Overcoming Breast Cancer Heterogeneity And Resistance Using A Novel Therapeutic Approach Targeting The Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Breast cancer (BrCa) is the leading cause of cancer death in women and current treatments suffer from development of resistance, leading to metastatic progression. I will assess a novel treatment strategy for BrCa, targeting a gene that is able to inhibit multiple key drivers of BrCa, using a novel potent and selective anti-cancer agent. This approach has the potential to overcome resistance to current therapies and alleviate the onset of metastasis, to improve prognosis for BrCa patients.
The Hedgehog Gene As A New Drug Target For Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,920.00
Summary
Breast cancer cells create the conditions for their own survival by communicating their needs with to the healthy cells that surround them. We have previously shown that a molecule known as ‘hedgehog’ transmits biochemical signals between the cancer cells and healthy cells. When hedgehog is ‘silenced’, tumours shrink and stop their spread. In this application, we explore the fundamental biology of Hedgehog signaling and its potential as a drug target for breast cancer.
Next Generation Imaging To Bridge The Knowledge Gap In Nanomedicine Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,402.00
Summary
Nanomedicines are generally touted as the next generation in therapeutics. However, despite some landmark successes, their translation into clinical use is limited. This is mainly a result of poor understanding of how they behave under physiological conditions. To address this issue and improve translation, this fellowship aims to develop predictive models of how nanomedicines interact with biological systems, then validate the nanomedicines in dog models of cancer that mimic the human disease.
Therapeutic Targeting Of Neuroinflammation To Slow The Progression Of Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
My research has identified key components of our immune system, that can worsen disease in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and motor neuron disease. I hope that exploring these components in animal models, and patients suffering from these diseases, my group can identify new therapeutic drug candidates that can be progressed in clinical trials. Ultimately, this may lead to new treatments to reduce disease burden in patients suffering from these neurodegenerative conditions.