The Collagen-rich Matrix As A Driver Of Breast Cancer Progression And Resistance To Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$702,230.00
Summary
The extracellular matrix or 'matrix' surrounds all cells and is very important in controlling cell behaviour. In cancer, the matrix is dramatically altered, making cancer more aggressive. We recently developed a new way to study the matrix in breast cancer, and have analysed the matrix at different stages (Early/Mid/Late). We have uncovered exciting new matrix targets associated with more aggressive tumours. This project will validate their potential as therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
Harnessing Extracellular Matrix Remodelling By Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts To Increase T Cell Infiltration Of Solid Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$923,407.00
Summary
The ability of killer T cells to find and eliminate tumour cells is the basis for adoptive transfer immunotherapies, which thus far only work well with blood-borne cancers. There is limited success with solid tumours, which T cells do not readily infiltrate, notably because of remodelling by fibroblasts. We have discovered that T cells migrate in tunnels dug in the tumour matrix by fibroblasts. Here, we will harness this discovery to improve tumour infiltration and rejection of solid tumours.
Casting The Net: A New Approach To Identify Therapeutics To Treat Type-2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,068,283.00
Summary
The discovery of treatments for type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a national health priority. In T2D, cells in the brain become 'insulin resistant' resulting in dangerously high blood sugar levels. There are no treatments for brain insulin resistance. The extracellular structures that surround brain cells undergo change in T2D, resulting in insulin resistance. By furthering understanding of these extracellular brain structures, this proposal will identify new drug targets to treat T2D.
Targeting Pathogenic TAR DNA-binding Protein 43 To Treat Frontotemporal Dementia And Motor Neuron Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,444.00
Summary
Frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron Disease are rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative diseases that affect people in their prime. Poor understanding of the processes that lead to these diseases have slowed drug development. Through innovative experimental design, we aim to decipher a novel disease mechanism that involves specific molecular interactions and translate these findings into new therapies for the diseases.
Characterising The Function Of Niche-derived Neuregulin 1 In Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$994,246.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer affects thousands of Australians each year. A specialised cell population, named cancer stem cells, continuously produces new tumour cells. Defining mechanisms controlling the behaviour of these unique cells is critical to develop new drugs. We have identified that Neuregulin-1 is a key factor that enhances the action of cancer stem cells. We aim to study how colorectal cancer is mediated and whether targeting Neuregulin-1 is a promising therapeutic option.