Macrophages are a key component of the immune system; thier functions include killing of pathogens as well as cancerous cells. Macrophage lineage cells are derived from stem cells within the bone marrow and thier differentiation, proliferation and survival is mediated by a particular growth factor termed colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). The understanding of how macrophage lineage cells develop will help us to treat many diseases including certain cancers (such as leukemia), arthritis and inf ....Macrophages are a key component of the immune system; thier functions include killing of pathogens as well as cancerous cells. Macrophage lineage cells are derived from stem cells within the bone marrow and thier differentiation, proliferation and survival is mediated by a particular growth factor termed colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). The understanding of how macrophage lineage cells develop will help us to treat many diseases including certain cancers (such as leukemia), arthritis and inflammation, and disorders of the immune system. The action of CSF-1 is mediated by the CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) which, when activated, controls gene regulation. In this proposal we will study CSF-1R activation and identify the genes regulated by CSF-1 with a view to characterize genes critical for macrophage development. These genes may provide potential targets for new pharmacological agents.Read moreRead less
Functional Analysis Of Human MC1R Polymorphisms In Directing Melanocyte Phenotype
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,527.00
Summary
Sunsmart campaigns are a unifying element in the lives of many Australians who wish to ensure protection against the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Indeed, Australians have the highest incidence of UV-induced melanoma in the world. Although it is evident that lighter skin colours are more susceptible to sun damage, the relationship between sun exposure, skin type and melanoma formation is less clear. An essential first step in understanding the complex interactions that give r ....Sunsmart campaigns are a unifying element in the lives of many Australians who wish to ensure protection against the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Indeed, Australians have the highest incidence of UV-induced melanoma in the world. Although it is evident that lighter skin colours are more susceptible to sun damage, the relationship between sun exposure, skin type and melanoma formation is less clear. An essential first step in understanding the complex interactions that give rise to melanoma, and in identifying individuals that have a high susceptibility, is to reduce phenotypic analyses to genotypic classifications. As pigmentation phenotype is a factor of central importance in determining an individuals risk for melanoma, characterisation of the genes underlying the physical qualities of human eye, hair and skin colour will give a more direct and accurate genotypic assessment of risk. Results from an epidemiology study of melanoma patients in Queensland have identified a number of genetic changes within the melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor (MC1R) gene that associate with skin, hair and eye colour as well as with incidence of melanoma. Further investigation of MC1R gene alleles which segregate with skin and hair colours will provide the beginning for a whole new genotype-based classification of skin colour and melanoma risk, and will significantly contribute to our understanding of what makes some individuals highly susceptible to melanoma while others are not. Indeed, MC1R polymorphisms may numerically be the most important melanoma predisposition gene yet identified, exerting its effects as one of those common genes of small effect which may account for much more of the case load in melanoma than rarer genes of large effect. Studies such as this will enable powerful genotyping methods to be employed in identification of those individuals at highest risk for melanoma and other skin cancers.Read moreRead less
Molecular analysis of photosynthetically-linked, active CO2 uptake and CO2 signal transduction by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) have evolved a very efficient means of capturing and concentrating CO2 for photosynthetic fixation into sugars, the basic building blocks for cell growth. This process is dependent on the operation of several unique, active uptake systems for CO2 and HCO3-, with their genetic expression regulated by CO2 supply. This proposal will cap ....Molecular analysis of photosynthetically-linked, active CO2 uptake and CO2 signal transduction by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) have evolved a very efficient means of capturing and concentrating CO2 for photosynthetic fixation into sugars, the basic building blocks for cell growth. This process is dependent on the operation of several unique, active uptake systems for CO2 and HCO3-, with their genetic expression regulated by CO2 supply. This proposal will capitalize on our progress in describing the functional genetics of this process and aims to elucidate the mechanism of active CO2 uptake and the way that cells sense the ambient CO2 concentration. The information gained is likely to be useful for designing improved crops.Read moreRead less
Combinatorial controlled gene expression delivering crops resistant to nematodes. Root-knot nematodes cause US$130 billion crop losses worldwide pa, and at least AUS$ 450 pa in Australia. Current control methods involve fumigation, chemicals (mainly carbamates and organophosphates), natural plant resistance and biological control. The fumigants (eg methyl bromide) are being phased out because they damage the ozone layer, most of the non-fumigants are being banned because of environmental damag ....Combinatorial controlled gene expression delivering crops resistant to nematodes. Root-knot nematodes cause US$130 billion crop losses worldwide pa, and at least AUS$ 450 pa in Australia. Current control methods involve fumigation, chemicals (mainly carbamates and organophosphates), natural plant resistance and biological control. The fumigants (eg methyl bromide) are being phased out because they damage the ozone layer, most of the non-fumigants are being banned because of environmental damage and persistence in groundwater, and biological control has had limited success. These problems are addressed in this project with development of synthetic plant resistance to nematodes, which will benefit horticultural and broadacre farming by reducing pathogen losses and improving quality.Read moreRead less
