A Critical New Signaling Axis In Lymphatic Vascular Angiogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,784.00
Summary
The lymphatic vasculature is a crucial part of our vascular system required for tissue fluid drainage and maintenance of fluid homeostasis. Lymphatic vessels play major roles in vascular pathologies and in the spread of solid tumours during cancer progression. We have discovered a new molecular regulator controlling the formation of lymphatic vessels. This project will determine the signalling pathway employed by this new regulator and potential for future therapeutic applications.
We will apply genome-wide approaches to identify the gene networks that regulate the self-renewal and the differentiation of muscle stem cells and their fusion to muscle fibres. These studies will deliver the first characterisation of the molecules and pathways implicated in these processes, which are essential steps of muscle growth.
Identification And Characterization Of The Molecular Mechanisms Of Cardiac Muscle Regeneration Regulated By The Epicardium In Zebrafish
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,772.00
Summary
Heart attack is a life-threatening disease that damages cardiac muscle. The human heart cannot create new muscle after the damage, which partly contributes to the high morbidity and mortality of this disease. Unlike humans, zebrafish, a small tropical freshwater fish, can naturally create cardiac muscle after injury. In this project, we will understand at the molecular level how zebrafish regenerate cardiac muscle, and provide insights for repairing damaged muscle in the human heart.
Growth Factor Directed Developmental And Pathological Lymphangiogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,048,507.00
Summary
The formation of new lymphatic vessels occurs in normal development and in diseased tissues in cancer and cardiovascular disease. We have developed an understanding of how lymphatics form in development but we understand far less about how they form in disease. This project will apply multidisciplinary approaches, including genetics and computational biology, to compare how lymphatics form in development and disease. We hope to uncover new ways to manipulate this process for therapeutic gain.
Identifying Genes Required For Vertebral Column And Heart Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$950,418.00
Summary
Birth defects occur in about 3% of live births. These originate as the embryo forms, and we have previously shown that some of these are caused by gene mutation and/or environmental factors during gestation. However, the origins of many such defects remain unexplained. We will examine the DNA of patients to find gene mutations causing such defects. We will also test if mutations in these genes increase the likelihood of the embryo developing a defect if it is exposed to environmental stressors.
I am a structural biologist investigating the molecular control of cell death. Atomic resolution structural data are used to guide the discovery of new drugs.
Role Of Integrin Signalling In Breast And Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$411,931.00
Summary
Integrins have an essential role in the control of mammary gland development and cell function. During tumour progression, integrins enable cancer cells to detach, proliferate, migrate and survive during metastasis. To test whether integrins regulate breast and prostate tumour progression, mice with mammary or prostate specific integrin deletion will be crossed with mice engineered to develop cancer. The effects of integrin loss on tumour growth and metastasis will be determined.
Interaction Between Moz And PRC1 In Defining Epigenetic States And Gene Expression Patterns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,271.00
Summary
Regulation of gene expression is implicated in all disease processes. Aberrant gene expression is particularly associated with tumour formation. In this project we determine the relationship between an oncogene MOZ and another oncogene BMI1. Together these proteins regulate one of the most important systems controlling gene expression at the level of chromatin structure.
I am a developmental biologist studying how transcription factors regulate developmental processes. I have a particular interest in the MYST family of co-activators, their role in regulating self-renewal and lineage determination in stem cells, their role in oncogenesis and targeting these proteins to develop new cancer therapeutics.