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.
The Function Of BHLH Factors In Adult Haemopoiseis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$595,353.00
Summary
Understanding how genes control the behaviour of bone marrow stem cells is currently needed for improving recovery after chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation and in the future, will aid the application of new stem cell-based therapies for human diseases such as leukaemia. This research will examine how 2 closely related genes control bone marrow stem cell growth and the decision between beocoming a red cell or a white cell.
Hemoglobin is the major protein in red blood cells and is essential for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The disorders of hemoglobin production are the commonest genetic diseases world-wide. These diseases can be markedly improved with elevation of the form of hemoglobin produced by the developing fetus, fetal hemoglobin. We have identified a key factor important for fetal gene expression. We will now determine whether manipulation of this factor can cure hemoglobin disorde ....Hemoglobin is the major protein in red blood cells and is essential for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The disorders of hemoglobin production are the commonest genetic diseases world-wide. These diseases can be markedly improved with elevation of the form of hemoglobin produced by the developing fetus, fetal hemoglobin. We have identified a key factor important for fetal gene expression. We will now determine whether manipulation of this factor can cure hemoglobin disorders.Read moreRead less