Investigation of the biology of insulin-like growth factor 1 and its derivatives for the development of new therapeutics. This project will investigate the biology of insulin-like growth factor 1, a key molecule in growth, development and, in particular, the wound healing process. Its success will lead to improved treatments for non-healing (chronic) wounds and, potentially, new anti-cancer treatments.
New methods for the chemical synthesis of a library of glycopeptide-based tri-component cancer vaccines. A novel method for the synthesis of tumour-associated glycopeptides will be developed in this research as well as the preparation of a library of glycopeptide-based cancer vaccines. These vaccines will be tested in immunological studies with a view to elucidating new immune-based therapies for the treatment of cancer.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101632
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,220.00
Summary
Development of Innovative Chemical Tools for Studying Glycosyltransferases . This project aims to develop chemical probes capable of selectively binding and inhibiting two classes of carbohydrate processing enzymes known as O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine transferase and sialyltransferases. These enzymes are overexpressed in various cancers and play critical roles in cancer progression. Probes will be developed to analyse the activities of these enzymes in cancer cells.
Development of disulphide-rich peptides for drug design. Peptides are an outstanding source of potential drug leads. This project seeks to build on earlier breakthroughs by developing stable, peptide-based drugs to combat cancer and autoimmune diseases. The peptides, derived from natural sources, are anticipated to provide drug leads that can ultimately lead to treatments for these diseases.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101673
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Access to biomimetic carbohydrate receptors using dynamic combinatorial chemistry. This project aims to utilise novel synthetic technology for the development of cyclic peptide libraries as novel drug leads for the treatment of Dengue virus, HIV and cancer.
Understanding the Chemical Processes Involved in the Metabolism of Peptide Hormones. Peptide hormones regulate normal physiological activity in humans, and their over-production causes diseases such as cancer. The aims of this project are: to delineate the chemical processes through which these hormones are produced; to develop inhibitors of enzymes involved in hormone production, and agonists and antagonists of receptors through which the hormones act; and to study the ability of the inhibitors ....Understanding the Chemical Processes Involved in the Metabolism of Peptide Hormones. Peptide hormones regulate normal physiological activity in humans, and their over-production causes diseases such as cancer. The aims of this project are: to delineate the chemical processes through which these hormones are produced; to develop inhibitors of enzymes involved in hormone production, and agonists and antagonists of receptors through which the hormones act; and to study the ability of the inhibitors, agonists and antagonists to override and bypass the chemical control mechanisms through which hormone levels are usually maintained at homeostasis. The research is expected to lead to a better fundamental understanding of hormone metabolism, and to underpin the basis for the development of new disease therapies.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100191
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
An advanced mass spectrometer for applications in phospho-proteomics, glycomics and top-down sequencing of proteins. This cutting-edge mass spectrometry facility will benefit the Hunter Valley research community comprising 100 researchers in this field. It will enable the researchers to enhance their research productivity in areas of national importance, including better understanding the etiology of disease states, reproductive health and the regulation of plant growth.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180101165
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,058.00
Summary
Structural insights into adenosine receptors. This project aims to investigate mechanisms underlying ligand binding and signal transduction at G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by utilising the adenosine receptor family as a model system. This interdisciplinary project will use structural biology, pharmacology and biochemistry. The expected outcomes include understanding ligand selectivity across the four adenosine receptor family members. This should provide significant benefits, such as adva ....Structural insights into adenosine receptors. This project aims to investigate mechanisms underlying ligand binding and signal transduction at G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by utilising the adenosine receptor family as a model system. This interdisciplinary project will use structural biology, pharmacology and biochemistry. The expected outcomes include understanding ligand selectivity across the four adenosine receptor family members. This should provide significant benefits, such as advancement of fundamental knowledge that could also lead to therapeutic development.Read moreRead less
A new Src, PKCdelta and Akt regulated protease activated receptor system in metastasis. In contrast with localised cancer which can often be cured, curative treatment is generally not possible for cancer that has spread. This project will characterise a protein that drives the spread of cancer and to develop new approaches to treat patients at risk of developing these aggressive tumours that spread to other organs.
Molecular mechanisms regulating Ca2+ channels formed by Orai and STIM proteins. Store-operated calcium channels play a central role in the functions of all animal cells. They participate in generating the cellular responses to hormones, antigens, growth factors and other physiological stimuli. The aims of this project are to elucidate cellular mechanisms that regulate interaction between the molecular components of store-operated calcium channel, Orai and STIM. Using techniques of electrophysiol ....Molecular mechanisms regulating Ca2+ channels formed by Orai and STIM proteins. Store-operated calcium channels play a central role in the functions of all animal cells. They participate in generating the cellular responses to hormones, antigens, growth factors and other physiological stimuli. The aims of this project are to elucidate cellular mechanisms that regulate interaction between the molecular components of store-operated calcium channel, Orai and STIM. Using techniques of electrophysiology and molecular biology we expect to answer a fundamental question how STIM and Orai proteins interact to form functional store-operated calcium channels, and how the expression of STIM and Orai is regulated.Read moreRead less