Mitochondrially targeted anti-cancer drugs modulate the mitochondrial genome. Successful cancer management requires novel therapeutical approaches. This project will test the effect of a new class of compounds that target mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, where they suppress expression of mitochondrial genes. By this mechanism, cancers that are resistant to apoptosis induction can be inhibited.
A new Src, PKCdelta and Akt regulated protease activated receptor system in metastasis. In contrast with localised cancer which can often be cured, curative treatment is generally not possible for cancer that has spread. This project will characterise a protein that drives the spread of cancer and to develop new approaches to treat patients at risk of developing these aggressive tumours that spread to other organs.
Structural And Functional Analysis Of A Cancer-linked Co-regulator Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$729,571.00
Summary
We seek to understand the mechanisms by which genes are switched on and off throughout our lifetime. A number of multi-component protein machines are involved in this process but their make-up and mechanism of action is not understood. We will investigate the structure and function of one of these machines that has been strongly linked to cancer.
Heparan sulphate mimetics: Versatile tools for chemical biology. This project aims to develop chemical tools to study heparan sulphate-binding proteins. Heparan sulphate is a complex polysaccharide that is ubiquitously expressed on mammalian cells and interacts with proteins to mediate numerous biological and pathological functions. These interactions are poorly understood. This project will use homogeneous, structurally defined compounds to study heparan sulphate and its binding partners in bio ....Heparan sulphate mimetics: Versatile tools for chemical biology. This project aims to develop chemical tools to study heparan sulphate-binding proteins. Heparan sulphate is a complex polysaccharide that is ubiquitously expressed on mammalian cells and interacts with proteins to mediate numerous biological and pathological functions. These interactions are poorly understood. This project will use homogeneous, structurally defined compounds to study heparan sulphate and its binding partners in biology. This is expected to lead to a better, molecular-level understanding of these fundamental processes, and may have future applications in biotechnology and drug development.Read moreRead less
Chemical proteomics: proteomics with no detection limit. Half of all drugs are derived from natural products, yet little is known about how most achieve their therapeutic action. This project aims to develop a methodology to rapidly uncover drug-protein interactions and pave the way for faster drug development and a better understanding of drug action.
EGFR-directed radioimmunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA repair inhibition: development towards clinical application for aggressive cancers. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are aggressive diseases which lack effective therapies in clinical use. A novel and curative therapy was developed against PDAC and TNBC which involves targeted radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA damage response inhibition. This project will develop a “p ....EGFR-directed radioimmunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA repair inhibition: development towards clinical application for aggressive cancers. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are aggressive diseases which lack effective therapies in clinical use. A novel and curative therapy was developed against PDAC and TNBC which involves targeted radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA damage response inhibition. This project will develop a “preclinical data package” comprising a biological rationale and preclinical evidence of safety and efficacy that together would justify an early phase clinical trial. This package includes the choice of formulations, mechanism of action and safety studies. This development will have an immediate impact for PDAC and TNBC patients and a future impact on other EGFR-positive cancers.Read moreRead less
Exploring Scanning Ultrasound (SUS), A Novel Method To Treat And Prevent Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,708.00
Summary
We developed a novel scanning ultrasound (SUS) protocol that clears toxic protein aggregates and restores memory function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), without the need for therapeutic agents. Here we aim to determine whether SUS has preventative potential, whether there are synergistic effects, and whether a therapeutic antibody combined with SUS leads to an enhanced therapeutic outcome. Together this will guide the development of an ultrasound therapy in AD patients.
Biosensor Based Clinical-decision Support For Patients With Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$691,933.00
Summary
Heart Failure (HF) is a progressive disease and a major global public health concern. HF accounts for a substantial number of hospitalisations, major healthcare resource utilisation and costs. We aim to engineer biosensor platform to stratify the risk in HF patients will revolutionise current management of HF by providing the cardiologist information to risk stratify patients based on protein signature. This will lead to a substantial paradigm shift in clinical practice.