A Sham-controlled Study Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) As A Treatment For Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,154.00
Summary
This study tests the effectiveness and safety of a potential new treatment for depression, which involves mild stimulation of the brain, given through pads placed on the scalp. There is no anaesthetic or seizure and the treatment is painless. The treatment is given on an outpatient basis, three times per week, for 10 sessions, each session taking approximately half an hour. If found to be effective and safe, this new treatment could be an alternative to antidepressant medication.
Assessment Of Calcium Signaling In Breast Cancer Cells Associated With Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,762.00
Summary
This research will assess the role of specific proteins that control cell function in a process which is important in the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. The work is aimed at identifying new targets for drugs that may be used to prevent or stop the spread of breast cancer cells to other organs such as the brain and liver.
Calcium acts as a signal to control cell processes important in cancer. The entry of calcium into the cell is regulated by calcium channels and we have found some channels are over-expressed in breast cancer. Altering the expression and activity of these calcium channels is a possible therapeutic approach for cancer. We will determine the reasons and consequences of alterations of calcium channels in breast cancer and whether they are viable anti-cancer therapies and biomarkers.