study, we aim to understand the reasons for the emergence of epidemics of severe neurological disease due to enterovirus 71 (EV71) in young children of the Asia-Pacific region since 1997, and to develop strategies for disease prevention. EV71 is a human enterovirus closely related to the polioviruses. Most infections with EV71 are trivial, however, they may occasionally result in severe disease, including brainstem encephalitis with a high mortality and acute flaccid paralysis similar to ....In this study, we aim to understand the reasons for the emergence of epidemics of severe neurological disease due to enterovirus 71 (EV71) in young children of the Asia-Pacific region since 1997, and to develop strategies for disease prevention. EV71 is a human enterovirus closely related to the polioviruses. Most infections with EV71 are trivial, however, they may occasionally result in severe disease, including brainstem encephalitis with a high mortality and acute flaccid paralysis similar to poliomyelitis. There has been a large increase in EV71 epidemic activity throughout the Asia-Pacific region since 1997, including a large epidemic in Perth, Western Australia in 1999. These epidemics have resulted in many deaths and cases of severe neurological disability. In view of the severity of EV71 neurological disease and the lack of effective treatments, our research effort needs to focus on prevention through public health surveillance and vaccine development. The major aims of our study are two-fold: 1. To study the origin and evolution of EV71 in the Asia-Pacific region using molecular techniques and to use this information to implement surveillance in Australia and Southeast Asia. It is anticipated that improved surveillance will provide early warning of impending epidemics. 2. To understand the molecular basis of virulence of EV71, with emphasis on the ability of virus to cause severe disease of the central nervous system. This study will have two goals: a. To identify the human cellular receptor of EV71. The ultimate goal of this research will be the development of a small animal model of EV71 encephalitis by constructing a transgenic mouse expressing the human cellular receptor for EV71. b. To construct an infectious cDNA clone of EV71 and to develop genetically defined attenuated strains by mutagenesis of the infectious clone. Mutant strains of EV71 will be tested for replication and virulence in newborn mice and in human neuroblastoma cells.Read moreRead less
Identification Of The Plasmodium Falciparum Translocon That Exports Parasite Proteins Into Their Erythocytic Hosts.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,027.00
Summary
Up to 10% of the world's population will suffer from malaria in any given year and for over a million this disease will be fatal. This devastating disease is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum that infects and destroys our red blood cells. Infected red cells are greatly modified by the parasites so they can feed and avoid elimination by the human immune system. We wish to investigate the red blood cell modification process and assess it as a potential target for anti-malarial drugs.
Dissecting The Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome With Complementary Genetic, Proteomic And Biophysical Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$490,352.00
Summary
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is an eye condition in which flaky material deposits in the eye, greatly increasing the risk of cataract and glaucoma which can lead to blindness. PEX is also associated with heart disease, strokes and aneurysms. Cataract surgery in PEX patients has a higher rate of complications. In this project we will determine the nature of PEX material and why it forms. This knowlege will facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of PEX preventing associated blindness.