Determination Of The Cellular Origins Of Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,563.00
Summary
Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease with multiple molecular and histological subtypes. We propose to use novel genetically engineered mice to understand breast inter-tumoral heterogeneity by dissecting the cells of origin of breast cancer in vivo. Initially, we will examine whether long-lived stem or progenitor cells are the targets of breast carcinogenesis induced by a progesterone derivative using our state-of-the-art multi-coloured reporter models to track the cells in vivo.
I am a cellular biologist studying lineage commitment and differentiation in the mammary gland. Key interests include defining transcriptional regulators that are important for mammary gland development and oncogenesis, and the characterisation of stem cells and other epithelial cell types in breast tissue.
A Novel Macrophage Lineage In Inflammation And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,857.00
Summary
Macrophages are an important haematopoietic cell type that has been implicated in inflammatory and cancerous diseases. In our preliminary work we have discovered a new macrophage subset, termed the perivascular macrophage, in breast cancer. The aim of this proposal is to investigate the origin of these cells, and the role they play in breast cancer. This will tell us how we might be able to manipulate the functions of these cells in order to curtail breast cancer progression.
When Prometheus Needs A Hand – How Human Amnion Epithelial Cells Resolve Fibrosis And Regenerate The Liver
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,653.00
Summary
Cirrhosis can progress to end stage disease for which transplantation provides the only hope for survival. Liver donors in Australia are scarce; the need for donor organs is increasing. Using stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged liver may provide an alternative to organ transplantation. We are studying placental stem cells that can decrease inflammation and increase progenitor cells to repair and regenerate liver. Our goal is to use these stem cells as treatment for human liver disease
Role Of TNF-á In Growth, Lineage Commitment And Differentiation Of Liver Progenitor Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$228,589.00
Summary
The infection rate of HBV is 20% in Chinese and 10% in Australian in particularly aboriginal. The end-point of this disease is development liver failure and need functional replacement of the liver. Cell therapy represents an alternative of liver transplantation owing to shortage of organ. The information derived from this study is essential for developing strategies to promote growth and differentiation of liver progenitor cell both in vivo and in vitro for therapies to treat liver diseases.
Role Of The Ets-family Transcription Factor Erg In Haematopoiesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,621.00
Summary
Development of blood cells is controlled by specific molecules called transcription factors. Transcription factors are important in developing mature white cells, red cells and platelets from blood stem cells. We have discovered that a transcription factor, Erg, is important in control of blood stem cells and blood cell development as well as being implicated in human cancers, including acute leukaemia. This project will characterise how this molecule is involved in these specific processes.
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.