Dissecting Genetic Variation For Human Complex Diseases And Traits
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$135,821.00
Summary
Understanding the pattern of inheritance for human common diseases such as cancers, obesity, diabetes and mental illness, is of key importance for disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. In this project, we will develop statistical methods and software tools to analyse DNA and clinical data to better understand the genetic basis of human common diseases and to predict a person�s risk of developing disease.
Phase Variable Protein Glycosylation In Bacteria Mucosal Pathogens And Its Role In Immune Evasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,728.00
Summary
The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae is a leading cause of ear infections. Hearing loss from these infections can seriously affect literacy and educational performance. As no vaccine is available, we will research how the bacterium makes the HMW protein that is important in infection. We will study how sugars are added to the surface of this protein so that the bacterium can escape the immune system, its role in related bacteria and how it may be used in a vaccine.
Monoclonal antibodies, such as the breast cancer therapeutic Herceptin, have revolutionised the treatment of cancer and inflammatory conditions. Will over $30 billion sales in 2011, they have also spawned a growing biotech industry. We have a generated a highly specific monoclonal antibody, which has shown efficacy in models of disease. This project will further advance and develop this monoclonal, allowing us to initiate clinical studies in patients.
The Emergence Of Dead Enzymes As Signal Transducers And Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
The cells within our bodies are constantly being replenished by new cells. Removal of old cells is typically fast and without fanfare. However, in some cases, cell death can be used to evoke an inflammatory response. My work examines the molecular details of how this happens and how we might advance our knowledge to develop novel drugs to prevent inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's disease and psoriasis.
The Role Of CD1-restricted T Cells In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
The human immune system requires T cells for survival. Specialised populations of T cells exist that patrol the body and target unwanted lipid molecules expressed by bacteria or by cells that have become abnormal or cancerous. I will identify these T cells in human blood and skin and determine their role in protection against disease. I will explore the types of lipids molecules recognised by these T cells and use this information to help prevent human diseases.
A Targeted Nutrient-depletion Approach To Tackle Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent male specific cancer, and has a similar incidence to breast cancer in women. We are studying the role of protein pumps that control the amount of nutrients taken into and out of cancer cells. We are aiming to structurally determine LAT1 and LAT3, two nutrient pumps important for cancer progression, and to use these structures as a platform for drug design where the intention is to drugs 'starve’ the cancer by restricting nutrient uptake.
Follicular Helper T Cell Development And Function: From Mechanisms To Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Antibodies are the basis of most successful vaccinations. Diminished antibody responses lead to immunodeficiency while excessive antibody responses contribute to autoimmune diseases. We are studying a newly identified specialised helper T cell subset, termed follicular helper T cells, which is essential to regulate the high-affinity and long-lived antibody responses. The knowledge should provide new strategies to design better vaccines, to control infections, or to treat autoimmune disorders.
Peripheral Membrane Proteins In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,151.00
Summary
Peripheral membrane proteins are critical for processes such as cell transport, signaling, neurosecretion and development. As such, their dysfunction can lead to many debilitating diseases including cancer, inflammation and neurodegeneration. This project will establish fundamental new knowledge about how peripheral membrane proteins regulate cell function, how their perturbation or mutation results in human disease, and will inform efforts to target them for future therapeutic outcomes.