Hormone-dependent Autophagy And Growth Signalling In Developmental Cell Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,447.00
Summary
Cell death is essential for cell and tissue homeostasis and its dysregulation is associated with many diseases. We discovered a new mode of cell death that involves autophagy. We have now identified that TGF-? signalling pathway, which has roles in numerous human pathologies, is involved in autophagy-dependent cell death. Our proposed studies will further characterise this important signalling axis and study its significance in development, normal physiology and disease.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Recovery From General Anaesthesia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,983.00
Summary
Even though general anaesthesia is an extremely common and safe procedure, doctors do not really know how it works. We have found that general anaesthetics might work in two steps, by first promoting natural sleep, and then by impairing communication between all nerve cells in the brain. It is this second step that makes surgery possible, but also makes recovery difficult – especially among patients with brain disorders. Understanding these mechanisms will promote better anaesthesia procedures.
Snail Family Proteins Regulate Stem Cell Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,650.00
Summary
This research aims to discover the role of a family of genes in regulating stem cells. These genes are known to turn other genes off and we have shown that this family is required to maintain stem cells in animal tissues. The current research seeks to determine which genes are normally switched off in order to maintain normal stem cells. We also aim to determine if turning these genes on leads to cancer formation.
GTPase Regulation Of The Hippo Organ Size-control Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,334.00
Summary
The Hippo pathway is a key regulator of tissue growth. It was first discovered in vinegar flies and plays a similar role in mammals. We aim to define the mechanism by which two proteins, Pix and Git, control tissue growth by regulating the Hippo pathway. These studies will be performed in flies. Our studies will shed light on how tissue growth is controlled, and have the potential to inform the way that we treat human cancers and tissue growth disorders.
Mechanisms Regulating The Levels Of Circulating Insulin In Response To Nutrition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease both in Australia and worldwide, caused by the failure of cells within the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin. I aim to determine how different nutritional inputs alter the levels of circulating insulin, and identify and characterise genes required for insulin production and secretion. As well as providing important insights into the mechanisms that regulate insulin secretion, I will identify new therapeutic targets for diabetes treatment.
Identification And Characterisation Of Novel Copper Homeostasis Genes And Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$70,307.00
Summary
Copper is an essential nutrient that is also toxic when in excess. Specific mechanisms exist to regulate copper levels and these are conserved across many species. Disrupted copper regulation contributes to many diseases including: cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. I aim to identify and characterise novel copper regulatory proteins using the model organism Drosophila (vinegar fly) together with human cultured cells as a foundation for work to prevent or treat these diseases.
Regulation Of Mesenchymal To Epithelial Transitions By Netrin Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,995.00
Summary
The formation of 2D cellular sheets is important during development, tissue repair, and tumor growth. The mechanisms involved, however, remain largely unknown. Recent findings in the fly and in human cells suggest Frazzled/Neogenin receptors drive this process, by establishing polarised scaffolds in the cell. We will test this hypothesis using fly genetics and analysis of 3-dimensional culture of mammalian cells. Our results will help guide future therapies for human disease.
Role Of Snail Family Proteins In Male Fertility And Testicular Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,076.00
Summary
Male fertility requires production of healthy sperm in the testis. This project builds on our discoveries that testicular cells regulate gene activity via the Snail family of proteins during sperm development, and that interruption of their activities reduces fertility in mice and fruitflies. Snail proteins are also active in cancer cells. We propose to study the precise steps in sperm production affected by Snail proteins and how they affect the progression of testicular cancer.
Genomic Investigation Of Major Human Diseases And Lifespan
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
I am focused on finding disease genes for major human neurological diseases that increase with age. In my future research I will use human population genetics data combined with animal research to find genes that can block pain perception, or promote long life while preserving brain function in the elderly. My research efforts can help provide a better basic understanding of age-related diseases, and may help us identify new therapies to help us live productive, long lives.