Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia And The Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
This research aims to identify new drugs for the treatment of childhood and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We have identified drugs that interfere with interactions between the bone marrow and leukemic cells and hypothesise that these will increase the potency of currently used chemotherapy. We will test these agents in animal models of human leukemia. By analysing the effects of these new drugs we will also understand how we can further improve treatments.
The Role Of Cell Cycle Control In Haemopoietic Stem Cell Fate Decisions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,974.00
Summary
My research has focused on understanding how the process of cell division can result in different outcomes for adult blood stem cells. I am interested in determining the role of bone and blood vessels in the regulation of blood stem cells and in the development of blood diseases (myeloprolifertive disease). I will also determine the effects of changing the cell cycle with drugs to improve transplantation of blood stem cells.
Microenvironmental Regulation Of Blood Cells By Retinoic Acid Receptor Gamma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$958,428.00
Summary
Vitamin A deficiency causes profound effects in humans, with anaemia and an inability to fight infection being consequences of vitamin A deficiency on blood cells. We have evidence that these effects of vitamin A deficiency occur via one of the receptors for vitamin A. Furthermore, these effects are due to changes in the non-blood cells that help to make blood cells. By understanding how this occurs we may identify better treatments for patients with impaired immune systems.
Microenvironmental Impact In The Treatment Of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,458.00
Summary
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia remains one of the leading causes of death in children and outcomes for adults with this disease remain poor. This project examines how manipulation of the environment where leukemia arises can be used to therpaeutic advancage. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells are highly dependent on the support provided by bone marrow cells but the mechanisms are not well understood. Disrupting signals from the bone marrow cells has potential as a therapeutic strategy.
Manipulation Of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Niches To Improve Therapeutic Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
My aim is to understand how stem cells are naturally regulated by the body. My central hypothesis is that local environment (niche) factors largely govern stem cell behaviour. Identification and manipulation of these factors will offer a novel therapeutic opportunity to improve the clinical use of normal haematopoietic stem cells to improve transplantation success, as well as sensitise leukaemia cells to chemotherapy.
Regulation Of Normal And Malignant Haematopoiesis By The Bone Marrow Environment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,458.00
Summary
This project will identify factors within the bone marrow that regulate blood and immune cell formation. These include oxygenation and novel proteins identified in the applicant’s laboratory. How these factors from the bone marrow influence the behaviour of normal blood forming cells (called haematopoietic stem cells), and the progression of leukaemia and the response of leukaemia to chemotherapy treatments will be investigated. New drugs that interfere with these new factors will be tested for ....This project will identify factors within the bone marrow that regulate blood and immune cell formation. These include oxygenation and novel proteins identified in the applicant’s laboratory. How these factors from the bone marrow influence the behaviour of normal blood forming cells (called haematopoietic stem cells), and the progression of leukaemia and the response of leukaemia to chemotherapy treatments will be investigated. New drugs that interfere with these new factors will be tested for their potential to treat leukaemia.Read moreRead less
Haematopoietic Stem Cell Glycome Regulates Outcome Of Niche Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$913,729.00
Summary
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) reside in the bone marrow (BM) and make all the cells of the blood system. We have found a factor in the BM which when blocked, puts normal HSC to sleep helping them survive chemotherapy. This means cancer patients should suffer less side-effects from their therapy. This factor also helps leukaemia stem cells (LSC) resist chemotherapy. Inhibitors may a) reduce patient mortality caused by chemotherapy and b) sensitise LSC to chemotherapy enabling long-term cure.