Genetic Programs Orchestrated By AP-1 Transcription Factors In Colorectal Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,941.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. About half of all patients diagnosed with the disease die as a result of its spread in the body. This project will investigate the role that a specific DNA-binding protein plays in orchestrating gene expression programs required for CRCs to spread. The research will provide new insights into underlying mechanisms of CRC progression as well as identify new therapeutic targets for aggressive forms of the disease.
Mechanistic Basis Of AP-1-regulated Gene Expression During Colorectal Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,802.00
Summary
The spread of colorectal cancers in the body poses a major clinical problem for which current treatment options are inadequate. This project aims to unravel how a specific DNA-binding protein regulates the expression of genes involved in the spread of these cancers. The research is expected to provide a better mechanistic understanding of how disease progression occurs and to identify novel strategies to treat aggressive tumours.
Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is a condition that arises in some patients with chronic reflux (heartburn) and increases the risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus. However, the exact mechanisms involved in its development are unknown. This project aims to investigate how a protein called sonic hedgehog might be involved using novel cell culturing techniques that allow us to model the growth of oesophageal tissue in the laboratory. This could lead to development of new therapies for treating BO.
The Mechanisms Of Epithelial Cell Survival That Govern Thymus Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,967.00
Summary
The thymus is an organ dedicated to the production of crucial immune cells, called T lymphocytes. Cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, destroy thymic function and impair immune recovery in patients. We aim to uncover molecular processes that govern the life and death decisions of cells in the thymus. Our goal is to then use this information to develop treatments to protect this critical organ from damage and improve immune recovery following radiation or chemotherapy.
Polynuclear Metal Complexes as Molecular Nanomagnets. Computer hard drives and other devices use tiny particles of magnetic materials to store digital information. Technological advances require an increase in the density of information storage and therefore even smaller magnetic particles. This project has the potential to synthesise materials where a single molecule could act as the smallest possible unit of magnetic memory. The future application of these materials may provide an increase ....Polynuclear Metal Complexes as Molecular Nanomagnets. Computer hard drives and other devices use tiny particles of magnetic materials to store digital information. Technological advances require an increase in the density of information storage and therefore even smaller magnetic particles. This project has the potential to synthesise materials where a single molecule could act as the smallest possible unit of magnetic memory. The future application of these materials may provide an increase of three orders of magnitude in information storage density. In addition, they may find employment in quantum computers, which can perform calculations exponentially faster than conventional computers.Read moreRead less
New Frontiers in Molybdenum Chemistry: Electronic Structure and Molybdoenzyme Function. Molybdenum enzymes play key roles in biology and environmental, biogeochemical and meteorological processes. This international, multidisciplinary project will employ advanced synthetic, instrumental and theoretical techniques to establish the link between electronic structures and molybdenum enzyme behaviour and function. The insights gained will inform the continuing development of agricultural, veterinary ....New Frontiers in Molybdenum Chemistry: Electronic Structure and Molybdoenzyme Function. Molybdenum enzymes play key roles in biology and environmental, biogeochemical and meteorological processes. This international, multidisciplinary project will employ advanced synthetic, instrumental and theoretical techniques to establish the link between electronic structures and molybdenum enzyme behaviour and function. The insights gained will inform the continuing development of agricultural, veterinary and medical treatments for diseases associated with enzyme dysfunction; these outcomes would be of enormous economic and societal benefit to Australia. The training of skilled scientists, access to advanced overseas facilities, and international recognition of Australian research, are important immediate benefits of the project.Read moreRead less
Gas Phase Studies to Catalyze a Better Understanding of Metal Reactivity. The proposed research will increase knowledge of fundamental questions related to the mechanisms of catalysis and metal ion reactivity. The insights gained will be an important addition to the knowledge base of our culture, both nationally and in the wider international context. We note that research into the behaviour and design of catalysts is a burgeoning field which reflects the great importance of this area in the int ....Gas Phase Studies to Catalyze a Better Understanding of Metal Reactivity. The proposed research will increase knowledge of fundamental questions related to the mechanisms of catalysis and metal ion reactivity. The insights gained will be an important addition to the knowledge base of our culture, both nationally and in the wider international context. We note that research into the behaviour and design of catalysts is a burgeoning field which reflects the great importance of this area in the international scientific community. Our proposal will add to fundamental knowledge and may also result in practical applications. More importantly, we will train and equip talented young people with a spectrum of skills which will make them well placed to meet the demand for highly skilled professional scientists.Read moreRead less
New approaches to bistable spin clusters. Future advances in data storage technology and other areas of electronics depend on the miniaturisation of the relevant components. The goal of this project is to create materials where individual molecules can be the units of magnetic memory for high density data storage or the switches in electronic devices. Fundamental research in these areas is being pursued vigourously overseas and Australian involvement through this project is important for the p ....New approaches to bistable spin clusters. Future advances in data storage technology and other areas of electronics depend on the miniaturisation of the relevant components. The goal of this project is to create materials where individual molecules can be the units of magnetic memory for high density data storage or the switches in electronic devices. Fundamental research in these areas is being pursued vigourously overseas and Australian involvement through this project is important for the possibility of local development of devices based on the new materials. The students and postdoctoral fellows involved in this work will receive world class training in the synthetic and physical techniques that underpin the emerging fields of molecular magnetism and molecular electronics.Read moreRead less
Copper Radiopharmaceuticals for Molecular Imaging of Alzheimer's Disease. The expected outcome of this research is to develop molecular agents to allow non-invasive diagnostic imaging of senile plaques associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease. This will contribute to a better understanding of the disease, assist in early diagnosis and help assess new intervention strategies. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and affects over 160,000 Australians. The imaging agent ma ....Copper Radiopharmaceuticals for Molecular Imaging of Alzheimer's Disease. The expected outcome of this research is to develop molecular agents to allow non-invasive diagnostic imaging of senile plaques associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease. This will contribute to a better understanding of the disease, assist in early diagnosis and help assess new intervention strategies. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and affects over 160,000 Australians. The imaging agent market is a niche biotechnology industry in which Australia already has an international presence. The proposed research will lead to innovations to ensure Australia remains internationally competitive in this area. This research has potential social and economic benefits for the nation.Read moreRead less
Immune Modulatory Effects Of Vaginal Microbiota Metabolites And HIV Susceptibility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$795,110.00
Summary
This study will advance knowledge on how acid molecules produced by beneficial and harmful bacteria are able to promote or impede HIV infection of the female genital mucosa through their effects on the barrier and immune function of cells that line the vagina and cervix. The results of this study are anticipated to augment the efficacy of topical HIV prevention strategies and lead to the development of safe vaginal hygiene products that help protect against other sexually transmitted infections.