I am a molecular biologist determining the mechanisms of eukaryotic mRNA translation and its regulation by RNA-binding proteins and noncoding RNA. In collaborative work I extend these basic science objectives into the medical research areas of cardiology
Use Of Expression Profiling To Identify Genes Influencing Cardiovascular Risk In The Norfolk Island Population Isolate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,409.00
Summary
This study will use a unique population isolate from Norfolk Island. We aim to identify genes that play a role in cardiovascular disease risk. Norfolk has a population of ~1200 permanent residents, most of whom are direct descendents of 18th century English Bounty mutineers and Polynesian women. We will undertake gene expression mapping to identify genomic loci that influence cardiovascular disease using samples from this population isolate.
Functional Validation Of FoxP3 Target Genes In Human Regulatory T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$545,341.00
Summary
Using DNA based technologies we have focused on rare white blood cells known as regulatory T cells. These cells are policeman of the immune system and are responsible for maintaining balanced immune reactions, and preventing attack against harmless substances. These cells prevent autoimmune disease in healthy individuals, and only by first understanding how they work normally can we investigate and correct the defects in autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes.
Macrophages are a key component of the immune system; thier functions include killing of pathogens as well as cancerous cells. Macrophage lineage cells are derived from stem cells within the bone marrow and thier differentiation, proliferation and survival is mediated by a particular growth factor termed colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). The understanding of how macrophage lineage cells develop will help us to treat many diseases including certain cancers (such as leukemia), arthritis and inf ....Macrophages are a key component of the immune system; thier functions include killing of pathogens as well as cancerous cells. Macrophage lineage cells are derived from stem cells within the bone marrow and thier differentiation, proliferation and survival is mediated by a particular growth factor termed colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). The understanding of how macrophage lineage cells develop will help us to treat many diseases including certain cancers (such as leukemia), arthritis and inflammation, and disorders of the immune system. The action of CSF-1 is mediated by the CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) which, when activated, controls gene regulation. In this proposal we will study CSF-1R activation and identify the genes regulated by CSF-1 with a view to characterize genes critical for macrophage development. These genes may provide potential targets for new pharmacological agents.Read moreRead less
Exploring Roles For MicroRNAs In Cancer Using Bioinformatics And Gene Expression Tools.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
microRNAs are newly discovered chemicals that were the subject of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Medicine. These chemicals decrease the amount of specific molecular ‘targets’ in cells, and play an important role in cancer. Currently we do not understand how these chemicals choose their targets, and we propose to use a computer-based approach to discover how they affect genes in cancer. This will improve our understanding of cancer and thereby lead to the discovery of novel anti-cancer therapies.
Microarrays are a new technology for measuring the relative expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. They allow medical researchers to take a genome-wide look at which genes are active in a particular tissue type in an organism at a particular time. Many biomedical and biological research groups in Australia have recently untaken microarray experiments for the first time or are planning microarray experiments in the near future. Microarray experiments produce massive amounts of in ....Microarrays are a new technology for measuring the relative expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. They allow medical researchers to take a genome-wide look at which genes are active in a particular tissue type in an organism at a particular time. Many biomedical and biological research groups in Australia have recently untaken microarray experiments for the first time or are planning microarray experiments in the near future. Microarray experiments produce massive amounts of information and the study of how to extract this information is still in a fledgling state. This project will solve a number of fundamental problems in microarray data analysis. The emphasis is not on special methods of down-stream analysis but on basic issues which are common to all microarray experiments. The project will determine how tissue samples from different organisms should be combined in complex experiments. It will develop methods for evaluating the quality of results from microarray experiments. It will make microarray analysis less sensitive to production artifacts. It will make novel use of serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), a more accurate but more expensive and less available technology, to calibrate the results of microarray experiments. The results will be applied during the lifetime of the project to a number of experiments at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the University of Melbourne on blood cell development, cell growth and proliferation, resistance to malaria and leishmaniasis parasites, and Down syndrome.Read moreRead less
Comprehensive transcriptional mapping of emergent division-linked cell fate decisions. This project proposal will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanics that drive certain cellular behaviors. To do this, we will use a frontier technology, RNA sequencing, which we think has the potential to revolutionise Australian science and make Australia an even more attractive place for young researchers. The community at large benefits from novel technologies as they create new opportunit ....Comprehensive transcriptional mapping of emergent division-linked cell fate decisions. This project proposal will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanics that drive certain cellular behaviors. To do this, we will use a frontier technology, RNA sequencing, which we think has the potential to revolutionise Australian science and make Australia an even more attractive place for young researchers. The community at large benefits from novel technologies as they create new opportunities for university research and attract young minds to the challenges of maths and science.Read moreRead less
Genomic Characterisation Of Asbestos Related Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,099.00
Summary
Lung cancer causes more deaths in Australia than any other cancer. Smoking is the main cause, but people exposed to asbestos are also at risk, and it can be difficult to know whether a case is due to tobacco, asbestos or both. We will study lung cancer genes in people with asbestos exposure to find whether asbestos lung cancer has a specific pattern of abnormal genes (signature). If so, this could help people entitled to compensation, and also point to new treatments for asbestos lung cancer