Identifying Novel Genome Instability Signatures In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
Cancer is the single biggest clinical problem facing the world. An underlying hallmark of cancer is the accumulation of errors in the genetic information of a cell which arises through genomic instability. This research project aims to investigate novel molecules identified by our screening that function in response to genomic instability in cancer. This study is expected to define roles for each molecule in the maintenance of genomic stability and predict for patient diagnosis and outcome.
Integrating Wnt-Apc Pathway With TGF-beta Signalling In Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,364.00
Summary
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death of all cancers. Two molecular pathways have been independently implicated in colon cancer development. Emerging evidences suggest that the two pathways may work together in the colon polypus formation. This application will integrate two separate molecular causes to form a new coherent understanding of cancer development and offer new directions in development of novel colon cancer treatment.
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.
T cells play a central role in the immune response. The primary event in T cell activation is the triggering of a specific T cell receptor (TCR). Our studies will define new mechanisms for the regulation of TCR-mediated T cell responses. Our studies may yield novel insight into processes that contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes & inflammatory bowel disease.
Target Of Rapamycin control of nutrient uptake. This project aims to study nutrient uptake in eukaryotes. It is expected to generate new knowledge of critical and conserved features of environmental and Target Of Rapamycin (TOR)-mediated control of nutrient uptake, specifically endocytosis, building on novel preliminary data that identifies novel TOR control points. The expected outcomes include new insights into mechanisms controlling nutrient uptake and fostering institutional collaboration. T ....Target Of Rapamycin control of nutrient uptake. This project aims to study nutrient uptake in eukaryotes. It is expected to generate new knowledge of critical and conserved features of environmental and Target Of Rapamycin (TOR)-mediated control of nutrient uptake, specifically endocytosis, building on novel preliminary data that identifies novel TOR control points. The expected outcomes include new insights into mechanisms controlling nutrient uptake and fostering institutional collaboration. This knowledge is highly relevant to any industry or research project utilising living organisms, as nutrient availability supports survival, cell growth and proliferation.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms Of Regulation Of Ribosome Biogenesis And Function In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway drives many cancers and until recently was thought to do so by preventing cancer cell death. We have shown this pathway also regulates the synthesis of ribosomes, the cellular “factories” that make protein and by interfering with PI3K/AKT regulated ribosome synthesis, can kill cancer cells. We aim to establish the mechanisms underlying this regulation of ribosome synthesis and to test the hypothesis that ribosome biogenesis is a novel target for cancer treatment.
Mechanisms controlling enteroendocrine hormone secretion in human duodenum. This project aims to gain a deeper understanding of nutrient sensing pathways present in enteroendocrine cells within the human intestine. These cells control digestive function, blood glucose levels and food intake and are thus critical to digestion. This project will endeavour to be the first to assess the biology of human enteroendocrine cells and will use innovative approaches to deeply assess function from the level ....Mechanisms controlling enteroendocrine hormone secretion in human duodenum. This project aims to gain a deeper understanding of nutrient sensing pathways present in enteroendocrine cells within the human intestine. These cells control digestive function, blood glucose levels and food intake and are thus critical to digestion. This project will endeavour to be the first to assess the biology of human enteroendocrine cells and will use innovative approaches to deeply assess function from the level of the individual to isolated enteroendocrine cells.Read moreRead less
How cell shape regulators control cell competition in tissue development. This project aims to determine how cell shape (polarity) regulators affect cell survival in an epithelial tissue. When mutation or wounding perturb cell shape regulators in a tissue cell, signalling pathways are altered that kill the aberrant cells. A surveillance mechanism termed "cell competition" is important to remove the damaged cells. This project will investigate a potential regulator of cell competition, the tyrosi ....How cell shape regulators control cell competition in tissue development. This project aims to determine how cell shape (polarity) regulators affect cell survival in an epithelial tissue. When mutation or wounding perturb cell shape regulators in a tissue cell, signalling pathways are altered that kill the aberrant cells. A surveillance mechanism termed "cell competition" is important to remove the damaged cells. This project will investigate a potential regulator of cell competition, the tyrosine phosphatase PTP61F, in response to perturbation of cell shape regulators, using the vinegar fly, Drosophila, and mammalian systems. This study is expected to reveal biomarkers that can be used to improve organismal fitness to increase productivity or to decrease it for pest control.Read moreRead less
Targetting The CIB1-sphingosine Kinase Interaction In Oncogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$805,034.00
Summary
Sphingosine kinase is a protein involved in cancer development and progression. We have identified that the cancer-inducing activity of sphingosine kinase is controlled by another protein called CIB1 which itself appears involved in causing cancer by deregulating sphingosine kinase. In this study we will examine and target the interaction between sphingosine kinase and CIB1 as a potential therapeutic intervention in cancer.
How do mechanical cues regulate tissue renewal and tumour progression? Imbalances between cell production and cell death in tissues can be catastrophic, leading to major global health issues such as cancer. This project will use modified mice and protein-protein interaction based techniques to identify how changes in the mechanical properties of tissues regulate the balance between cell production and cell death.