Overcoming Breast Cancer Heterogeneity And Resistance Using A Novel Therapeutic Approach Targeting The Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Breast cancer (BrCa) is the leading cause of cancer death in women and current treatments suffer from development of resistance, leading to metastatic progression. I will assess a novel treatment strategy for BrCa, targeting a gene that is able to inhibit multiple key drivers of BrCa, using a novel potent and selective anti-cancer agent. This approach has the potential to overcome resistance to current therapies and alleviate the onset of metastasis, to improve prognosis for BrCa patients.
A Pharmacological Targeting Approach Implementing Albumin As A Carrier Of A Novel Chemotherapeutic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Novel agents that bind essential metals have emerged as a potential avenue for cancer therapy. My laboratory has developed potent anti-cancer agents, such as Dp44mT, that bind to the plasma protein, albumin. Notably, the uptake of Dp44mT into tumour cells was increased in the presence of albumin. My research will examine the mechanisms in the albumin-mediated increase in Dp44mT uptake into tumour cells, with the goal to develop albumin nanoparticles to selectively deliver our agents to tumours.
The Hedgehog Gene As A New Drug Target For Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,920.00
Summary
Breast cancer cells create the conditions for their own survival by communicating their needs with to the healthy cells that surround them. We have previously shown that a molecule known as ‘hedgehog’ transmits biochemical signals between the cancer cells and healthy cells. When hedgehog is ‘silenced’, tumours shrink and stop their spread. In this application, we explore the fundamental biology of Hedgehog signaling and its potential as a drug target for breast cancer.
Next Generation Imaging To Bridge The Knowledge Gap In Nanomedicine Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,402.00
Summary
Nanomedicines are generally touted as the next generation in therapeutics. However, despite some landmark successes, their translation into clinical use is limited. This is mainly a result of poor understanding of how they behave under physiological conditions. To address this issue and improve translation, this fellowship aims to develop predictive models of how nanomedicines interact with biological systems, then validate the nanomedicines in dog models of cancer that mimic the human disease.
Airway scarring, or airway fibrosis, is a pathological process by which the airway tissue is progressively replaced with scar tissue. This change makes it difficult for people to breathe. I have developed novel in-vitro models which enables us to understand why fibrosis is occurring, and in my research fellowship I aim to uncover new ways of treating fibrosis in lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Therapeutic Targeting Of Neuroinflammation To Slow The Progression Of Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
My research has identified key components of our immune system, that can worsen disease in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and motor neuron disease. I hope that exploring these components in animal models, and patients suffering from these diseases, my group can identify new therapeutic drug candidates that can be progressed in clinical trials. Ultimately, this may lead to new treatments to reduce disease burden in patients suffering from these neurodegenerative conditions.
Using Gene Delivery Tools To Understand And Treat Skeletal Muscle-related Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
As a muscle biologist, I study the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle size, so that we can develop therapies for muscle wasting. What sets my research apart is my combination of expertise in muscle biology, and the use of recombinant viral vectors for altering the expression of specific genes exclusively in skeletal muscles. Our approaches enable us to study the inner workings of muscles in ways others cannot, and develop promising new therapies for treating muscle diseases.
Therapeutics For Repair And Regeneration Of The Cornea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$166,087.00
Summary
Corneal disease is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness and of the 50 million people world-wide who are bilaterally blind, 10 million are blind from corneal involvement. This proposal will address corneal disease by 1. innovative translational research for corneal repair and regeneration; 2. developing evidence-based management guidelines for corneal disease, and 3. by optimising health service delivery.