Characterisation Of Two New Kinases In The Hippo Tumour Suppressor Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,602.00
Summary
The Hippo pathway is a key regulator of tissue growth. It was first discovered in vinegar flies and plays a similar role in mammals. We aim to define the mechanism by which the Gish and Fray kinases control tissue growth by regulating the Hippo pathway. These studies will be performed in flies and mammalian cell culture. Our studies will shed light on how tissue growth is controlled, and have the potential to inform the way that we treat human cancers and tissue growth disorders.
Control Of Organ Size And Cancer By The Hippo Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
The Hippo pathway is a key regulator of tissue growth. It was first discovered in vinegar flies and plays a similar role in mammals. We aim to define the mechanism by which the Hippo pathway controls tissue growth and cancer. These studies will be performed in flies and mammalian cell culture. Our studies will shed light on how tissue growth is controlled, and have the potential to inform the way that we treat human cancers and tissue growth disorders.
Investigation Into The Roles Of Ena/VASP-Like And Protein Phosphatase 4C In DNA Damage Repair Via Homologous Recombination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,139.00
Summary
The repair of DNA damage is a critical cellular mechanism that exists to ensure genomic stability. This project aims to investigate the role of the proteins Ena/VASP-Like and Protein Phosphatase 4C in DNA damage repair via homologous recombination. The DNA damage response pathway is an important area in the study of cancer and ageing, and the potential role of PP4C and EVL in homologous recombination needs to be investigated further.
Biochemical And Molecular Dissection Of The Mechanisms Controlling Ribosome Biogenesis By The PI3K/AKT/mTOR/MYC Network
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$545,180.00
Summary
Ribosome synthesis and function are critical for normal cell growth and division and hence this process is exquisitely regulated. Conversely, de-regulated cell growth can lead to cancer. We have identified new roles for the AKT and SGK families of kinases in controlling this process. This proposal aims to establish the mechanisms by which these enzymes control ribosome synthesis to better understand growth control and to provide insight for targeting these pathways in growth driven cancers.
Targeting The Interface Between Tumours And Their Microenvironment For The Treatment Of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$785,045.00
Summary
This fellowship explores the synergistic interactions between intestinal cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment and which promote survival, expansion, migration and invasion as well as facilitating the development of resistance to anti-cancer therapy. Aided by the clinical expertise of my collaborators, my efforts are likely to yield translational outcomes, including the development of therapeutic IL-11 antagonists, and of a serum protein signature indicative of early stage gastric cancer.
Tao Kinase, A New Member Of The Hippo Tumour Suppressor Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,190.00
Summary
The Hippo pathway is a key regulator of tissue growth. It was first discovered in vinegar flies and plays a similar role in mammals. We aim to define the mechanism by which the Tao kinase controls tissue growth by regulating the Hippo pathway. These studies will be performed in flies and mammalian cell culture. Our studies will shed light on how tissue growth is controlled, and have the potential to inform the way that we treat human cancers and tissue growth disorders.
Role Of Oxidative Stress In Activating ATM To Protect Against Neurodegeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,334.00
Summary
ATM is the protein defective in the human genetic disorder ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). This project is designed to investigate how this protein is activated by oxidative stress. The study is largely a mechanistic one, to investigate changes occurring in ATM as part of the activation process. There is evidence that ATM exists in the cytoplasm in neuronal cells and understanding its function in these cells may assist in understanding the basis for neurodegeneration in A-T.
The overall goal of the program is to develop novel approaches to slow the progress or prevent neurodegeneration in patients with rare human genetic disorders. The second program is designed to develop novel therapeutics from snake venom proteins. These include proteins with anti-bleeding activity and those with application in wound healing. The third program involves the development of novel biomarkers for the early detection and prognosis in prostate cancer.