Identifying The Critical Pathways Which Regulate Vertebrate Craniofacial Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,131.00
Summary
Understanding the genes which underlie human birth defects is of immense clinical importance. Our laboratory is a world-leader investigating a gene responsible for facial skeleton development, Grhl2. With our wide range of models, we will discover how Grhl2 works to ensure the face and skull develop properly during birth.
A New Target For Allergic Inflammation: The Sphingolipid Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$588,617.00
Summary
Collectively, allergic diseases contribute immensely to the burden of health care in Australia. Notably, allergic reactions are symptomatic responses to a normally innocuous environmental antigen. Allergic diseases include asthma, hay fever, food allergy, anaphylaxis, insect sting and drug allergy. This project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms associated with allergic reactions such that it may aid in the identification of novel targets for the development of new treatments.
Understanding The Causes Of Childhood Congenital Anomalies Of The Kidney And Urinary Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,748.00
Summary
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified ....Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified genes.Read moreRead less
Targeting Sphingosine Kinase 1 To Sensitise Acute Myeloid Leukaemia To BH3 Mimetic Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,005.00
Summary
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) patients are currently treated with chemotherapeutics and despite their success at achieving disease remission these responses are often short lived, resulting in relapse and death. We have identified sphingosine kinase 1 as a new drug target in AML. This proposal aims to examine the role of targeting sphingosine kinase 1 in combination with new targeted therapies in patient samples and preclinical mouse models of AML.
Inflammatory Pathways For Novel Therapeutic Interventions In Preterm Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,006.00
Summary
Preterm birth is common and carries severe risks for the child. Existing therapies are not very successful in arresting preterm labour or improving outcomes for the fetus. We have discovered that blocking inflammatory ‘sensor’ molecules can slow labour progression. This project will (1) increase our knowledge of the inflammatory pathways that initiate early labour, and (2) define the mechanism of action and safety of a new drug that has potential for delaying preterm birth in women.