Massively Parallel Sequencing And PCR Optimised For DNA-based Diagnostics And Discovery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$201,664.00
Summary
The next generation of medical diagnostics and discovery in disease research will involve the marriage of PCR, a tool used to amplify large amounts of DNA from small starting quantities, and �next generation� sequencing, a way to sequence lots and lots of DNA on a single instrument run. This study aims to describe methods which allow scientists to screen hundreds of disease genes in hundreds of people simultaneously with high accuracy and high efficiency.
Development Of A Novel Biosensor Using Magnetically Amplified Luminescence For The Early Detection Of Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$267,500.00
Summary
Cancer is often not detected until it has invaded surrounding tissues and spread to other organs. Current treatment is then often ineffective, and prognosis poor. Early detection of cancer is therefore essential for improved disease management. Such methods must be cheap, non-invasive, and rapid with high sensitivity and specificity. We are investigating a new biosensor technology that satisfies these criteria. This method uses magnetically amplified luminescence for the detection of low levels ....Cancer is often not detected until it has invaded surrounding tissues and spread to other organs. Current treatment is then often ineffective, and prognosis poor. Early detection of cancer is therefore essential for improved disease management. Such methods must be cheap, non-invasive, and rapid with high sensitivity and specificity. We are investigating a new biosensor technology that satisfies these criteria. This method uses magnetically amplified luminescence for the detection of low levels of cancer cells in clinical samples (urine, faeces, blood, biopsy), using telomerase as a marker.Read moreRead less
Novel Targeted Onco-theranostic Nanoparticles For Personalised Therapy And Real-time Monitoring
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
I will develop novel specific cancer therapies using next generation nanoparticles. These particles will deliver highly potent drugs to cancerous tissue avoiding damage to healthy organs. My project has the potential to increase the quality of life and survival of patients suffering from the most invasive/malignant cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
Understanding Lymphatic And Vascular Biology For Application To Human Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
This research is designed to provide further understanding of the role that the blood and lymphatic vessels plays in human disease. The proposal will use advanced molecular and cell biological approaches to define new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for human disease.
Investigating Polarity Proteins In Thymocytes- A Potential Role In Asymmetric Cell Division?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,684.00
Summary
To protect us against infection, surveying immune cells will launch an attack against foreign cells by using complex signalling process to communicate with each other. A novel method in which immune cells differentiate to defend the body against infection has been recently discovered this year and this project will involve dissecting how this occurs. It will involve using state-of-the-art laser-based technologies, combined with studying immune events in cells and intact organs.
Investigating Novel Antibody Drug Conjugates For Treating Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,447.00
Summary
Chemotherapy is first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients. Most patients inevitably develop chemotherapy resistance. To increase chemotherapy effectiveness, we are developing a new antibody-based approach to target cancer cells that die because of chemotherapy. The antibody is armed with a very potent drug released specifically at the cancer to cause death of surrounding, chemotherapy-resistant cells. Killing these cells may reduce rebound cancer growth and cause an immune reaction.
Structure Determination Of Fms And Kit Kinases And Their Inhibtors For Directed Drug Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,250.00
Summary
Tyrosine kinases are a large and important family of enzymes that play a fundamental role in the control and communication between cells. When damaged or uncontrolled, these enzymes can contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer and immune related disorders. This proposal aims to develop therapeutics targeted at the tyrosine kinases using a combination of the Structure Biology expertise at Monash University and the drug discovery platform technologies of Cytopia Pty Ltd. Promising ....Tyrosine kinases are a large and important family of enzymes that play a fundamental role in the control and communication between cells. When damaged or uncontrolled, these enzymes can contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer and immune related disorders. This proposal aims to develop therapeutics targeted at the tyrosine kinases using a combination of the Structure Biology expertise at Monash University and the drug discovery platform technologies of Cytopia Pty Ltd. Promising drug candidates already identified by Cytopia will be analysed at their site of action using X-ray crystallography. This information will enable a rational process of modification and improvement of the candidate drugs. The development of a range of therapeutics for Phase I clinical trials will be of enormous benefit to Australia�s medical industry and pubic health.Read moreRead less
REVERSING EPITHELIAL TO MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION BY TARGETED EPIGENETIC EDITING IN BREAST CANCER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,352,322.00
Summary
Cancer cell spread around the body involves changes in the cells which allow them to migrate into blood vessels, travel and then invade other organs, a process called epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT also makes cells less sensitive to our best treatments. EMT involves switching on genes that activate these changes and switching off genes that silence them. We will develop therapy that will reverse this process, both reducing cancer spread and making cancer treatment more effective.
Rapid detection of rare-event cells by strong UP-conversion
encoded nano-radiators (SUPER Dots): finding a needle in a haystack. Current diagnostic tests are not sensitive enough to detect cancer in its very early stages or early recurrence following treatment. The new technologies developed by this project will be able to find single cancer cells in blood and urine samples heralding a new era in medical diagnostics.