The Investigation Of Immune Function In Mice Deficient In RNA-binding Molecules.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,737.00
Summary
Our immune system is delicately balanced between fighting off bugs and destroying infected cells yet protecting healthy cells within the body. The ways in which the immune system responds to attack is regulated by certain genes within the body. This project is focussing on cutting edge research that describes a newly identified way of fine-tuning the immune system. We are studying RNA-binding molecules that can bind to and block genes involved in immune function.
I am a molecular pharmacologist investigating how the body eliminates fat-soluble chemicals, including drugs, toxins, steroids and waste products of metabolism.
Identification Of Therapy-resistant Cells Driving Relapse In Medulloblastoma From Integrated Spatial Transcriptomics And Tissue Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$749,272.00
Summary
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common cause of cancer related mortality in children, with relapsed MB nearly a universally fatal event. Relapsed MB can be caused by pre-existing rare cells that escape treatment and continue to evolve. This project will identify the organisation of all cell types within patient derived xenograft models of MB, monitoring how this changes throughout tumour progression and drug treatment. We will identify rare cells responsible for driving recurrence.
Patient Toxicity Prediction: Identification Of Mucosal Injury Mediators Using Microarray Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
There is no effective way to identify all patients that will develop toxic side-effects during the course of their cancer treatment. Current pharmacogenetic testing is too narrow. This project aims to examine whole-genome profiles of patient blood to determine if risk markers of toxicity can be identified prior to beginning treatment. I will do this by comparing oesophageal cancer patients who go on to develop severe toxicity with those who only get mild treatment side-effects.
I am a bioinformatician conducting methodological research in statistical functional genomics. I use designed experiments involving highthroughput gene expression technologies to make inferences about gene function and to make discoveries of medical signi
Transcription-based Identification Of Insulin Resistance Subtypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,883.00
Summary
A key feature of type 2 diabetes is the failure of metabolic tissues such as muscle and fat to respond to normal levels of insulin. This 'insulin resistance' is caused by a number of mechanisms. We will use cutting-edge technology to identify small sets of genes that define each variety of insulin resistance. These gene sets will be used to diagnose sub-types of insulin resistance and will facilitate the development of personalised therapies to effectively treat individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Prof Harvey is a cardiac developmental biologist working on the molecular and anatomical basis of heart development and congenital heart disease, and of pluripotency and regenerative potential in adult cardiac stem cells.
The properties of Vegf-B suggest that it may play a role in new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) especially during the development of the heart. Mice with the Vegf-b gene deleted are viable and fertile but display cardiac dysfunction as the animals age and in experimental conditions of ischemia. Comparison of total gene expression in the hearts of mice lacking Vegf-B with those of normal mice will identify genes involved in blood vessel formation during cardiac development and maintenance. ....The properties of Vegf-B suggest that it may play a role in new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) especially during the development of the heart. Mice with the Vegf-b gene deleted are viable and fertile but display cardiac dysfunction as the animals age and in experimental conditions of ischemia. Comparison of total gene expression in the hearts of mice lacking Vegf-B with those of normal mice will identify genes involved in blood vessel formation during cardiac development and maintenance. The genes identified will be targets for designing potential new drugs and therapies for cardiovascular disease.Read moreRead less
RNA Interference And Retigabine Therapy Protect Against Hereditary Hearing Loss
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,522.00
Summary
The preservation of hearing function is central to the treatment of individuals who are genetically predisposed to hearing loss. At present only synthetic hearing aids and cochlear implants can provide functional improvement, albeit sub-optimal. The studies described here will seek to prevent hearing loss by reducing the damaging effects of defective genes. Gene therapies that reduce the effect of these defective genes and a drug that enhances the activity of functional genes will be developed.