Microtubule Severing: A Role In Mammalian Oocyte And Embryo Viability?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,251.00
Summary
In all cells, cell division is controlled by a microtubule based structure known as the spindle. Abnormal function of this spindle leads to loss and gain of chromosomes that in oocytes causes early embryo loss and in cells of the body it causes cancer and cell death. We will investigate a family of proteins that modify microtubules and explore the role they play in ensuring cell division happnens safely.
Regulation And Mechanisms Of Cell Cycling, Cell Senescence And Cell Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
Most of our cells are not dividing, but persist in a stable arrested state, yet little is known of the molecular mechanisms that regulate and maintain permanent arrest, or that go wrong when cells start proliferating and turn into cancers. This proposal addresses an area of fundamental, basic biology, that has been largely overlooked. A better understanding of the molecules that regulate cell stability might provide new drug targets so that tumour cell proliferation can be stopped.
Sex Chromosome Instability In Disorders Of Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,633.00
Summary
Chromosomes must be copied and distributed faultlessly into the newly dividing cells for normal development to occur. Factors that affect this process are often associated with health problems such as birth disorders, cancer, premature aging and infertility. This project plans to identify genetic factors that compromise the faithful transmission of chromosomes from cell to cell. Results gained from this project will greatly assist in the diagnosis of chromosome-related disorders.
The Role Of Centromere Defects In Cancer Formation And Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,386.00
Summary
When cells divide, their DNA must be copied and distributed faultlessly into the new cells. Defects in the factors that control this process will result in serious health problems including cancer. The objective of this project is to identify what these factors are and study how they contribute to cancer. Results gained from this project are expected to significantly increase our understanding of how cancer cells control the replication of their DNA and therefore their own fate.
Chemical And Structural Biology Validation Of Lamin B1 As A New Anti-cancer Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,272.00
Summary
The validation of new anti-cancer targets is critical for the development of new therapies. We have discovered a small molecule that disrupt the function Lamin B1 during cell division and decreases tumour growth significantly in vivo. With this research proposal, we will investigate the role that Lamin B1 exerts during cell division and why interfering with this protein has such a profound impact on cancer cells.
The Role Of Clathrin In The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint And As An Anti-cancer Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,768.00
Summary
Cell division produces two daughter cells. Incorrect localisation and modification of proteins that regulate mitosis cause errors that can lead to cancer. As well as using a unique machinery mitosis uses proteins involved in non-cell cycle pathways. This project investigates the role during mitosis of one such protein: clathrin. We will identify lead clathrin inhibitory compounds, pitstops, that have potential anti-cancer properties, ultimately to be used as a chemotherapy agent.