Cytoskeletal Regulation Of Adhesion Structure And Cell Movement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,420.00
Summary
Metastatic (secondary) cancers are a frequent cause of patient mortality. Central to the development of metastasis is cell motility-movement. A key component of cell movement is the way that cells bind and release the extra-cellular matrix as they move. By understanding how the dynamics of cell interaction with the matrix are regulated, we will identify molecules that are critical to the development of metastatic cancer and thus novel targets for inhibition of metastasis.
UNDERSTANDING FOCAL ADHESION DYNAMICS IN CELL MIGRATION
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$268,944.00
Summary
Metastatic (secondary) cancers are a frequent cause of patient mortality. Central to the development of metastasis is cell motility-movement. A key component of cell movement is the way that cells bind and release the extra-cellular matrix as they move. By understanding how the dynamics of cell interaction with the matrix are regulated, we will identify molecules that are critical to the development of metastatic cancer and thus novel targets for inhibition of metastasis.
A Mechanotransduction Apparatus To Coordinate Epithelial Collective Cell Migration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$994,596.00
Summary
Epithelial cells migrate as physically coherent collective groups, which is necessary for normal development and is disrupted as cancers progress to become invasive and spread. Collective migration requires communication so that the behaviour of individual cells is properly coordinated. In this project we investigate how the transmission of physical force between cells allows them to communicate; and test how its disruption contributes to cancer invasion.
Investigation Of The Role For GPVI In Platelet Function And Thrombosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,772.00
Summary
Blood cells play an important role in maintaining healthy blood vessels. We are studying the role of platelets in blood clots following vessel injury. However, while critical for normal blood vessel maintenance, these cells also contribute to diseases including thrombosis. We will examine how an important platelet receptor called GPVI promotes blood clot formation, and examine whether combining anticoagulant drugs with GPVI deficient platelets leads to a more effective anticlotting approach.
I am a developmental cell biologist and molecular geneticist focusing on mechanisms controlling cell proliferation and modelling the development of cancer in the vinegar fly, Drosophila.
Understanding The Role Of The Atypical Cadherin Fat4 In Lymphatic Vascular Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,006,248.00
Summary
This application will define the role of a large cell adhesion molecule, FAT4, in lymphatic vascular development. By understanding how FAT4 functions in lymphatic vessels, we will gain insight to the mechanisms by which mutations in the gene that encodes this protein cause a human lymphoedema syndrome.