The Role Of The Asymmetric Cell Division Regulator GPSM2 In Mammary Gland Development And Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,539.00
Summary
Tissues are built by small populations of progenitor cells which divide unequally to generate different cell types. Recent studies suggest defective progenitor cells are founders of some breast cancers and that progenitor-like cancer cells resist therapy to regenerate tumours. We have shown a progenitor division regulator called GPSM2 controls these cells and inhibits breast cancer. Examination of this new anti-tumour pathway promises to identify therapeutic targets for breast cancer recurrence.
Regulation Of Cell Death, Cell Survival And Ubiquitination In Normal Physiology And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
The project will investigate the functions of specific genes and pathways to understand the molecular basis of various diseases. It is based on our data that indicate new roles for (i) cell death in genomic instability in cancer, and (ii) ubiquitination in hypertension, developmental defects, kidney disease, as well as iron homeostasis. The work will lead to new understanding of human disease and discovery of potential new drug targets. It will also provide training of junior scientists.
Deciphering The Role Of Scribble In Development And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$628,789.00
Summary
Scribble is a protein that controls the orientation and organization of all cells within our body. Mutations in the Scribble gene are found in many cancers and also in some patients with spina bifida, however how these mutations cause these diseases is not understood. Here we propose experiments that can be used to link Scribble mutations to specific cellular functions. This information will help us design new therapies to treat diseases driven by tissue disorganization such as cancer.
Molecular Regulation Of Tumourigenesis By The Polarity Determinant Scribble And Associated Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$614,421.00
Summary
Cell polarity is the property of cells to be spatially oriented in a tissue or organ. We have shown that Scribble, a key regulator of cell orientation, may keep tumour development in check. In this proposal, we will examine how disruption of Scribble promotes breast cancer using a combination of tissue culture studies and a newly established mouse model. Understanding how this new pathway can regulate breast tumour development may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer.
Defining The Role Of Glycosylation In Basement Membrane Failure During Muscular Dystrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$824,664.00
Summary
This project aims to utilize mutations within the zebrafish fkrp gene to understand the pathogenic basis of the human diseases associated with mutation of this gene which results in a spectrum of muscular dystrophies. By generating models of alleles that represent the range of phenotypes seen in humans we will have a directly translatable model system to human pathology.
Regulation Of Cell Death, Cell Survival And Ubiquitination In Normal Physiology And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$823,008.00
Summary
I am a cellular and molecular biologist with extensive training in a number of biomedical research areas. For over 20 years I have used my training and skills to understand the normal functioning of the body and what molecular and cellular changes underlie various diseases. This fellowship will allow me to continue the groundbreaking work we have been doing to explore the function of several proteins in diseases such as cancer, hypertension, lung inflammation and anaemia.
Expansion Of TGF-beta-Smad Signaling Network And Intrinsic Epithelial-mesenchymal-endothelial Transition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$557,297.00
Summary
The majority of tumor death occurs due to tumor metastasis. Both tumor growth and tumor spread require angiogenesis, which is thought to be driven by tumor but originated from host endothelial cells. Could tumor cells behave and function like endothelial cells? This application aims to detect the transition of adult epithelial cells to endothelial cells through a transient mesenchymal state. Our studies should reveal both the molecular and cellular causes of vasculogenic mimicry, thus establishi ....The majority of tumor death occurs due to tumor metastasis. Both tumor growth and tumor spread require angiogenesis, which is thought to be driven by tumor but originated from host endothelial cells. Could tumor cells behave and function like endothelial cells? This application aims to detect the transition of adult epithelial cells to endothelial cells through a transient mesenchymal state. Our studies should reveal both the molecular and cellular causes of vasculogenic mimicry, thus establishing a new paradigm in understanding tumor growth and metastasis. Such novel molecular understanding will open up new anti-tumor therapeutic opportunities.Read moreRead less
Understanding how the brain grows and is organised is one of the great challenges of science. This project seeks to identify key regulators of neural progenitors as these are the building blocks from which all brains cells are derived. This knowledge may also identify new avenues through which to manipulate neural progenitor function. This has implications not only for normal brain development but also potential therapies for neural disorders and disease.
Microtubule structure in nervous system repair. This Project aims to investigate the role of structural and functional cellular components known as microtubules in nervous system regeneration. This Project aims to use innovative approaches in confocal and electron microscopy, genetics, and cell biology, with the expectation of generating new knowledge into nervous system repair. Expected outcomes of this Project include a comprehensive description of how microtubules are rearranged following ner ....Microtubule structure in nervous system repair. This Project aims to investigate the role of structural and functional cellular components known as microtubules in nervous system regeneration. This Project aims to use innovative approaches in confocal and electron microscopy, genetics, and cell biology, with the expectation of generating new knowledge into nervous system repair. Expected outcomes of this Project include a comprehensive description of how microtubules are rearranged following nervous system injury and the importance of microtubule modifying proteins in promoting regeneration. This should provide significant benefits in our understanding of the cellular mechanisms behind nervous system repair, and offer new approaches for promoting regeneration after injury.Read moreRead less
Imaging the generation and recall of protective antiviral immune responses in vivo. Our understanding of the in vivo dynamics of cellular immune responses to infectious diseases is poor. This project will utilise advanced intravital imaging combined with novel tools to dissect the cellular events involved in the generation and recall of T cell responses to localised virus infection, combined with a detailed functional analysis of the lymphoid organ stroma. Such fundamental information will contr ....Imaging the generation and recall of protective antiviral immune responses in vivo. Our understanding of the in vivo dynamics of cellular immune responses to infectious diseases is poor. This project will utilise advanced intravital imaging combined with novel tools to dissect the cellular events involved in the generation and recall of T cell responses to localised virus infection, combined with a detailed functional analysis of the lymphoid organ stroma. Such fundamental information will contribute to the development of new generation vaccines and therapies to protect against tissue-specific infectious diseases, cancers and autoimmune diseases.Read moreRead less