Elucidating Crosstalk Between RhoGTPases And Polarity Proteins: The Interface Between Morphology, Immune Function And Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,549.00
Summary
Major breakthroughs in cancer and autoimmunity require understanding the molecular basis of by which cell behaviour is controlled. We now know the key molecular players, but still need to determine how they interact within the cell to develop the best treatments and diagnostics. Recent breakthroughs now enable us to “watch” molecular interactions within the cell. We will use these approaches to determine how a key molecular switch is regulated in immune cells and cancer cells.
Biology Of EGFR Mutations In Glioblastoma Multiforme
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,445.00
Summary
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein that has a critical role in the development of normal cells. In glioma, the most lethal of the brain cancers, the EGFR is altered. These alterations result in uncontrolled activation of the EGFR, causing signals that promote the growth and survival of brain cancer. This grant seeks to understand the nature of the signals mediated by the altered EGFR, in turn helping us develop better therapeutics for the treatment of this deadly cancer.
Structure-function Of Type I Interferon Receptors: Informing The Basis For Selective Modulation Of Signal Transduction And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,316,153.00
Summary
Interferons (IFNs) are a family of proteins with critical roles in infectious and inflammatory diseases and cancers. Currently we do not understand why there are so many type I IFNs, their different functions and how they are achieved. This project will determine at a fine molecular level how different IFNs interact with molecules on target cells and transmit particular signals. We will focus on a novel IFN? that we discovered. These studies will underpin the development of new therapies.
Understanding The Role Of The Atypical Cadherin Fat4 In Lymphatic Vascular Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,006,248.00
Summary
This application will define the role of a large cell adhesion molecule, FAT4, in lymphatic vascular development. By understanding how FAT4 functions in lymphatic vessels, we will gain insight to the mechanisms by which mutations in the gene that encodes this protein cause a human lymphoedema syndrome.
T cells play a central role in the immune response. The primary event in T cell activation is the triggering of a specific T cell receptor (TCR). Our studies will define new mechanisms for the regulation of TCR-mediated T cell responses. Our studies may yield novel insight into processes that contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes & inflammatory bowel disease.
Characterising The Novel Signalling Mechanism For A New Interferon
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,485.00
Summary
We have discovered a new regulatory protein called interferon epsilon, made in the female reproductive tract and is crucial for protection against bacterial( Chlamydia) and viral (Herpes Simplex Virus) infections. However, we are yet to understand how it interacts with target cells. This grant will study how IFN? binds to cells and the nature of the signals it transmits. This will help us understand its role in disease and its clinical potential
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100259
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,964.00
Summary
Interrogating the adaptive potential of skeletal muscle. Disruptions to muscle oxidative capacity and growth signalling underpin atrophy and dysfunction with ageing, which impacts on an individual’s quality of life. These biological processes are thought to be mutually exclusive and compete during muscle adaptation. This project aims to define how these processes regulate the extent of muscle adaptation, and how modifying these attributes influence functional capacity in the context of ageing. T ....Interrogating the adaptive potential of skeletal muscle. Disruptions to muscle oxidative capacity and growth signalling underpin atrophy and dysfunction with ageing, which impacts on an individual’s quality of life. These biological processes are thought to be mutually exclusive and compete during muscle adaptation. This project aims to define how these processes regulate the extent of muscle adaptation, and how modifying these attributes influence functional capacity in the context of ageing. This project will provide fundamental new knowledge in understanding how modifying muscle attributes influence successful ageing. This knowledge will improve resilience, productivity, and wellbeing of all Australians, with implications for reducing societal and economic burden.Read moreRead less
Target Of Rapamycin control of nutrient uptake. This project aims to study nutrient uptake in eukaryotes. It is expected to generate new knowledge of critical and conserved features of environmental and Target Of Rapamycin (TOR)-mediated control of nutrient uptake, specifically endocytosis, building on novel preliminary data that identifies novel TOR control points. The expected outcomes include new insights into mechanisms controlling nutrient uptake and fostering institutional collaboration. T ....Target Of Rapamycin control of nutrient uptake. This project aims to study nutrient uptake in eukaryotes. It is expected to generate new knowledge of critical and conserved features of environmental and Target Of Rapamycin (TOR)-mediated control of nutrient uptake, specifically endocytosis, building on novel preliminary data that identifies novel TOR control points. The expected outcomes include new insights into mechanisms controlling nutrient uptake and fostering institutional collaboration. This knowledge is highly relevant to any industry or research project utilising living organisms, as nutrient availability supports survival, cell growth and proliferation.Read moreRead less
How do cells survive nutrient stress? Insight into mechanisms. This project studies cell survival under nutrient stress in eukaryotes. Building on extensive preliminary data that identifies novel TOR (Target of Rapamycin) Complex 2 (TORC2) control points it expects to generate new knowledge of critical and conserved features of stress control of macroautophagy that ensures cell survival. It uses interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to validate and characterize nutrient-stress dependent si ....How do cells survive nutrient stress? Insight into mechanisms. This project studies cell survival under nutrient stress in eukaryotes. Building on extensive preliminary data that identifies novel TOR (Target of Rapamycin) Complex 2 (TORC2) control points it expects to generate new knowledge of critical and conserved features of stress control of macroautophagy that ensures cell survival. It uses interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to validate and characterize nutrient-stress dependent signaling. Expected outcomes include novel insights into environmental control of cell proliferation and forging cross institutional collaborations. This knowledge benefits basic and applied biology and is relevant to industries/projects utilizing living cells as nutrient supports cell survival and proliferation.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms Of Regulation Of Ribosome Biogenesis And Function In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway drives many cancers and until recently was thought to do so by preventing cancer cell death. We have shown this pathway also regulates the synthesis of ribosomes, the cellular “factories” that make protein and by interfering with PI3K/AKT regulated ribosome synthesis, can kill cancer cells. We aim to establish the mechanisms underlying this regulation of ribosome synthesis and to test the hypothesis that ribosome biogenesis is a novel target for cancer treatment.