Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases involve the formation of protein aggregates, termed amyloid. The formation of amyloid leads to cell death and neurodegeneration. The most important cellular events perturbed by the formation of amyloid aggregates are unclear. Recent evidence suggests that sterols (including cholesterol) have an important role in cellular toxicity. This study will examine the molecular basis for this, enhancing our understanding of the amyloid diseases and could ....Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases involve the formation of protein aggregates, termed amyloid. The formation of amyloid leads to cell death and neurodegeneration. The most important cellular events perturbed by the formation of amyloid aggregates are unclear. Recent evidence suggests that sterols (including cholesterol) have an important role in cellular toxicity. This study will examine the molecular basis for this, enhancing our understanding of the amyloid diseases and could suggest novel therapeutic avenues.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms Of Gene Regulation - Structure, Function And Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
The human genome contains at least 20000 genes. The activity of these genes must be tightly controlled throughout an individual’s life and problems with the regulation of genes lie at the heart of many common and serious diseases, including most forms of cancer. My program of research is focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying gene regulation and on the design of new reagents that could be used to manipulate the activity of genes that behave aberrantly in disease states.
Structural And Functional Studies On RNA Nuclear Retention Mediated By Paraspeckles: A Novel Gene Regulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,978.00
Summary
Dynamic interactions between proteins and nucleic acids are essential process in gene regulation, where aberrant regulation leads to various diseases including cancers. The project aims to examine the interactions between paraspeckle proteins and nucleic acid molecules via determination of the structures of protein-nucleic acid complexes at the atomic level. The results will provide a better understanding of a recently discovered gene regulation mechanism and a basis for new gene therapy.
Characterisation Of The Growth Receptor Bound 7 (Grb7) Protein And Protein And RNA Partners Involved In The Regulation Of Stress Granule Formation And Cell Migration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,958.00
Summary
This proposal is to investigate the Grb7 protein that occurs at very high levels in some types of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells. It is thought that Grb7 contributes to the progression of cancer by directly affecting the regulation of other genes. We will investigate the way in which this protein interacts with other proteins and RNA that could underlie the cancer growth and spread. A better understanding of the Grb7 protein will help to establish its potential as a novel drug targe ....This proposal is to investigate the Grb7 protein that occurs at very high levels in some types of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells. It is thought that Grb7 contributes to the progression of cancer by directly affecting the regulation of other genes. We will investigate the way in which this protein interacts with other proteins and RNA that could underlie the cancer growth and spread. A better understanding of the Grb7 protein will help to establish its potential as a novel drug target.Read moreRead less