Tumour-on-a-chip Models For Ex-vivo Profiling Of Immune Checkpoint Blockades
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
The overall goal of this project is to build novel 3D biochips to culture primary human tumors with their immune cells, and to investigate patient specific responses to immune checkpoint blockade ex-vivo. Since there are currently no validated methodologies to study immunotherapy response in patient-derived cancer specimens, this proposal has the potential to provide a state-of-the art technology for the ‘personalization’ of immunotherapy.
PHARMACOGENETICS OF ANTIDEPRESSANT RESPONSE AND REMISSION: TOWARD GENOTYPE-GUIDED PRESCRIBING IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,524.00
Summary
A “one-size fits all” approach to antidepressant pharmacotherapy in depression is suboptimal. Current technology and scientific data support the transition to a personalised approach to antidepressant pharmacotherapy. My research will (1) develop and test genetic based algorithms for their ability to predict antidepressant response and remission and (2) evaluate the clinical validity and utility of currently available algorithms in clinical practice.
Targeting Inflammation-associated Macrophages For Imaging And Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development of effective therapies remains a major challenge and is often associated with severe side-effects. I recently developed novel targeting reagents to effectively deliver therapeutics and diagnostic agents deep inside diseased tissues, such as tumours and atherosclerotic plaques. My research will further explore their therapeutic and imaging applications in cancer and atherosclerosis.
Modulating Skin Regenerative Responses To Improve Wound Repair And Fight Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Skin disorders, such as hard to heal wounds or the most common skin cancers, are a major burden on the national health system. Despite their different nature they employ similar mechanisms of response to injury. In this project we intend to develop a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms at play to allow clinical interventions to prevent or to cure these disorders.
Molecular Mechanisms Of Mitotic Progression And The Anti-cancer Properties Of Anti-mitotic Agents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
Mitosis is the final stage of the cell division cycle that produces two daughter cells. Incorrect localisation and modification of proteins that regulate this process cause cell division errors potentially leading to cancer. This project will characterise how key mitotic proteins co-operatively function to complete this process. This research will increase our understanding of the cell division errors that contribute to cancer development, ultimately identifying new targets for cancer therapy.