Comparative And Evolutionary Genomics Of Schistosomes –Identifying Genes Associated With Parasitism, And Novel Drug And Vaccine Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,229.00
Summary
Schistosomiasis remains an important cause of human illness and death globally. My project proposes comparative genomics and evolutionary analysis of recently sequenced schistosome taxa and all publicly available flatworm genomes. The study will provide novel insights into identifying gene functions and pathways important for the parasite-host interaction, reveal novel candidate anti-schistosome drug or vaccine targets, and identify genes associated with bladder tumorogenesis in S. haematobium.
Epigenetic Hyperglycemic Cell Memory Causes Vascular Complications In Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,140.00
Summary
This project seeks to identify how epigenetic change in response to hyperglycemia can cause vascular complications of diabetes, and how this contributes to “hyperglycemic memory”; a phenomena where cells may undergo gene modifications which increase risk to further complications later in a patients life. These studies are the first of their kind and will characterize the types of epigenetic change that can cause human disease.
Integrated System Wide Characterization Of Microbiota And Host Factors Influencing Intestinal Colonization Resistance To The Healthcare Pathogen Clostridium Difficile
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$359,999.00
Summary
Naturally occurring bacteria play an important role in determining patient disease susceptibility, disease progression and ultimately, disease outcome. Over 1000 species of bacteria, contributing 10 times as many cells as found within a single individual. This project seeks to understand these communities, how they confer resistance to infection and how they can be manipulated, both naturally and through controlled introduction of bacteria to prevent disease or improve disease outcome.
Adrenocortical cancers have a poor prognosis. It is essential that patients with adrenocortical cancers be diagnosed early and accurately to enable the initiation of appropriate treatment. Current methods do not reliably differentiate benign adrenal tumours from adrenocortical cancers. The aim of my project is to identify molecular markers which can accurately distinguish benign adrenal tumours from adrenocortical cancers, allowing accurate diagnosis and institution of optimal therapy.
Computational And Structural Studies Of Protein-GPCR Interactions Underlying HIV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
While it is known that HIV entry and disease progression relies upon the interaction of a number of distinct proteins, the precise nature of these interactions remains unclear. The purpose of this fellowship is apply computational and experimental techniques to stabilise members of the protein complex so that we can understand their structure.
Targeting The Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1 For The Treatment Of Pancreatic Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,142.00
Summary
We will investigate NDRG1, a novel molecular target that has been demonstrated to inhibit the progression of numerous cancers. We aim to better understand the underlying functions of NDRG1 in pancreatic cancer and how we can potentially target this gene with novel therapeutics being developed in our laboratory. We hope that this new approach will lead to more promising treatment options and a better outcome for those suffering from pancreatic cancer.
The Molecular Function And Role Of The New Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1 In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,425.00
Summary
With cancer now a leading cause of death in Australia, finding new ways to treat this disease is crucial. Iron is critical for cancer cell growth and metastasis, thus agents that bind iron (called iron chelators) can be used to treat cancer. These drugs up-regulate the gene NDRG1, which has been shown to prevent tumour spread. The role of NDRG1 in tumour growth and spread of cancer cells will be examined as this may lead to novel therapies against cancer (e.g. the use of novel iron chelators).