Drinking from the fire hose - Making sense of high density genetic and genomic data. The project will improve our understanding of the genetic component of common complex diseases such as cancer. Identification of genetic variants underlying disease risk is currently one of the primary means for increasing our understanding of the biochemical and developmental pathways involved. Genetic studies rely on sophisticated statistical and computational (bioinformatics) techniques. This project centres ....Drinking from the fire hose - Making sense of high density genetic and genomic data. The project will improve our understanding of the genetic component of common complex diseases such as cancer. Identification of genetic variants underlying disease risk is currently one of the primary means for increasing our understanding of the biochemical and developmental pathways involved. Genetic studies rely on sophisticated statistical and computational (bioinformatics) techniques. This project centres on the development, refinement and application of novel statistical analysis methods in genetics. Future advances in statistical and computational methods are essential if we are to exploit the large volumes of genome data now being generated to help develop diagnostics and interventions to improve public health.Read moreRead less
Genetic analysis of lymphatic vascular development. This project investigates the fundamental molecular components that regulate lymphatic vascular system development in the zebrafish embryo. Lymphatic vessels play critical roles in vascular diseases and cancer metastasis. This study will identify and examine key new molecules that will further our basic understanding of lymphatic development.
The molecular control of lymphatic vascular differentiation. This project aims to improve our understanding of how a new vascular system forms and the molecules that control this process. Lymphatic vasculature plays roles in fluid drainage, inflammation, obesity, metastasis and tissue repair, yet we cannot readily promote or inhibit lymphatic vessel formation. This project aims to build new knowledge that is expected to improve our ability to generate lymphatic vessels for stem cell application ....The molecular control of lymphatic vascular differentiation. This project aims to improve our understanding of how a new vascular system forms and the molecules that control this process. Lymphatic vasculature plays roles in fluid drainage, inflammation, obesity, metastasis and tissue repair, yet we cannot readily promote or inhibit lymphatic vessel formation. This project aims to build new knowledge that is expected to improve our ability to generate lymphatic vessels for stem cell applications, tissue engineering, tissue repair and regeneration. This project will use zebrafish embryos, new genomic datasets and novel tools to uncover the genetic control of this process, and should have implications in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, repair and regeneration.Read moreRead less
A multi-model approach to characterise conserved regulators of lymphatic vascular development. Lymphatic vessels are important in a number of diseases affecting Australia. There is a significant gap in our basic knowledge of how lymphatic vessels form. This study will characterise key genes that control lymphatic development, providing a base of knowledge contributing to the promotion and maintenance of good health in Australia.
Mitochondrially targeted anti-cancer drugs modulate the mitochondrial genome. Successful cancer management requires novel therapeutical approaches. This project will test the effect of a new class of compounds that target mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, where they suppress expression of mitochondrial genes. By this mechanism, cancers that are resistant to apoptosis induction can be inhibited.
A new Src, PKCdelta and Akt regulated protease activated receptor system in metastasis. In contrast with localised cancer which can often be cured, curative treatment is generally not possible for cancer that has spread. This project will characterise a protein that drives the spread of cancer and to develop new approaches to treat patients at risk of developing these aggressive tumours that spread to other organs.
Development of disulphide-rich peptides for drug design. Peptides are an outstanding source of potential drug leads. This project seeks to build on earlier breakthroughs by developing stable, peptide-based drugs to combat cancer and autoimmune diseases. The peptides, derived from natural sources, are anticipated to provide drug leads that can ultimately lead to treatments for these diseases.
Targeting the delivery of cytotoxic agents to tumour cells using novel minicells as drug delivery vehicles and engineered, bispecific antibodies. Cancer persists as a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. A major problem is the non-specific action of drugs used for treatment. The minicell is a drug delivery vehicle, capable of packaging a variety of drugs. The project will develop tumour-specific antibodies that will target minicells to tumours, improving cancer survival rates.
EGFR-directed radioimmunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA repair inhibition: development towards clinical application for aggressive cancers. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are aggressive diseases which lack effective therapies in clinical use. A novel and curative therapy was developed against PDAC and TNBC which involves targeted radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA damage response inhibition. This project will develop a “p ....EGFR-directed radioimmunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA repair inhibition: development towards clinical application for aggressive cancers. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are aggressive diseases which lack effective therapies in clinical use. A novel and curative therapy was developed against PDAC and TNBC which involves targeted radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA damage response inhibition. This project will develop a “preclinical data package” comprising a biological rationale and preclinical evidence of safety and efficacy that together would justify an early phase clinical trial. This package includes the choice of formulations, mechanism of action and safety studies. This development will have an immediate impact for PDAC and TNBC patients and a future impact on other EGFR-positive cancers.Read moreRead less