Investigating Tumour Biology Using Regulated RNAi In Cells And Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$305,915.00
Summary
Inhibiting gene expression using the recently discovered process known as RNA interference (RNAi) can be used as an experimental tool to analyse specific genes, in cells and genetically engineered animal models of human disease. I propose to use RNAi to mimic human cancer gene mutations in mouse cancer models, and aim to discover novel tumour suppressor genes. A further aim is to validate potential drug targets in cancer by using RNAi to inhibit specific genes in established mouse tumours.
Exploring The Role Of MiRSNPs In Diagnosis And Prognosis Of Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Genetic variants, when used alongside PSA and family history, could be a better early biomarker to identify men predisposable to develop prostate cancer or/and to distinguish slowly progressive from aggressive disease. We will undertake a comprehensive study on a special class of genetic variants "miRSNPs" in the non-coding region of the prostate cancer related genes and will also identify their mechanism of action, and their potential as a biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Identifying And Characterizing Genes That Regulate Breast Tumorigenesis And Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
I am a breast cancer biologist. My research focuses on identifying the changes in normal cells that allow cancer to form, and identifying the changes in cancer cells that allows them to spread. To accomplish this, I have developed new methods using mouse models of breast cancer. My goal is to use these methods to further our understanding of the causes of breast cancer development and progression.
The adult heart has an extremely limited capacity for regeneration. In contrast, I recently discovered that the newborn heart can completely regenerate following a heart attack. How and why the heart loses this regenerative capacity after birth is not known. This Fellowship aims to unravel the genetic circuits that govern cardiac regenerative capacity. The proposed research program will develop novel therapies for heart regeneration through molecular targeting of regulatory RNA molecules.
The Inflammasome In Host Defence And Autoinflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Inflammation is one of the bodies first responses to infection. The inflammasome is a protein complex that activates pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of this process. We are investigating pathogens that activate a specific inflammasome complex, and also an inflammatory disease it may cause when activated accidentally, in the absence of infection. We are also investigating pathways that keep this inflammation in check, and how pathogens might hijack these anti-inflammatory pathways to promote i ....Inflammation is one of the bodies first responses to infection. The inflammasome is a protein complex that activates pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of this process. We are investigating pathogens that activate a specific inflammasome complex, and also an inflammatory disease it may cause when activated accidentally, in the absence of infection. We are also investigating pathways that keep this inflammation in check, and how pathogens might hijack these anti-inflammatory pathways to promote infection.Read moreRead less
Follicular Helper T Cell Development And Function: From Mechanisms To Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Antibodies are the basis of most successful vaccinations. Diminished antibody responses lead to immunodeficiency while excessive antibody responses contribute to autoimmune diseases. We are studying a newly identified specialised helper T cell subset, termed follicular helper T cells, which is essential to regulate the high-affinity and long-lived antibody responses. The knowledge should provide new strategies to design better vaccines, to control infections, or to treat autoimmune disorders.