Molecular Dissection Of Proteins That Regulate The Invasion Of Toxoplasma Gondii Into Human Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite responsible for congenital birth defects and disease of immuno-compromised individuals. I propose to identify and characterize molecules essential for T. gondii invasion into human cells. These represent novel targets for therapeutic intervention for disease caused by this important organism.
Regulation Of Gastric Tumour Invasion And Growth By Gp130 Activating Cytokines.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,642.00
Summary
Gastric cancer is a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide. We have previously established a very informative animal model of this disease which has facilitated a new understanding of the diverse role of the IL-6 family of cytokines in regulating gastric tumour growth and dissemination to distant organs. This proposal will focus on how the main members of this cytokine family, namely IL-6 and IL-11, inhibit gastric tumour invasion to other organs, and promote tumour growth respectively . A ....Gastric cancer is a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide. We have previously established a very informative animal model of this disease which has facilitated a new understanding of the diverse role of the IL-6 family of cytokines in regulating gastric tumour growth and dissemination to distant organs. This proposal will focus on how the main members of this cytokine family, namely IL-6 and IL-11, inhibit gastric tumour invasion to other organs, and promote tumour growth respectively . An understanding of these processes will aid in designing therapeutic interventions specific for each cytokine and which may lead to drugs aimed at limiting or reversing this disease.Read moreRead less
How Does ROCK ‘education’ Of Fibroblasts Drive Neoplastic Progression In The Breast?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,776.00
Summary
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another (metastasis) is the main cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis is assisted by the abnormal behaviour of a population of cells called cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We have identified that activation of an enzyme called ROCK in breast cancers causes an increase in the number of CAFs. We plan to find out how ROCK activation causes this increase in CAFs and find new targets against which breast cancer therapies can be developed.
The Role Of Parasite Adhesins In Plasmodium Falciparum Invasion Of Human Erythrocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,434.00
Summary
Invasion of red blood cells is essential for the survival of malaria parasite within the human host. Red blood cell invasion is mediated by recognition of parasite proteins to specific blood surface receptors. My research focuses on understanding these parasite protein-host receptor interactions with emphasis on translating these findings as novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of malaria.