My research focuses on understanding the molecular regulation of blood cell production and function in health and disease with the ultimate goal of discovery of new treatments for blood cell diseases including leukaemia and autoimmunity.
Molecular Regulation Of Haematopoiesis In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
The blood forming system coordinates production of cells that confer immunity to infection, transport oxygen and assist blood clotting. When the molecular mechanisms that control these functions go awry, diseases including leukaemia and autoimmunity result. This research will define fundamental molecular regulators of blood cell production and function, assess their role in blood cell diseases and explore their potential to provide leads for development of new therapeutics.
Assemble A Cross-disciplinary Team With Requisite Skill To Uncover New Molecular Pathways Regulating Haemopoiesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,448,475.00
Summary
The major preoccupation of biology in the last decade has been the sequencing of the genomes of humans and important animal, plant, bacterial and viral organisms. With the completion of these projects, focus has shifted to understanding the molecular networks that regulate the biochemical, cellular and physiological processes that maintain health and the changes to these networks that lead to the onset and progression of disease. Within this fluid research landscape, my principal career goal ove ....The major preoccupation of biology in the last decade has been the sequencing of the genomes of humans and important animal, plant, bacterial and viral organisms. With the completion of these projects, focus has shifted to understanding the molecular networks that regulate the biochemical, cellular and physiological processes that maintain health and the changes to these networks that lead to the onset and progression of disease. Within this fluid research landscape, my principal career goal over the next 5 years is to ensure that, during a period of generational change at WEHI, its iconic molecular haematology team continues to flourish. Realizing this goal will allow us to use knowledge of the molecular determinants of health and disease to improve clinical outcomes of poorly treated conditions and in doing so improve the lives of patients and the health of the Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Targeting Transcriptional Addiction For Cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
.Tumours driven by the oncogene “Myc” are difficult to treat and an effective means to directly target Myc using small molecules has proven elusive. We have discovered that Myc-dependent tumours are dependent on their ability to globally amplify gene expression through a mechanism that involves the CDK9 enzyme and possibly other related enzymes. I will test the effectiveness of targeting CDK9 in a range of tumours with a Myc dependency, both alone and in combination with other small molecules.
Blood clotting is the underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes. We have discovered that the protein, ERp5, is essential for normal blood clotting. Our preliminary findings indicate that ERp5 controls the function of blood platelets in clotting. Our overall aim is to elucidate how ERp5 regulates platelet function. It is crucial that we understand how ERp5 functions in blood clotting if we are to effectively target it in disease.