GTPase Regulation Of The Hippo Organ Size-control Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,334.00
Summary
The Hippo pathway is a key regulator of tissue growth. It was first discovered in vinegar flies and plays a similar role in mammals. We aim to define the mechanism by which two proteins, Pix and Git, control tissue growth by regulating the Hippo pathway. These studies will be performed in flies. Our studies will shed light on how tissue growth is controlled, and have the potential to inform the way that we treat human cancers and tissue growth disorders.
Tao Kinase, A New Member Of The Hippo Tumour Suppressor Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,190.00
Summary
The Hippo pathway is a key regulator of tissue growth. It was first discovered in vinegar flies and plays a similar role in mammals. We aim to define the mechanism by which the Tao kinase controls tissue growth by regulating the Hippo pathway. These studies will be performed in flies and mammalian cell culture. Our studies will shed light on how tissue growth is controlled, and have the potential to inform the way that we treat human cancers and tissue growth disorders.
Stem cell to differentiation occurs in a bi-directional fashion. Dedifferentiation which allows specialized cells to become stem cells has been found to be important in both cancer and regeneration. In this proposal, we will investigate the metabolic reprogramming of neuronal dedifferentiation. The findings from this study will better inform us on how to specifically target tumours that arise from dedifferentiation.
Mammalian cells have developed a complex signalling network responsible for monitoring and responding to changes in the levels of growth factors and the availability of nutrients, energy and oxygen in their environment. Deregulation of this network often results in uncontrolled cell growth and diseases including cardiac hypertrophy and cancer. This proposal aims to understand how this network controls cell growth and identify potential targets for diseases driven by uncontrolled growth.
Targeting Homeobox Genes In Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,739.00
Summary
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a common blood cancer with dire clinical prognosis due to a lack of targeted molecular therapies. In this proposal we will identify new ways of targeting transcription factor proteins that are overexpressed in AML and promote leukaemia by repressing normal cellular growth controls. This may lead to novel methods to target leukaemic stem cells to specifically eliminate myeloid leukemia
Regulation Of Growth Hormone Profile By Metabolic Balance: Neuronal, Neuroendocrinal And Molecular Mechanism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,257.00
Summary
Obesity is associated with a reduction in growth hormone secretion. As growth hormone maintains muscle mass at the expense of fat this may further promote the obese condition. This project will determine the physiological role of ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger, in maintaining growth hormone secretion under normal, fasting and obese conditions. Clarification of the role of ghrelin in regulating growth hormone secretion may aid in the development of pharmacological agents to assist and mai ....Obesity is associated with a reduction in growth hormone secretion. As growth hormone maintains muscle mass at the expense of fat this may further promote the obese condition. This project will determine the physiological role of ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger, in maintaining growth hormone secretion under normal, fasting and obese conditions. Clarification of the role of ghrelin in regulating growth hormone secretion may aid in the development of pharmacological agents to assist and maintain weight loss.Read moreRead less
Computational Analysis Of The Influence Of Growth Cone Shape Dynamics On Axon Guidance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$346,406.00
Summary
For the brain to function correctly its neurons must be connected correctly. This project will use a novel mathematical approach to understand how growing nerve fibres find where to go in the developing brain. In particular we will use both experiments and computational analysis to understand how the shape of the tip of a growing nerve fibre helps the fibre navigate. This may help us understand the biological cause of many different types of mental disorders.
Therapeutic Potential Of Transforming Growth Factor-beta Proteins For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Female Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$942,961.00
Summary
We discovered and manufactured a growth factor produced uniquely by the egg. We named this growth factor cumulin. It is a powerful regulator of ovarian function and egg quality. This project will study the basic mechanisms of how cumulin works in the ovary. We will then develop an assay to measure it as a biomarker of human egg quality and quantity. New approaches in fertility preservation for cancer survivors will be developed using cumulin.
Activation Of GDF9 Regulates Human Folliculogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
GDF9 is a key regulator of fertility in female mammals, as it controls the process of folliculogenesis. In this grant, we will demonstrate the importance of GDF9 in human folliculogenesis, determine the mechanisms that activate GDF9 and show why aberrant GDF9 activation leads to ovarian disorders. Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis and provide new avenues to manipulate this process.
Improving The Prediction And Detection Of Contributors To Term Stillbirth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,358.00
Summary
Stillbirths are a global human tragedy, with 1 in 130 of all pregnancies in Australia ending in stillbirth. We propose to use ultrasound and blood markers to improve the detection of babies who are not growing well, a leading risk factor for stillbirth. Sleep position has also been associated with stillbirth, so we will study fetal heart rate responses during an overnight sleep study to see if breathing events overnight may be an important contributor to stillbirth in growth restricted fetuses.