The Effects Of Estrogen-Responsive B Box Protein On Retinoid Sensitivity In Cancer And Its Significance In Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,421.00
Summary
Although effective, many cancer drugs often lead to side effects, especially in children. New therapies are needed that specifically target cancer cells while leaving normal cells unaffected. I am studying a novel protein (EBBP) which I believe has an important role in cancer cell growth. By studying EBBP I aim to be able to increase the effectiveness of the low toxic chemotherapy retinoic acid without increased side effects, as well as understand the functional role of EBBP in cancer cells.
Molecular Mechanisms That Mediate The Anti-osteosarcoma Properties Of Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor (PEDF)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,453.00
Summary
Cancer results from a sequence of alterations to genes which lead to abnormal cells dividing without control. Osteosarcoma is a cancer involving bone and can rapidly spread to surrounding and distant tissues. A number of mediators have been identified as being able to provide some regulation of this abnormal cell division. Pigment epithelium-derived factor is one such protein and further understanding of how it achieves this could be used for the development of targeted osteosarcoma treatment.
The Role Of FHL Proteins In The Pathology Of Muscular Dystrophies: Identification Of Novel Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,355.00
Summary
Scientists at Monash University have recently identified a protein called FHL1 which promotes skeletal muscle repair-growth and may reverse the muscle degeneration seen in inherited muscular dystrophies. This study will investigate whether FHL1 expression can improve muscle mass in mouse models of muscular dystropy. In doing so, this research improve out understanding of the molecular processes that cause muscular dystrophies and thereby lead the way to new therapies for this family of diseases.
Inferring Global Regulatory Architecture Of Human Gene Expression In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$47,427.00
Summary
Our genome encodes ~25,000 genes that shape out an individual from head to toe. Malfunction of a particular gene could cause fatal health problem or disease. Nonetheless, the mis-regulation of functioning genes can also result in serious diseases. In this study, we are going to use large-scale gene regulation information and advanced computing techniques to clarify the regulation network of human genome on a global level. Hence, helping us to understand more about diseases of gene transcription.
The Characterisation Of The Mechanism Of Beta Amyloid Toxicity In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,430.00
Summary
Alzheimer�s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterised by the beta amyloid peptide (A_) found in plaques in the brain. A structural transition to aggregated/ oligomeric forms of A_ is accompanied by a gain of toxicity. In this study the biological and biophysical characterisation of a variety of A_ peptides will be performed. The study will also use oligomers from cell culture media and brain tissue that have been influential in AD research but poorly characterised.