Allosteric Modulation Of GPCR-mediated Intracellular Signalling In Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Cardiomyocytes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,598.00
Summary
Adenosine and muscarinic receptors are cell-surface proteins that represent promising targets for a number of conditions. However, the mechanisms linking the activation of these receptors to cellular responsiveness have not been thoroughly investigated in cells of human origin. This study will use novel cutting-edge methods to measure the effects of different classes of drugs on receptor-mediated intracellular signalling in embryonic stem cell derived human cardiac cells.
Investigating The Impact Of Coincident Modulation Of Adenosine And Glutamate Receptors On Neuronal Activity – Implications For CNS Drug Discovery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,447.00
Summary
Dementia in particular Alzheimer's disease, is one of the leading causes of death. There remains a need for new drugs to treat both symptoms and disease progression. Two receptors in the brain, the adenosine A1 (A1AR) and metabotropic glutamate 5 (mGlu5) are suggested to be promising new drug targets for dementia. In order to better develop drugs that target these receptors, we will develop a better understanding of activity of these receptors under conditions of health and disease.
Adenosine Receptor Antagonists As Immunotherapeutic Agents For Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,779.00
Summary
We have shown that drugs that block immunosuppressive adenosine receptors can improve anti-tumour immune responses and consequently enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. These drugs are already known to be well-tolerated in humans and so have great potential for clinical development. We propose to determine the therapeutic response achieved with these drugs in combination with established cancer treatments involving radiotherapy and immune based therapies.
Investigation Of Novel Therapeutic Targets For The Treatment Of Drug Addiction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$294,892.00
Summary
Drug abuse remains one of the world’s leading health care problems and the current drugs available to treat drug addiction are largely ineffective. This project aims to investigate the potential of a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of drug addiction with has the capacity for substantially reduced off-target effects.
Targeting Adenosine Mediated Immunosuppression To Enhance CAR T Cell Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,447.00
Summary
The use of white blood cells genetically engineered to eradicate cancer cells specifically has been a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. These cells (CAR T cells) are very effective in blood cancers, but do not currently work well in other cancers. This is due to the immune suppressing nature of the cancer environment. I propose to use strategies to overcome this by genetically reprogramming the CAR T cells to be resistant to suppression by the cancer and therefore be more effective.
The Role Of CD73 In Cancer: Validating A Novel Therapeutic Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,356.00
Summary
We here propose to investigate the role of a specific immune-suppressive molecule called CD73 in cancer. We will test the therapeutic activity of blocking CD73 with a monoclonal antibody for cancer treatment, either used alone or in combination with immune-activating agents and chemotherapy.
Reduced Ischaemic Tolerance In The Aged Myocardium: The Role Of Adenosine And Adenosine Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,250.00
Summary
Despite a decline in deaths rates due to heart disease over the last decade, cardiovascular disease remains the single greatest cause of premature death in individuals over 65 years of age. It accounts for a major and increasing portion of health care costs. Coronary artery disease affects 50% of those older than 65, and with the ageing of our population it is estimated that the elderly population will nearly double from 13-14% to 25% over the next 30 years. Unfortunately, it appears that the ag ....Despite a decline in deaths rates due to heart disease over the last decade, cardiovascular disease remains the single greatest cause of premature death in individuals over 65 years of age. It accounts for a major and increasing portion of health care costs. Coronary artery disease affects 50% of those older than 65, and with the ageing of our population it is estimated that the elderly population will nearly double from 13-14% to 25% over the next 30 years. Unfortunately, it appears that the aged heart is less resistant to disease and injury, contributing to the increase in mortality with ageing. The reasons are not known. This research project will attempt to identify molecular changes which occur in the heart during ageing which may lead to a decline in ability to withstand disease and injury. The research will specifically examine the possibility that a key protective response, known as the adenosine receptor system, is somehow impaired or abnormal in the cells of the aged heart. If it is found that this process is impaired, the research will attempt to rectify this abnormality using new genetic therapy techniques to switch on the heart's own intrinsic defense mechanisms. This may ultimately open up new avenues for specific therapeutic approaches to treatment of ischaemic heart disease in the elderly.Read moreRead less