Factors Predisposing To Post Operative Epilepsy In Patients With Supratentorial Gliomas
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$66,550.00
Summary
Tumour associated epilepsy, a common, disabling problem for patients with brain tumours called gliomas is often refractory to medical treatment and the mechanisms by which gliomas cause seizures are unknown. This is the first extensive observational study looking at molecular factors within the brain such as Hyperpolarization ion channels, glutamate uptake receptors and ADAM22 genes that may help determine which patients with gliomas will develop epilepsy and which ones will not.
Investigation Of The Functional Role Of Parkin And PArkin Co-Regulated Gene (PACRG) In Neurodegenerative Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,421.00
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder affecting greater than 1% of the population at 65 years of age. Current treatment regimes treat the motor-associated symptoms of disease - tremor and muscle rigidity. There is no cure, or effective treatment to reverse or halt disease progression. Understanding the role of dysregulated proteins in the progression of PD will identify new targets for treatment of the motor and cognitive deficits observed in PD-affected individuals.
Biomarkers Of Phenotype, Prognosis And Response To Therapy In Pancreatic Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,845.00
Summary
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in our society. This research is aimed at the discovery of novel biomarkers with the ability to forecast prognosis and response to treatments in patients with PC. Ultimately, this will lead to the “individualisation” of the treatment for each patient, so that the most appropriate therapy could be given to an individual patient. This would significantly improve the overall survival and the quality of life for patients.
The Role Of FHL Proteins In The Pathology Of Muscular Dystrophies: Identification Of Novel Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,355.00
Summary
Scientists at Monash University have recently identified a protein called FHL1 which promotes skeletal muscle repair-growth and may reverse the muscle degeneration seen in inherited muscular dystrophies. This study will investigate whether FHL1 expression can improve muscle mass in mouse models of muscular dystropy. In doing so, this research improve out understanding of the molecular processes that cause muscular dystrophies and thereby lead the way to new therapies for this family of diseases.
Transient Receptor Potential Calcium Channels In Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis And Invasiveness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$104,018.00
Summary
Calcium is a highly regulated signal used by cells to control processes such as growth and division, cell death and motility. Calcium channels let calcium into the cells, and specific calcium channel types are overexpressed in cancers, including those of the prostate and breast. In this research, we will assess the role of specific calcium permeable channels known as TRPs in breast cancer and the consequences of their inhibition on breast cancer cell growth and survival.
The Effects Of Estrogen-Responsive B Box Protein On Retinoid Sensitivity In Cancer And Its Significance In Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,421.00
Summary
Although effective, many cancer drugs often lead to side effects, especially in children. New therapies are needed that specifically target cancer cells while leaving normal cells unaffected. I am studying a novel protein (EBBP) which I believe has an important role in cancer cell growth. By studying EBBP I aim to be able to increase the effectiveness of the low toxic chemotherapy retinoic acid without increased side effects, as well as understand the functional role of EBBP in cancer cells.