Mechanisms Of Head And Neck Cancer Progression Role Of Matrix Metallopreinase (MMP-2) Using In Vitro And In Vivo Anima
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$218,668.00
Summary
This proposal will assist in improving human health, quality of life and patient lifespan. Head and Neck cancer is of high prevalence in Australia and China. Cancer patients, often with metastasis to adjacent and distant organs, including bone at late stages of the disease, suffer from pain, facial nerve paralysis, recurrence and frequently die under very distressing circumstances. This proposal intends to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Head and Neck cancer and help come up with better tre ....This proposal will assist in improving human health, quality of life and patient lifespan. Head and Neck cancer is of high prevalence in Australia and China. Cancer patients, often with metastasis to adjacent and distant organs, including bone at late stages of the disease, suffer from pain, facial nerve paralysis, recurrence and frequently die under very distressing circumstances. This proposal intends to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Head and Neck cancer and help come up with better treatments against cancers including providing a new target for cancer gene therapy.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Proteinase Inhibitor 9 In Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$820,136.00
Summary
Cytotoxic lymphocytes eliminate virus-infected or cancerous cells from the body. This is achieved by the release of powerful cytotoxins that kill the abnormal cell. Unless carefully targeted these cytotoxins can damage surrounding normal tissue or the cytotoxic lymphocyte itself, and lead to autoimmune disease. One of the most important cytotoxins is a protease called granzyme B. We have discovered a natural inhibitor of granzyme B that is present in cytotoxic cells and testis. Our studies are a ....Cytotoxic lymphocytes eliminate virus-infected or cancerous cells from the body. This is achieved by the release of powerful cytotoxins that kill the abnormal cell. Unless carefully targeted these cytotoxins can damage surrounding normal tissue or the cytotoxic lymphocyte itself, and lead to autoimmune disease. One of the most important cytotoxins is a protease called granzyme B. We have discovered a natural inhibitor of granzyme B that is present in cytotoxic cells and testis. Our studies are aimed at understanding the role of the inhibitor in human immune and reproductive function. We will also design and evaluate synthetic compounds based on the natural inhibitor that will enable us to easily measure granzyme B levels and control its activity.Read moreRead less
Molecular And Genotypic Risk Factors For Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$221,750.00
Summary
An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) is a dilatation of the main abdominal artery. This is an asymptomatic condition which may cause sudden death due to rupture of the AAA once it reaches a certain size (usually over 5cm in diameter) Between 1996 and 1998, 12,000 men aged 65-79 attended the Western Australian Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening study. The main aim of the study is to assess the influence of screening on mortality from AAA. Since 1997, approximately 90 men with large AAA have had e ....An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) is a dilatation of the main abdominal artery. This is an asymptomatic condition which may cause sudden death due to rupture of the AAA once it reaches a certain size (usually over 5cm in diameter) Between 1996 and 1998, 12,000 men aged 65-79 attended the Western Australian Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening study. The main aim of the study is to assess the influence of screening on mortality from AAA. Since 1997, approximately 90 men with large AAA have had elective surgical repair of AAA and 700 men with small AAA (aortic diameter 3-5 cm) have participated in the follow-up study involving 6-12 monthly ultrasound scans. The aim of the follow-up study is to assess rates of and risk factors for expansion of screen-detected AAA. The cause of AAA is unclear but appears to be due to a combination of environmental (eg smoking) and genetic influences. It is unknowm which genes might be involved. The current grant application seeks funding to initiate the study of possible genes associated with AAA . Blood samples from which DNA (genetic material) can be extracted have already been obtained from 650 men with AAA. Men without AAA are currently being reviewed as part of another study and it will be possible to obtain similar DNA samples these men. Patterns of gene polymorphisms (common minor mutations) in men with AAA will be compared with those without AAA.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Oocyte-secreted Proteins In Primate Follicular Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$176,320.00
Summary
Mammalian eggs grow and develop in fluid filled sacks in the ovary called follicles. These structures nurture the egg for prolonged periods preparing it for ovulation and fertilisation. It has been known for some time that the quality of the follicular environment determines, in part, the developmental potential of the egg. Recent studies in mice have shown that the interaction between the egg and the follicle is in fact a two-way process, and that the egg is able to influence development of the ....Mammalian eggs grow and develop in fluid filled sacks in the ovary called follicles. These structures nurture the egg for prolonged periods preparing it for ovulation and fertilisation. It has been known for some time that the quality of the follicular environment determines, in part, the developmental potential of the egg. Recent studies in mice have shown that the interaction between the egg and the follicle is in fact a two-way process, and that the egg is able to influence development of the follicle. This project proposes to investigate these processes further in the laboratory mouse using new reagents available to us, and to extend these findings by investigating this communication pathway for the first time in a primate species. Because of the difficulty of undertaking such research using human material, we will use the marmoset monkey as a model. This exciting new development has important implications for women's health because it may help us understand why some women suffer from premature menopause or cystic ovaries, and in the longer term could help in the development of new types of contraceptives.Read moreRead less