Osteoporosis is a pathological loss of bone that affects many Australians. It occurs because of an excessive release of calcium from bone that is caused by the overactivity of the cells that break down bone, osteoclasts. We have studied two genes that are involved in the way these cells work and by a close examination of the the way they are regulated we hope to understand how osteoclasts are derived and how their activity is controlled. In particular we will look at two newly dicovered osteocla ....Osteoporosis is a pathological loss of bone that affects many Australians. It occurs because of an excessive release of calcium from bone that is caused by the overactivity of the cells that break down bone, osteoclasts. We have studied two genes that are involved in the way these cells work and by a close examination of the the way they are regulated we hope to understand how osteoclasts are derived and how their activity is controlled. In particular we will look at two newly dicovered osteoclast regulators called PPAR-gamma and PPAR-delta. These offer the opportunity for the development in the future of new, alternative drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis.Read moreRead less
Structure-function Analysis Of Nuclear Receptor And Cofactor Action: Evidence For A Role In Muscle.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$692,040.00
Summary
Hormone receptors have critical roles in almost all aspects of physiology by transducing the effects of hormones into metabolic responses. There are ~45 orphan hormone receptors encoded by distinct genes in humans, since all receptors are important in the treatment of human disease, the plethora of orphan receptors has been the catalyst for the development of a new paradigm, reverse endocrinology. Reverse endocrinology is the process whereby the orphan hormone receptor is used to search for a pr ....Hormone receptors have critical roles in almost all aspects of physiology by transducing the effects of hormones into metabolic responses. There are ~45 orphan hormone receptors encoded by distinct genes in humans, since all receptors are important in the treatment of human disease, the plethora of orphan receptors has been the catalyst for the development of a new paradigm, reverse endocrinology. Reverse endocrinology is the process whereby the orphan hormone receptor is used to search for a previously unknown hormone, and metabolic pathway. We are interested in the orphan hormone receptors, Rev-erbA and RVR, orphan members of the receptor superfamily. Rev-erb alpha expression is regulated by fibrates, widely used hypolipidemic drugs, and the circadian cycle. Rev-erbs mediate the regulation of lipid metabolism and peroxisomal beta oxidation. Furthermore, Rev-erbs are acutely induced during brain seizures, postulated to regulate cerebellar plasticity, and involved in growth control. In view of these critical regulatory roles, and the success of reverse endocrinology to date, we intend to complete the structural analysis of the Rev-erb and RVR as a tool to identify the hormone that binds this receptor. Hormone receptors recruit proteins called nuclear receptor cofactors, that function as regulators of gene expression. The cofactors regulate gene expression and development. Furthermore these cofactors, when misregulated result in the onset of disease and carcinogenesis, which underscores the need for achieving a high resolution view of their function in many tissues. Along these lines, we are interested in exmining the function of these cofactors in muscle. Understanding the molecular role of the NR cofactors during muscle differentiation will be a critical step toward elucidating the dysregulation-function of these proteins in muscle diseases, such as rhabdomyosarcoma and inflammatory myopathy that have cofactor deficiency.Read moreRead less
In this grant we aim to study the moecular basis of cancer. The promoter regions of tumour suppressor genes are often modified in cancer by a chemical process called methylation. Methylation of DNA is associated with gene silencing. Therefore DNA methylation is commonly regarded as causing the silencing of genes in cancer. In this grant, we aim to determine if methylation is causal in triggering gene silencing in cancer, or if methylation is a consequence of gene silencing. This is a critical di ....In this grant we aim to study the moecular basis of cancer. The promoter regions of tumour suppressor genes are often modified in cancer by a chemical process called methylation. Methylation of DNA is associated with gene silencing. Therefore DNA methylation is commonly regarded as causing the silencing of genes in cancer. In this grant, we aim to determine if methylation is causal in triggering gene silencing in cancer, or if methylation is a consequence of gene silencing. This is a critical distinction in understanding the role of methylation in cancer development.Read moreRead less
The link between environmental stress and disease onset in prawn aquaculture. The federal government has set a target for prawn aquaculture production to increase fourfold by 2010. A major barrier is disease: losses of 20% of production to viral diseases are not uncommon. To be internationally competitive, Australia needs to develop high health production systems. Most prawn stock carry chronic viral infections, but only exhibit disease symptoms following environmental stress. This project will ....The link between environmental stress and disease onset in prawn aquaculture. The federal government has set a target for prawn aquaculture production to increase fourfold by 2010. A major barrier is disease: losses of 20% of production to viral diseases are not uncommon. To be internationally competitive, Australia needs to develop high health production systems. Most prawn stock carry chronic viral infections, but only exhibit disease symptoms following environmental stress. This project will identify environmental stressors that activate viral disease in Penaeus monodon. Outcomes will be incorporated into on-farm managerial regimes to minimize risk of crop loss to disease. Development of biomarkers as indicators of stress related risks may be commercialized.Read moreRead less