The dramatic increase in obesity and age-related metabolic disorders demonstrates the importance of gaining a better understanding of how cells and organisms regulate their energy stores. This project will identify novel molecular mechanisms that control the enzyme CaMKK2, which is a key regulator of whole-body energy metabolism. This will provide new opportunities to inform more effective strategies to tackle metabolic diseases, and improve health in an increasingly ageing population.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101268
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,820.00
Summary
Stochastic mathematical modelling of the Wnt signalling pathway. The Wnt signalling pathway is pivotal in multicellular organisms, regulating cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis and migration. Faulty Wnt signalling is associated with degenerative diseases, developmental disorders and cancers and is therefore a potential target for therapeutic drugs. This project will perform a stochastic spatial simulation of the Wnt signalling pathway which will be matched to experimental data. ....Stochastic mathematical modelling of the Wnt signalling pathway. The Wnt signalling pathway is pivotal in multicellular organisms, regulating cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis and migration. Faulty Wnt signalling is associated with degenerative diseases, developmental disorders and cancers and is therefore a potential target for therapeutic drugs. This project will perform a stochastic spatial simulation of the Wnt signalling pathway which will be matched to experimental data. The model will be extended to integrate with the cell cycle. Increased proliferation in tumours has been linked to mutations in Wnt components. Using the extended model, the effect of Wnt-targeting therapeutic cancer drugs on cancer cell proliferation rates will be predicted and compared to experiments.Read moreRead less
Targetting The CIB1-sphingosine Kinase Interaction In Oncogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$805,034.00
Summary
Sphingosine kinase is a protein involved in cancer development and progression. We have identified that the cancer-inducing activity of sphingosine kinase is controlled by another protein called CIB1 which itself appears involved in causing cancer by deregulating sphingosine kinase. In this study we will examine and target the interaction between sphingosine kinase and CIB1 as a potential therapeutic intervention in cancer.
Role Of Sphingosine Kinase 1 In PP2A-associated Tumorigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,994.00
Summary
Defects in protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) are widely associated with the development of solid tumors and leukemia. The precise mechanisms whereby defects in PP2A lead to cancer, however, remain undefined. We have recently identified that the oncogenic protein sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) as a target of PP2A. In this study we will examine the role of SK1 in PP2A-associated cancers. Successful outcomes in these studies will establish SK1 as a target for therapeutic intervention in these cancers.
Mechanisms Of Regulation And Biological Roles Of Sphingosine Kinase 2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,989.00
Summary
We have identified that a protein called sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) is a potential target for anti-cancer therapies. Our preliminary studies indicate that phosphorylation of SK2 controls its function. In this proposal we will define how phosphorylation alters SK2 function so that potential therapies may be developed to target this process.