Analysis Of Factors Governing Globin Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,996.00
Summary
Hemoglobin is the major protein in red blood cells and is essential for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The disorders of hemoglobin production are the commonest genetic diseases world-wide. These diseases can be markedly improved with elevation of the form of hemoglobin produced by the developing embryo, fetal hemoglobin. We have identified key factors important for fetal gene expression. Our goal is to translate these findings into therapies for the hemoglobin disorders.
Dissecting The Role Of The IL-3 Receptor Alpha Subunit And Beta-catenin In Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,312.00
Summary
Leukaemia is a devastating form of blood cancer affecting both young and old. We aim to understand the mechanisms of uncontrolled cell growth associated with acute myeloid leukaemia. We focus on the role of key growth regulators that are abnormally active in the critical leukaemia stem cells. Understanding the biological and molecular properties of these cells is of considerable importance for development of the next generation of leukaemia therapies.
Investigation Of Shear-sensitive Signalling Pathways In Human Platelets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
Platelets are extremely important cells that control bleeding by sticking to injured blood vessels to form a blood clot. Excessive clotting can lead to fatal vascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, defects in blood clotting can result in life threatening bleeding problems. Platelets stick to the wall of a blood vessel when receptors on the surface of these cells interact with materials (ligands) that are exposed when the vessel wall is injured. The stickiness or adh ....Platelets are extremely important cells that control bleeding by sticking to injured blood vessels to form a blood clot. Excessive clotting can lead to fatal vascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, defects in blood clotting can result in life threatening bleeding problems. Platelets stick to the wall of a blood vessel when receptors on the surface of these cells interact with materials (ligands) that are exposed when the vessel wall is injured. The stickiness or adhesive behaviour of platelets is controlled by many proteins (enzymes) which are contained inside these cells. These enzymes transmit messages from platelet receptors on the surface into the cell interior, thereby controlling platelet behaviour. We are in the process of identifying several types of enzymes which are responsible for controlling platelet stickiness. Our research will provide a better understanding of the complicated pathways regulating platelet stickiness and clot formation. The knowledge gained from these studies may ultimately asssist in the design of specific drugs for the prevention and-or treatment of heart attacks and strokes.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Ap2a2 In Self-renewal Of Haematopoietic And Leukemic Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$579,171.00
Summary
The daily replenishment of the blood system is dependent on the blood stem cell. A unique property of these stem cells is self-renewal where the stem cell function is preserved, whilst other daughter cells continue to divide. Our research investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell self-renewal. This work has potential clinical application on at least two levels: expansion of stem cells for transplantation, and for attacking abnormal cancer cell self-renewal pathways.
Role Of The Hypoxia-inducible Transcription Factor HIF-1a In Controlling Haematopoietic Stem Cell Fate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,428.00
Summary
Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow (BM) and make all immune and blood cells. We have found that, in the areas of the BM where HSC normally live, the level of oxygen is very low (hypoxia) and decreases even further when HSC are forced to move into the blood in order to be collected for transplantation. This project is to better understand how oxygenation of the BM controls HSC behaviour and properties, and to evaluate its impact on HSC transplantation.
Genetic Fate Mapping Of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Origins And Investigating Their Contribution To Developmental Haematopoiesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,525.00
Summary
Mesenchymal stem cells are a population of cells that reside in various organs in the body and are thought to contribute to tissue repair. However little is known about the developmental origins and identity of these cells. I will investigate where these cells originate from, their molecular identity and how they relate to blood development. These findings will help in developing protocols to manipulate these cells to repair damaged organs. This study will also inform current attempts to generat ....Mesenchymal stem cells are a population of cells that reside in various organs in the body and are thought to contribute to tissue repair. However little is known about the developmental origins and identity of these cells. I will investigate where these cells originate from, their molecular identity and how they relate to blood development. These findings will help in developing protocols to manipulate these cells to repair damaged organs. This study will also inform current attempts to generate blood stem cells.Read moreRead less