Calcium acts as a signal to control cell processes important in cancer. The entry of calcium into the cell is regulated by calcium channels and we have found some channels are over-expressed in breast cancer. Altering the expression and activity of these calcium channels is a possible therapeutic approach for cancer. We will determine the reasons and consequences of alterations of calcium channels in breast cancer and whether they are viable anti-cancer therapies and biomarkers.
Identifying And Exploiting Novel Pharmacological Targets For Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Breast cancers are made up of different types of cancer cells, and not all cells contribute equally. A subset of cancer cells may be uniquely capable of driving tumor growth, rebuilding fatal tumors after therapy and establishing new tumors at distant sites. Identifying and exploiting the pathways that regulate the activity and survival of these cells will lead to better modes of treatment, and move towards a relapse-free future for breast cancer patients.
The Role Of TRPM2 Channels In Oxidative Stress-induced Liver Damage
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,265.00
Summary
Oxidative stress plays a central role in liver injury induced by drug toxicity, ischemia-reperfusion, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and viral hepatitis. A hallmark feature of oxidative-stress mediated hepatocellular death is Ca2+ and Na+ overload which suggest activation of ion channels on the plasma membrane. This project will investigate the role of Transient Receptor Potential Melastatine 2 (TRPM2) non-selective channels in oxidative stress-induced hepatocellular death.
Two Recently Identified Calcium Transporters In Lactation And During Mammary Epithelial Cell Apoptosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,115.00
Summary
The transport of calcium into milk is a key event in human health. In addition to its importance in neonatal nutrition, the way breast cells regulate calcium also has implications in breast cancer, as well as the modification of proteins important in immunity, and the activity of biopharmaceuticals. This grant will determine how two specific calcium transporters regulate calcium levels in the breast and their respective roles in cellular processes important in normal function and in disease.
Detection And Manipulation Of Neuronal Activities With A Synthetic Optogenetic Activity-reporting Transcription System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,012.00
Summary
Functional brain mapping is important for understanding mental illnesses such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders. Current techniques for functional brain mapping are limited and not suitable for large-scale studies. The proposed project will generate new tools that can be used to map activated neurocircuitry in laboratory model organisms and will enhance our ability to design effective treatments for mental illnesses.
Neural Circuits Which Limit Alcohol And Soft Drink Intake
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,949.00
Summary
Alcohol and soft drinks are ubiquitous, and often harmful, particularly in excess. This project will examine the specific roles of fluid and food satiation neural circuits in suppressing intake, to determine whether either or both could be therapeutic targets for alcohol/soft drink overconsumption, especially as cessation aids for binge-drinking behaviour.
Ryanodine Receptor Inhibitors As Therapy For Ca2+ Store Overload Induced Arrhythmias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
This study investigates a new therapeutic action recently discovered for flecainide, an antiarrhythmic agent that we find to completely prevent and inherited form of stress-induced arrhythmias called CPVT. The findings will provide the first detailed mechanistic understanding of an antiarrhythmic drug, findings that will also give a new direction for drug design to control common arrhythmias such as occur in diseases such as coronary artery disease.
Learning And Network Plasticity In A Primitive Sensory Cortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,557.00
Summary
Our brain is a uniquely powerful supercomputer, in part because it is ‘plastic’ -- that is, it can change itself when we adapt or learn something new. An understanding of the causes of brain plasticity is an essential part of any quest to understand the brain in sickness and in health. This research uses a laser microscope to ‘read the minds’ of mice as they learn about odours. By observing plasticity in action, we will gain deeper insights into normal brain function.
Early Detection Of Coronary Artery Disease: An Opportunity To Start Secondary Prevention Without A Coronary Event
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability in Australia, and prevention is key. Our current techniques for predicting who is at high risk of CAD are imperfect or expensive. We aim to study how using the combination of a genetic and metabolic risk score can be used to cost-effectively predict this risk more accurately. By doing so, we aim to develop a new combined test to identify Australians at high risk of CAD so that prevention can be started early.