Characterization Of SgK269, A Master Regulator Of Growth Factor Receptor Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,751.00
Summary
Perturbed signaling within a cell can cause multiple diseases, including cancer. SgK269 is a scaffold protein involved in signaling and implicated in breast, colon and pancreatic cancer. By determining the signaling mechanism and function of the SgK269 scaffold, this work will provide novel and important insights into a key regulator of cell signaling, and reveal potential strategies for therapeutic targeting of the SgK269 scaffold that could be utilized in cancer treatment.
New Mediators Of GPCR-growth Factor Receptor Transactivation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,842.00
Summary
Hormones bind to receptors on the surface of cells. Receptors can modify each other’s function and this “cross-talk” is important for the receptors for a peptide hormone (termed angiotensin) and a growth factor receptor (EGFR), which are major regulators of the cardiovascular system. We have identified a number of mediators of the angiotensin-EGFR crosstalk and this current grant aims to use molecular and cellular and in vivo approaches to examine the molecular basis of their actions.
Mapping The TNF Pathway: A Qualitative And Quantative Molecular Analysis Of The Components And Post-translational Modifications Involved In Physiological And Pathological TNFR1 Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,258.00
Summary
TNF is a master regulator of the inflammation response and dysregulated TNF signalling causes many human diseases. We will use a cutting edge mass spectrometry technique that we have developed to analyse molecules required for TNF signalling. Understanding how the TNF signalling works in all cell types and with different forms of ligands will open up therapeutic opportunities to selectively target TNF signalling in inflammatory diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer.
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.
Characterisation Of Two New Kinases In The Hippo Tumour Suppressor Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,602.00
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 Gish and Fray kinases control 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.
Understanding The Role Of The IL11-Stat3-Th17 Signaling Axis In Gastrointestinal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,743.00
Summary
Gastrointestinal cancers arise when abnormal cells grow out from otherwise normal tissue. The resulting tumours contain a number of different types of cells, some of which help the tumour to grow, and some of which fight the tumour. We are interested in understanding how soluble molecules called cytokines influence the cells that promote tumour growth. In particular, we will explore the role of a cytokine called Interleukin-11 in these processes to identify novel cancer therapies.