Melanoma is the 4th most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. Advanced melanoma frequently spreads to other organs and can acquire resistance to anti-melanoma treatments, making it fundamentally incurable. I am focused on investigating the mechanisms underlying melanoma disease progression. I will achieve this by comparing the biological nature of melanoma cells at different stages of disease and therapy-resistance to identify new targets for the more effective treatment of patients with melano ....Melanoma is the 4th most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. Advanced melanoma frequently spreads to other organs and can acquire resistance to anti-melanoma treatments, making it fundamentally incurable. I am focused on investigating the mechanisms underlying melanoma disease progression. I will achieve this by comparing the biological nature of melanoma cells at different stages of disease and therapy-resistance to identify new targets for the more effective treatment of patients with melanoma.Read moreRead less
Investigating The Genetic Cause Of Genital Abnormalities In Males
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
This project investigates the genetic cause of a relatively common defect in male genitalia, hypospadias, in which the penis opening is aberrantly located. Hypospadias affects 1 in ~250 males, usually requires surgery and can cause problems with intercourse and urination. Using new technologies to study patient DNA, we will identify mutations causing hypospadias and new genes involved in development of the male genitalia. This will lead to improved clinical diagnosis and management of patients.
Tracking B Cell And Neutralising Antibody Responses In Hepatitis C Virus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Hepatitis C virus is one of the most significant human pathogens. There is no vaccine for HCV, and the antiviral treatment is expensive and does not stop reinfection. This project will study how the immune system of people infected with HCV generates antibodies to clear the virus. This will inform research efforts to design successful preventative vaccine to protect against this viral pathogen.
Integrating Genotype And Phenotype In Clinical Molecular Epidemiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
With an ever increasing availability of virus genetic sequences and clinical data, we can apply new approaches to better understand and combat infectious diseases. This study aims to develop new state-of-the-art tools to answer such questions as: Do viruses evolves to become more virulent? How does drug resistance emerge and spread through virus populations? And more generally, how does virus genetics contribute to the variation in disease outcomes?