Structural And Functional Characterisation Of The Oncogene P-Rex1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,447.00
Summary
The spread of cancer to other parts of the body (metastasis) is a major cause of mortality. The characterisation of proteins that regulate metastasis is therefore a priority. P-Rex1 plays a crucial role in promoting metastasis in breast and other cancers. We will determine the structural basis of P-Rex1 activity, and investigate how its dysregulation promotes aberrant cell growth. This study will provide the knowledge to build future drug development programs targeting P-Rex1 in cancer.
A Structural Understanding Of Class B G Protein-coupled Receptor Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,289,570.00
Summary
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface proteins that enable communication from external signals to the inside of cells of the body. Class B GPCRs are a therapeutically important subclass of these receptors and they play crucial roles in bone and energy homeostasis, cardiovascular control and immune response. This grant will uncover fundamental knowledge on how these receptors work, and will enhance future development of therapeutics.
A high-through-put method for unlocking the mitochondrial genomes of significant pathogens. The national/community benefits of this research are: (1) to develop a long-term, high quality scientific and technological program contributing to national objectives, including the maintenance of a strong capability in basic research, the development of new scientific concepts and the enhancement of international collaborative links; (2) to strengthen the links between basic and applied research; (3) to ....A high-through-put method for unlocking the mitochondrial genomes of significant pathogens. The national/community benefits of this research are: (1) to develop a long-term, high quality scientific and technological program contributing to national objectives, including the maintenance of a strong capability in basic research, the development of new scientific concepts and the enhancement of international collaborative links; (2) to strengthen the links between basic and applied research; (3) to develop excellence in research by promoting collaborative research, resulting in a more efficient use of resources in a national and international context; (4) to enhance the skills-base in biology and biotechnology; and (5) to substantially increase global visibility through quality research, leading to an increased investment in Australian science.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100085
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,864.00
Summary
Elucidating a novel mechanism for coping with harmful mutations. This project aims to improve our understanding of the complex regulatory mechanisms that increase genetic and phenotypic robustness. Survival of organisms depends on their ability to cope with genetic variation. A novel process of genetic compensation has recently been identified, producing a normal phenotype in a homozygous mutant, that would be expected to have deleterious effects. This project will reveal how compensation is ach ....Elucidating a novel mechanism for coping with harmful mutations. This project aims to improve our understanding of the complex regulatory mechanisms that increase genetic and phenotypic robustness. Survival of organisms depends on their ability to cope with genetic variation. A novel process of genetic compensation has recently been identified, producing a normal phenotype in a homozygous mutant, that would be expected to have deleterious effects. This project will reveal how compensation is achieved by examining the molecular pathways that are activated following genetic mutation. This project is expected to strengthen Australian reputation in evolutionary genetics, and in turn enhance our understanding of how organisms adapt to changing environments.Read moreRead less
Improving the efficiency of CRISPR gene editing in cells. Human red blood cells are well-characterised and the globin gene locus is a model system for the study of gene regulation. Gene editing technologies and delivery tools are evolving rapidly and the globin gene locus is the perfect model for gene editing optimisation. This collaboration between UNSW Sydney and CSL aims to bring together our combined expertise and new technologies to develop an optimal platform for genetic modification in a ....Improving the efficiency of CRISPR gene editing in cells. Human red blood cells are well-characterised and the globin gene locus is a model system for the study of gene regulation. Gene editing technologies and delivery tools are evolving rapidly and the globin gene locus is the perfect model for gene editing optimisation. This collaboration between UNSW Sydney and CSL aims to bring together our combined expertise and new technologies to develop an optimal platform for genetic modification in a red blood cell line. Simultaneously, this project aims to generate fundamental insights into mechanisms of human gene regulation. The technological and biological outcomes of this project will be of benefit for future gene editing applications.Read moreRead less
Many of the most serious diseases of Western societies including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cancer growth and metastasis and cardiovascular disease have metabolic dimensions. The enzyme AMPK regulates cellular and whole body energy homeostasis by coordinating metabolic pathways to balance energy demand with nutrient supply. We are studying the structure and function of AMPK with the aim of better treating metabolic diseases.
Signaling Pathways To Enhance Potency Of AMPK-targeting Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,966.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to epidemics of obesity-related metabolic diseases that place enormous financial and medical burden on the Australian economy. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as both a cellular fuel gauge and co-ordinator of whole-body metabolism. Our goal is to improve AMPK drug potency by identifying novel processes that sensitize AMPK to drugs.
ARC Centre for Kangaroo Genome. In this Australian-led Kangaroo Genome Project, we will map and characterize the tammar wallaby genome at the molecular level. Marsupial genomes are uniquely valuable because they provide comparisons that reveal new human genes, regulatory sequences and marsupial-specific genes. These will deliver new products and information useful for medicine, industry, agriculture and conservation. We will construct integrated genetic and physical maps of the genome, clone the ....ARC Centre for Kangaroo Genome. In this Australian-led Kangaroo Genome Project, we will map and characterize the tammar wallaby genome at the molecular level. Marsupial genomes are uniquely valuable because they provide comparisons that reveal new human genes, regulatory sequences and marsupial-specific genes. These will deliver new products and information useful for medicine, industry, agriculture and conservation. We will construct integrated genetic and physical maps of the genome, clone the whole genome as large inserts in BAC vectors, and build a "golden path" with minimal overlap. We will construct libraries of expressed genes from tammar tissues and array them for use in analysing gene expression.Read moreRead less
Genomic Analysis Of DNA Binding And Gene Regulation By The Chromatin Remodelling Factor UBF
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,254.00
Summary
Synthesis of ribosomes, the cellular protein synthetic machinery, is the major anabolic event of a growing cell and is frequently dysregulated during disease such as cancer. This grant will examine a protein termed UBF that we think plays an important role in orchestrating the cellular response to dysregulated ribosome biogenesis. By understanding how UBF functions we hope to uncover novel therapeutic approaches to treat diseases associated with ribosome stress .
How Does Fra-1 Regulate The Invasive Properties Of Tumour Cells?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
Most cancer deaths occur when tumours spread and destroy vital body functions. The invasion of tumour cells into surrounding tissue is a critical step during the spread of cancer. This project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms that control the ability of tumour cells to invade into surrounding tissue and subsequently spread to other sites in the body. We expect to identify potential targets to better diagnose and treat the spread of cancer.