Using MiR-200 To Find New Therapeutic Targets For Neuroblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,152.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common cancers in children. We have found that a genetic regulator, called microRNA, can limit the ability of neuroblastoma cells to invade surrounding tissues and metastasise. We aim use the microRNAs to find new therapeutic targets that may work in combination with existing treatments, reducing the short term toxicity and long term deleterious effects of current treatments.
A Novel Metabolic Role For UDP Glycosyltransferase 8 (UGT8)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,144.00
Summary
The UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are a family of enzymes that remove drugs and toxins from the human body as well as control levels of naturally produced molecules such as bile acids and hormones. We found that a new member of this family called UGT8 processes bile acids in the kidney and intestine and can affect how bile acids act to regulate metabolism. Our studies uncover new roles for bile acids in liver, kidney and gut health and in metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity.
How IsomiRs Expand The MicroRNA Functional Repertoire In Affecting Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,570.00
Summary
MicroRNAs function as regulators of gene expression. It is becoming appreciated that microRNAs are frequently expressed as variants with subtly different sequences. We find here that variation in one important cancer-associated microRNA, miR-222, promotes differences in the behaviour of cells expressing them. This work seeks to understand how microRNA variation confers such properties to cells, to identify the genes miR-222 variants regulate, and to examine how widespread it is that microRNA var ....MicroRNAs function as regulators of gene expression. It is becoming appreciated that microRNAs are frequently expressed as variants with subtly different sequences. We find here that variation in one important cancer-associated microRNA, miR-222, promotes differences in the behaviour of cells expressing them. This work seeks to understand how microRNA variation confers such properties to cells, to identify the genes miR-222 variants regulate, and to examine how widespread it is that microRNA variation contributes to cancer.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) Of Azithromycin Versus Doxycycline For The Treatment Of Rectal Chlamydia Infection In Men Who Have Sex With Men.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$797,906.00
Summary
Rectal chlamydia is very common among gay men; it can exist for long periods without symptoms leading to ongoing transmission. Azithromycin (1 gram single dose) or 7 days doxycycline (100mg twice daily) are the two recommended treatments globally. But, there is concern about rectal chlamydia treatment with reports of up to 22% failure following azithromycin. We will conduct a randomised trial to compare these treatments for rectal chlamydia and determine which drug works better.
Burden Of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) And Impact Of Prevention Strategies: Comprehensive Evidence To Drive The RHD Endgame
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$960,655.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease is chronic damage to the heart valves caused by repeated bouts of acute rheumatic fever. Both are preventable, yet rates among Indigenous Australians are of the highest recorded. We propose to undertake the first multi-jurisdictional study of these conditions to determine trends in occurrence and evaluate the impact of existing interventions in Australia. Findings will be used to inform the development of a roadmap to remove RHD as a public health problem in Australia.