Role Of Human Amnion Epithelial Cells In Resolving Hepatic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$618,755.00
Summary
When the liver is injured repeatedly by viruses and alcohol, it responds through a wound healing process that can lead to extensive scar tissue in the liver (cirrhosis). This condition may require liver transplantation and lifelong use of drugs to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. To develop an alternate therapy, we will study if substances secreted by amnion cells from the human placenta (afterbirth), which would normally be discarded, can reduce liver scar tissue in mice .
The Pathogenesis Of Haemochromatosis In The HFE Knockout Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$244,616.00
Summary
Hereditary haemochromatosis is a very common genetic disease that affects approximately 1 in 200 Australians. It alters the way the body uses iron. It causes an increase in absorption of dietary iron and increased deposition of iron in major organs of the body such as the liver, heart and pancreas. This iron is harmful to tissues in the body and may lead to the development of liver cirrhosis, heart disease, diabetes and malignancy. The gene that is defective in hereditary haemochromatosis patien ....Hereditary haemochromatosis is a very common genetic disease that affects approximately 1 in 200 Australians. It alters the way the body uses iron. It causes an increase in absorption of dietary iron and increased deposition of iron in major organs of the body such as the liver, heart and pancreas. This iron is harmful to tissues in the body and may lead to the development of liver cirrhosis, heart disease, diabetes and malignancy. The gene that is defective in hereditary haemochromatosis patients has been identified and called HFE however, the function of HFE is not known. Recently, an excellent laboratory model of this disease has been developed. We aim to use this model to show for the first time how HFE controls the amount of iron the body absorbs and how much iron is delivered to tissues such as the liver. We also aim to identify how these processes are impaired in hereditary haemochromatosis patients. From this study, we will gain a better understanding of the role of HFE in iron metabolism of normal and hereditary haemochromatosis patients and this will provide opportunities for the development of new therapies for the prevention or treatment of iron overload.Read moreRead less
A Mechanotransduction Apparatus To Coordinate Epithelial Collective Cell Migration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$994,596.00
Summary
Epithelial cells migrate as physically coherent collective groups, which is necessary for normal development and is disrupted as cancers progress to become invasive and spread. Collective migration requires communication so that the behaviour of individual cells is properly coordinated. In this project we investigate how the transmission of physical force between cells allows them to communicate; and test how its disruption contributes to cancer invasion.
Investigating The Consequences Of Dysregulated Lipogenesis In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,647.00
Summary
Reprogramming of cellular metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. As such, there has been growing interest in developing strategies to exploit metabolism for therapeutic gain. Our ability to do this is dependent on a thorough understanding of the mechanisms by which dysregulation of cellular metabolism contributes to tumour progression. In this project, we seek to the investigate the fundamental mechanisms by which aberrant activation of lipid metabolism contributes to the tumourigenic process.