Microtubule Severing: A Role In Mammalian Oocyte And Embryo Viability?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,251.00
Summary
In all cells, cell division is controlled by a microtubule based structure known as the spindle. Abnormal function of this spindle leads to loss and gain of chromosomes that in oocytes causes early embryo loss and in cells of the body it causes cancer and cell death. We will investigate a family of proteins that modify microtubules and explore the role they play in ensuring cell division happnens safely.
Leucine-rich Guanylate Kinase Is A Regulator Of Sperm Tail Development And Motile Cilia Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,191.00
Summary
In this grant we will define the function of an uncharacterized protein, LRGUK, in fertility and hydrocephalus (water on the brain). LRGUK has a critical role in sperm development. We will define the cell biology and biochemistry of LRGUK function, we will assess the incidence of LRGUK mutations in human fertility and explore LRGUK function in the brain. Data obtained will have relevance to the 1 in 20 young men who suffer from infertility and the 3 in 1000 children who develop hydrocephalus.
Hijacking A Death Switch In Pancreatic And Lung Cancer Cells To Develop A Novel Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$738,947.00
Summary
Pancreatic (PC) and lung (LC) cancer have a high mortality rate and poor response to current treatments. We have identified a protein whose inhibition in both PC and LC cells sensitises them to a cancer-cell specific therapy called TRAIL and switches signals that normally promote tumour growth into tumour death signals. This project aims to develop a novel therapeutic that inhibits our target and delivers TRAIL to PC and LC tumours, and could potentially improve survival for PC and LC patients.
Katanin P80 Is A Key Regulator Of Microtubule Dynamics And Male Fertility.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,756.00
Summary
Male fertility is a complex process requiring the co-ordinated activation of thousands of gene products. It is not surprising therefore that 1 in 15 Australian men are infertile. This project will explore an essential pathways for sperm production, specifically related to sperm shaping and motility. This work may ultimately have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, but also for pathology in tissues will similar cellular structures.
Shedding Light Onto The Structural Secrets Inside Pluripotent Stem Cells In Real-time
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,890.00
Summary
To meet the challenges of life, a human being requires 30 trillion cells, a blue whale a staggering 100 quadrillion. This vast diversity of cells derives from very few unspecialised cells that can become any cell type of the adult body - the pluripotent stem cells. We will use innovative imaging techniques to uncover the cellular architecture of pluripotency to provide critical insights into how the various parts of a versatile cell, its cytoskeleton and organelles, are assembled in real-time.
Finding The Missing Katanin Required For Male Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,214.00
Summary
Microtubules are a key element of all cells, including in the male germ line. In this project we will define the function of the microtubule severing protein KATNA1 in male fertility. This will be achieved using a unique model and state-of-the-art technologies. This project will have immediate relevance to the 1 in 20 Australian men who suffer from infertility but will also inform KATNA1 function in the many other tissues where KATNA1 is produced.
Cell Trafficking In A Stem Cell Model For Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,082.00
Summary
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a genetic disease passed down in affected families. It is a slowly progressing lower limb paralysis that gradually restricts daily activities until the sufferer is confined to bed. There are no cures. This project investigates patientsÍ stem cells to study how HSP genes cause disease. We will use these stem cells to discover new potential drug therapies.