Dental caries (tooth decay) is initiated by demineralisation of tooth hard tissue by organic acids produced by dental plaque bacteria from dietary sugars. The disease is a major public health problem and has an estimated economic burden in Australia of over $1 billion p.a. being higher than that for any other dietary-related disease. We have discovered and patented a novel amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate that is stabilised by phosphopeptides from the bovine milk protein casein. These comple ....Dental caries (tooth decay) is initiated by demineralisation of tooth hard tissue by organic acids produced by dental plaque bacteria from dietary sugars. The disease is a major public health problem and has an estimated economic burden in Australia of over $1 billion p.a. being higher than that for any other dietary-related disease. We have discovered and patented a novel amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate that is stabilised by phosphopeptides from the bovine milk protein casein. These complexes, designated CPP-ACFP, have the potential to provide superior clinical efficacy in preventing dental caries and treating and repairing early stages of disease. The aims of this project therefore are (i) to develop topical formulations of CPP-ACFP for application to teeth to repair early stages of decay and (ii) to characterise the three-dimensional structure of the CPP-ACFP complexes. The significance of this work is that a superior and novel treatment for dental caries may be developed as well as providing insight into the structure of organically-stabilised amorphous calcium phosphate and its role in biomineralisation processes.Read moreRead less
Assessment Of Calcium Signaling In Breast Cancer Cells Associated With Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,762.00
Summary
This research will assess the role of specific proteins that control cell function in a process which is important in the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. The work is aimed at identifying new targets for drugs that may be used to prevent or stop the spread of breast cancer cells to other organs such as the brain and liver.
Calcium acts as a signal to control cell processes important in cancer. The entry of calcium into the cell is regulated by calcium channels and we have found some channels are over-expressed in breast cancer. Altering the expression and activity of these calcium channels is a possible therapeutic approach for cancer. We will determine the reasons and consequences of alterations of calcium channels in breast cancer and whether they are viable anti-cancer therapies and biomarkers.
Anthracyclines Disrupt Ca2+ Signalling In Cardiomyocytes: A Contribution To Cardiac Toxicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,620.00
Summary
Anthracyclines are one of the most effective drugs used in chemotherapy, but cause side effects resulting in serious heart problems which can be fatal. The link between anthracycline therapy and the problems they cause in the heart is not fully defined. We will investigate mechanisms leading to these side effects and define specific targets of anthracyclines in the heart. It is hoped this will lead to the design of new drugs which counteract the side effects of anthracycline treatment.
Calcium Signaling And Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition: A New Approach To Identifying Pharmacological Targets For Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,645.00
Summary
The largest killer of women with breast cancer is disease that has spread e.g. to brain, bones, lungs. Once breast cancer has spread in this way to secondary sites, also known as metastatic disease, then there is limited treatment available and generally therapy is palliative only. Our work describes experiments that will help us understand the process of metastasis and provide new avenues for drug discovery in metastatic disease, thus helping women who have a poor prognosis.