Understanding Cell Signalling As A Basis For New Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
This fellowship will capitalise on my extensive expertise in determining the three-dimensional atomic structures of proteins to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms in cancer and Alzheimer’s disease as a basis for discovering new drugs to combat these devastating diseases.
Platelets are key blood elements that are essential for the prevention of bleeding in response to injury or infection. Overactive or spontaneously active platelets cause thrombosis and blood clot formation. My laboratory has identified new physiological pathways of activation of platelet metalloproteinases, the enzymes that regulate surface levels of the prothrombotic platelet receptors. By understanding this mechanism of receptor regulation, we can uniquely target platelet receptors in people w ....Platelets are key blood elements that are essential for the prevention of bleeding in response to injury or infection. Overactive or spontaneously active platelets cause thrombosis and blood clot formation. My laboratory has identified new physiological pathways of activation of platelet metalloproteinases, the enzymes that regulate surface levels of the prothrombotic platelet receptors. By understanding this mechanism of receptor regulation, we can uniquely target platelet receptors in people with prothrombotic pathologies.Read moreRead less
Many bacterial pathogens invade host cells to replicate and avoid detection by the host. These pathogens interact with the host and by manipulating it to its benefit they establish an environment to survive in. A detailed understanding of the targeted hosts pathways and which are essential for pathogen survival is knowledge that will allow future development of therapeutic intervention strategies.
The regulation to early T cell signalling is a critical step in immune responses. Superimposed onto the biochemical pathways is a spatial organization that defines the immunological synapse. My research aims to map the principles of the spatial organization on the molecular scale to identify how lipids could unbalance the dynamic signalling equilibrium, for example in obese patients. To achieve this goal, my research group has developed single molecule microscopy approaches.
I study hormone action at the molecular level, particularly that of growth hormone action. I focus on the mechanism of activation of its receptor, notably as a target for cancer therapy, since growth hormone is necessary for the progression of many types of cancer. The ability of growth hormone to activate neural stem cells for a prolonged period in response to voluntary exercise is also a key interest. So too is the 40% extension of lifespan in mice after genetically deleting the growth hormone ....I study hormone action at the molecular level, particularly that of growth hormone action. I focus on the mechanism of activation of its receptor, notably as a target for cancer therapy, since growth hormone is necessary for the progression of many types of cancer. The ability of growth hormone to activate neural stem cells for a prolonged period in response to voluntary exercise is also a key interest. So too is the 40% extension of lifespan in mice after genetically deleting the growth hormone receptor.Read moreRead less
Developing New Therapeutic Strategies For Brain Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
Each year, over 1,500 Australians will develop brain cancer. Unlike many cancers, it cannot be prevented by lifestyle changes. Adults with brain cancer usually die within 2 years. The overall aims of this funding are to extend patients' lives and build brain cancer research in Australia so that we have the best chance of curing this disease. The expected outcome is clinical trial of drug candidates for the most common and most deadly brain cancer, high-grade glioma.
I am a neuroscientist investigating the functional roles of neurotrophic factors in nervous diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and spinal cord injury. I am also interested in the mechanisms of how these factors are involved in neural development.
My research is aiming to study how the immune system controls viral infections in transplant patients and use this information to bolster their immunity in a test tube, providing protection against a virus the patient is unable to fight after their transplant. We are also trying to develop new strategies to use patient's own blood cells which will be grown in the laboratory and returned to the patient, resulting in a full recovery.
Discovering How MicroRNAs And CircRNAs Control Cancer Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
Most cancers arise from epithelial cells, and most deaths from these cancers are due to the transition of the cancer to an invasive form, that can invade tissues and establish secondary cancers (metastases). Our work will focus on understanding how recently discovered gene regulators, called microRNAs and circular RNAs, control changes in cancer cells to allow them to progress to invasive, metastatic forms and use this knowledge to find ways to block the process.