Photonic Crystals For Probing Enzyme Activity: Single Cells Vs Bulk Measurements
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
We are all unique and we are unique down to a single cell. Can we understand the behaviour of a single cell? A novel biosensing platform will be developed to detect biological activity of single cells by simple measurement of a colour change. Successful fabrication of this biosensor will aid in the development of diagnostic devices for predictive and preventive medicine.
Integrated System Wide Characterization Of Microbiota And Host Factors Influencing Intestinal Colonization Resistance To The Healthcare Pathogen Clostridium Difficile
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$359,999.00
Summary
Naturally occurring bacteria play an important role in determining patient disease susceptibility, disease progression and ultimately, disease outcome. Over 1000 species of bacteria, contributing 10 times as many cells as found within a single individual. This project seeks to understand these communities, how they confer resistance to infection and how they can be manipulated, both naturally and through controlled introduction of bacteria to prevent disease or improve disease outcome.
Investigation Of Two GPCRs Implicated In Tumour Progression: PAR1 And LGR5
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,689.00
Summary
G-protein-coupled-receptors (GPCRs) belong to a large and diverse family of membrane proteins. Due to their number, diversity and critical roles in signaling, GPCRs offer extraordinary opportunities for development of novel drugs. However, our rudimentary understanding of their mechanism of activation and subsequent signaling do not support rational drug design. This project focuses on two receptors, PAR-1 and LGR5, to gain insights into the activation mechanisms and signalling of GPCRs.
Characterising The Mechanisms That Control Blood Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,616.00
Summary
Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that provides the body with a constant supply of all the cells of the blood system. My studies aim to characterize the molecular mechanisms that regulate the expansion and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into each cell lineage. These studies will be key to the effective use of cellular transplantation therapeutic strategies and aim to provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms that underpin proliferative disorders such as can ....Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that provides the body with a constant supply of all the cells of the blood system. My studies aim to characterize the molecular mechanisms that regulate the expansion and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into each cell lineage. These studies will be key to the effective use of cellular transplantation therapeutic strategies and aim to provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms that underpin proliferative disorders such as cancer.Read moreRead less
Identifying The Molecular Mechanisms Of Synergistic And Antagonistic Drug-drug Interactions In Combination Chemotherapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,685.00
Summary
Drug combinations in chemotherapy hold promise for more effective treatments and for overcoming drug resistance, but the search for effective combinations is challenging. The combination therapy R-CHOP is often curative for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). Both cellular drug interactions and evolutionary drug interactions will be quantified in DLBCL cells, to understand the defining features of effective combinations and guide the future rational design of combinations.
The behaviour of prostate cancer cells is regulated by their surrounding environment known as the stroma. The stroma has been proposed as a therapeutic target, but it is a diverse mix of cells that needs to be specifically targeted. Not all stromal cells are equal; cells surrounding tumours have different features from cells in normal tissue. Therefore, the goal of this project is to directly isolate cancer-associated stromal cells from patient tissue and study their role in cancer progression.
TIN2, HP1 And The Cohesin Complex In Telomere Cohesion In Dyskeratosis Congenita And Human Cancer Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$388,335.00
Summary
All cancers and premature aging syndromes such as dyskeratosis congenita (DC) are underpinned by defects in the functioning of telomeres. Telomeres are structures that protect the ends of human chromosomes from degradation. This project aims to determine if telomere function in these diseases is influenced by cohesion between DNA strands during cellular replication. The results may provide insights into factors controlling telomere function in DC and cancer cells.
The Role Of The Chaperone NASP In Regulating Histone Dynamics During DNA Replication And Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,602.00
Summary
To fit inside our cells, DNA is intricately packaged with histone proteins into chromatin. All aspects of cell function are regulated by this packaging. My research will help us to understand how the cellular life of histones is controlled by a protein called NASP to ensure the packaging is correctly maintained and reorganised during normal genome function.
NCE Based Strategy For Nuclear Reprogramming And Regenerative Medicine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be made by reprogramming adult cells. These cells can become any cell type in the human body. We can now create patient specific cells that may restore function in patients and not be rejected by their immune system. However, current methods for making iPSCs are slow, inefficient and have some safety concerns. This project aims to overcome these issues by using new chemical entities to reprogram cells that may be used for tissue repair and regeneration.
Adrenocortical cancers have a poor prognosis. It is essential that patients with adrenocortical cancers be diagnosed early and accurately to enable the initiation of appropriate treatment. Current methods do not reliably differentiate benign adrenal tumours from adrenocortical cancers. The aim of my project is to identify molecular markers which can accurately distinguish benign adrenal tumours from adrenocortical cancers, allowing accurate diagnosis and institution of optimal therapy.