The Function Of BHLH Factors In Adult Haemopoiseis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$595,353.00
Summary
Understanding how genes control the behaviour of bone marrow stem cells is currently needed for improving recovery after chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation and in the future, will aid the application of new stem cell-based therapies for human diseases such as leukaemia. This research will examine how 2 closely related genes control bone marrow stem cell growth and the decision between beocoming a red cell or a white cell.
Analysis Of Factors Governing Globin Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,996.00
Summary
Hemoglobin is the major protein in red blood cells and is essential for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The disorders of hemoglobin production are the commonest genetic diseases world-wide. These diseases can be markedly improved with elevation of the form of hemoglobin produced by the developing embryo, fetal hemoglobin. We have identified key factors important for fetal gene expression. Our goal is to translate these findings into therapies for the hemoglobin disorders.
Regulation Of Red Blood Cell And Platelet Formation By BHLH Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,600.00
Summary
Continuous production of normal blood cells by the bone marrow is a process critical to human life. Disruption of this process leads to diseases such as leukemia, aplastic anemia and myelodysplasia which have devastating consequences for affected patients. Pivotal to understanding these diseases is a knowledge of the regulation of normal blood production. Our laboratory works on a gene known as SCL that is critical for blood formation. We have recently shown that loss of SCL in adult bone marrow ....Continuous production of normal blood cells by the bone marrow is a process critical to human life. Disruption of this process leads to diseases such as leukemia, aplastic anemia and myelodysplasia which have devastating consequences for affected patients. Pivotal to understanding these diseases is a knowledge of the regulation of normal blood production. Our laboratory works on a gene known as SCL that is critical for blood formation. We have recently shown that loss of SCL in adult bone marrow leads to abnormalities in two types of blood cells, the red blood cells and the platelets. This grant will extend this important observation to understand how the production of these cells is altered and what is its consequence. Our studies will help clarify the basis of blood cell formation and may impact on how we diagnose and treat a wide variety of blood disorders.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of Erythropoietic Mutants Identified In A Forward Genetic Screen In Mice.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,902.00
Summary
The human bone marrow is the pivotal organ in the replacement of the vast numbers of blood cells normally consumed each day. One of the cells regenerated by this organ are the red blood cells which are critical for the transport of oxygen to the tissues. This proposal uses genetically altered mice to identify genes that are critical for the production of normal red blood cells. Mice exposed to a chemical that induces random mutations in their genome are bred and pups with abnormal red blood cell ....The human bone marrow is the pivotal organ in the replacement of the vast numbers of blood cells normally consumed each day. One of the cells regenerated by this organ are the red blood cells which are critical for the transport of oxygen to the tissues. This proposal uses genetically altered mice to identify genes that are critical for the production of normal red blood cells. Mice exposed to a chemical that induces random mutations in their genome are bred and pups with abnormal red blood cells are identified. The responsible genetic mutation is identified and the gene is then studied to determine how it influences red blood cell production. The results of these studies provide insights into a variety of human conditions including anemia, thalassemia and sickle cell disease.Read moreRead less