Improving Muscular Dystrophy By Targeting The ADAMTS5 Metalloproteinase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,571.00
Summary
Muscular dystrophy is a devastating childhood disorder. There is no cure and no effective therapy to stop the disease progressing to early death. Our pilot data show that muscular dystrophy in a mouse model is dramatically improved when the Adamts5 gene is inactivated. ADAMTS5 is an enzyme that remodels the extracellular matrix around cells. This suggests that inhibiting ADAMTS5 may be a new way to treat muscular dystrophy. We will test this idea in mice with muscular dystrophy
Characterisation Of Two Novel Markers Of Osteosarcoma Metastasis As Potential Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,500.00
Summary
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone tumour in children and adolescents. In spite of aggressive chemotherapy, OS tumours that metastasise to the lungs result in dismal long-term survivals of only 10-20%. For these patients, new treatment options are desperately needed. In this proposal we show compelling data identifying two new markers of OS metastasis. This research aims to validate the suitability of these novel markers as therapeutic targets to prevent OS metastasis.
Integrating Immunity And Genetics In Follicular Lymphoma To Establish A Prognostic Score Fit For The Modern Era
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,377,174.00
Summary
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is divided into early and advanced stages. Early stage FL is frequently cured, but there is no way to identify who will be cured and who won't. By contrast advanced stage FL is incurable. Our unique access to well-annotated clinical trial and population based cohorts allows us to perform a detailed biological comparison of early and advanced FL, to gain a deeper understanding of the impediments to eradicating the disease, and to predict outcome to conventional therapy.
Activin Control Of The Male Germline For Reproductive Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$915,786.00
Summary
The growth factor activin provides key signals in embryonic and infant testes to coordinate development of male germline cells into sperm. This project tests how activin controls genetic stability when the human testis is vulnerable to forming germline cells that become tumours in young men. We will study how activin acts to allow sperm stem cells to multiply and develop in sufficient numbers for adult fertility.
A Stem Cell-specific MicroRNA-independent Function Of Drosha
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,702.00
Summary
Stem cells are responsible for producing and replenishing the ~200 specialised cell types in our body. Our goal is to understand the molecular switches that control the function of these cells. We recently discovered that the activity of certain genes within stem cells is controlled by degradation. This degradation is absolutely crucial for safeguarding the function of stem cells. This project will investigate how this novel mechanism is controlled within these cells.
Molecular Characterisation Of Early Precursor Lesions Of A Novel Ñserrated Pathwayî Of Colorectal Cancer Using Gene Expression And Proteomics.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,338.00
Summary
In Australia, CRC is the second highest cause of all cancer-related deaths. If detected early, CRC has a high success rate of cure, but a percentage of precursor lesions escape detection and show aggressive clinical behaviour to progress to CRC. These are difficult to diagnosis with existing technologies. We aim to understand the biology behind sessile serrated adenoma pathways and hence enhance early detection, diagnosis and treatments strategies.
Genetic Programs Orchestrated By AP-1 Transcription Factors In Colorectal Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,941.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. About half of all patients diagnosed with the disease die as a result of its spread in the body. This project will investigate the role that a specific DNA-binding protein plays in orchestrating gene expression programs required for CRCs to spread. The research will provide new insights into underlying mechanisms of CRC progression as well as identify new therapeutic targets for aggressive forms of the disease.
Improving Outcomes For Women Diagnosed With Mucinous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,238.00
Summary
Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) is different from other ovarian cancers but few studies have characterized the genetic changes specific to this subtype. It is often confused with metastases from other organs and does not respond well to standard ovarian cancer therapies. If MOC is more similar to mucinous cancers from other organs than other ovarian cancers, it may be better treated with chemotherapeutics that show success with other mucinous tumours.
Epigenetic Programming Of Immune Development In Utero: Role Of The Maternal Environment In The Allergy Epidemic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,463.00
Summary
This study will provide new insights into the development of allergic disease. Specifically, we will explore the hypothesis that allergic disease and other disorders or immune dysregulation occur as a result of gene-environmental interactions in early life, and that these events begin in pregnancy when the developing fetus is still developing and most susceptible to these effects.