Targeting Tumour Angiogenesis In Breast Cancer By Altering MicroRNA Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,151.00
Summary
Despite advances in treatment, breast cancer remains one of the leading underlying causes of death and disability in Australia. Preventing cancer spread therefore has the potential for enormous economic and social outcomes. Small RNAs have recently been identified as key regulators of cancer cell biology. This project seeks to take a leadership role in the area of small RNA biology by targeting small RNAs implicated in blood vessel formation as a means of suppressing breast cancer spread.
Mechanotransduction is defined as the ability of living cells to respond to and convert mechanical stimuli into electro-chemical cellular signals to ensure survival. It is largely dependent on membrane proteins known as mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels. These channels are involved in senses of hearing and touch, and are also crucial regulators of heart and muscle function. This research aims to elucidate the general physical principles underlying mechanotransduction in living cells.
Novel Antivirals For The Treatment Of Hendravirus Infection.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$199,227.00
Summary
Hendravirus outbreaks have become frequent and 7 human cases have been reported, this has resulted in 4 deaths. Currently we have no treatment options. Researchers at Griffith University and the CSIRO have developed a new treatment that attacks the virus by turning off the viral genes at the site of infection. The plan is to treat patients soon after infection to slow or stop the virus and allow patients to recover naturally from this highly lethal disease.
Stealth Liposomes And SiRNA For The Treatment Of Respiratory Viral Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$528,793.00
Summary
Respiratory infections caused by Influenza and Respiratory syncytial virus cause significant hospitalisations and deaths within the community. For example, RSV causes around 1000 hospital admissions of young children a year and there is no cure or vaccination. Therapies are limited and toxic. We will develop and test a novel therapy based on gene silencing to specifically target viral genes, and combine this with our novel drug delivery system for better treatment of these diseases.
Immuno-polymeric Drugs For Prostate Cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,995.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 50 and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths in Western society. Docetaxel is the first line of chemotherapy when other intervention strategies are unsuccessful, but 30% of patients suffer from severe side-effects. To address this problem, we will utilise carriers for docetaxel that directly target prostate tumours using a novel antibody approach. This increases accumulation at the tumour site while decreasing off-target toxicity.
Achieving Targeted Delivery Of Drugs To Uterine Muscle In Women For The Prevention Of Preterm Labour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,008.00
Summary
We have patented liposomes targeted to the uterus, which enable us to deliver drugs specifically to the muscle cells of the uterus, increasing safety. The liposomes can be loaded with drugs that either block or promote contractions, creating a versatile drug delivery system that could treat premature labour or postpartum haemorrhage which are major clinical problems. We seek support to demonstrate their effectiveness in mouse and primate models of preterm labour prior to human studies.