Defining The Molecular Events That Initiate The Genesis Of Lymphatic Vessels.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,325.00
Summary
Lymphatic vessels are a vital component of the cardiovascular system. Abnormalities in the growth and development of lymphatic vessels are associated with human disorders including lymphoedema, cancer and inflammatory diseases. The focus of this application is to determine the molecular events that initiate the construction of lymphatic vessels, with the aim of identifying targets to which novel therapeutics for the treatment of lymphatic vascular diseases could be generated.
Dissecting The Embryonic Blood-endothelial Regulatory Code And Investigating Its Role In Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,389.00
Summary
Cancer initiating cells acquire stem cell characteristics and multiply within a supportive environment that helps maintain and propagate malignant cells. Identifying the normal hierarchy of gene control within blood stem cells and designing therapies that target cancer cells is the ultimate goal of this body of work.
Defining The Role Of VEGF And Vascular Formation In Craniofacial Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,417.00
Summary
Aberrant neural crest cell development gives rise to common congenital malformations such as cleft lip and/or palate and cardiac outflow tract defects that effect over 1% of all births. As the aetiology of these disorders are largely unknown it is critical to understand the cell and molecular mechanisms coordinating NCC development such that alternative therapies may be devised to target the underlying pathological defects and to provide definitive diagnostic / prognostic tools.
Defining The Role Of The Ubiquitin Protein Ligase Nedd4 In Vascular Development.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$702,166.00
Summary
Blood and lymphatic vessels are vital components of the cardiovascular system. Abnormalities in the growth and development of these vessels are associated with human disorders including cancer and cardiovascular disease. The focus of this application is to characterise the role of the ubiquitin protein ligase Nedd4 in vascular development, with the aim of identifying targets to which novel therapeutics for the treatment of blood and lymphatic vascular diseases could be generated.
Promoting Intestinal Stem-cell Mediated Regeneration Following Damage: A Critical Role For Neuregulin 1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,447.00
Summary
Diseases, infections and pathologies are common clinical problems of the intestine in humans that can lead to loss of intestinal tissue. Individuals with these conditions can experience nutritional problems and severe cases result in death. Promoting regeneration of the damaged tissue is critical to re-establish intestinal function. In this study, we will examine the regenerative potential of a growth factor called Neuregulin1 in the intestine with the aim of facilitating tissue regeneration.
The Role Of Raptor And Rictor Signalling Pathways In Osteogenesis And Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate Determination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,742.00
Summary
Skeletal diseases associated with excessive bone loss and skeletal fragility, such as osteoporosis, affect 2.2 million Australians and cost our health system approximately $7.4 billion per annum. Studies from our laboratory suggest a critical role for the mTOR signalling pathway in bone development. Using transgenic animals and state-of-the-art techniques, we will investigate the role of mTOR in pre- and post-natal skeletal development. Results from these studies may provide novel approaches to ....Skeletal diseases associated with excessive bone loss and skeletal fragility, such as osteoporosis, affect 2.2 million Australians and cost our health system approximately $7.4 billion per annum. Studies from our laboratory suggest a critical role for the mTOR signalling pathway in bone development. Using transgenic animals and state-of-the-art techniques, we will investigate the role of mTOR in pre- and post-natal skeletal development. Results from these studies may provide novel approaches to treat age-related bone loss syndromes.Read moreRead less
De-differentiation Of Committed Cells Into Haematopoietic Stem Cells By The Instructive Role Of The Transcription Factor HOXB4
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$683,040.00
Summary
Blood stem cells are long-lived and can give rise to every cell type of the blood system and due to these properties they are currently used in the clinics. Despite their importance, our knowledge of the mechanisms the control the multiplication of these rare cells is very scarce. This proposal aims to identify key factors that have the potential to convert mature, easy available blood cells into stem cells. This knowledge has to potential to lead to novel system that allow the expansion of stem ....Blood stem cells are long-lived and can give rise to every cell type of the blood system and due to these properties they are currently used in the clinics. Despite their importance, our knowledge of the mechanisms the control the multiplication of these rare cells is very scarce. This proposal aims to identify key factors that have the potential to convert mature, easy available blood cells into stem cells. This knowledge has to potential to lead to novel system that allow the expansion of stem cells for transplantations in the future.Read moreRead less
Investigating The Formation And Utility Of The Prenatal Platelet Forming System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$793,442.00
Summary
A major challenge to regenerative medicine is discovering how to produce useful cell types in the laboratory. Particularly urgent is the need to generate large numbers of platelets, the building blocks of the clotting system, for clinical use. Current laboratory methods are woefully inefficient, thus cannot meet demand. This project aims to discover how platelets are made in nature. With this information we will be able to devise better platelet production strategies in the laboratory.