Investigating the functional interaction between vasopressin and angiotensin receptors. Kidney disease resulting from diabetes is a major health issue for Australians, and indigenous Australians in particular. This project aims to enable improved therapies to be developed, as well as better inform doctors regarding the use of potential combinations of existing pharmaceuticals to treat this condition.
This application will investigate the potential for nanomaterials to have adverse effects on human health and to formulate approaches to screen nanomaterials for potential health risks, particularly those with a high likelihood for human exposure in Australia. Understanding how existing nanomaterials interact with biological systems will help determine the risk of adverse effects in the human population and identify those nanoparticles with little or no risk.
Pharmacology Of Potential Anti-Tumour Agents: Iron And Copper Chelators Of The ApT, BpT And DpT Classes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,137.00
Summary
Cancer cells take up more of the essential nutrients copper and iron than normal cells. Increased metabolism of these metals is linked to tumour growth progression. Our laboratory has developed compounds that bind these metals in tumours. Our studies suggest our novel compounds display a novel tumour targeting strategy which may explain their ability to also overcome drug resistance. This unique mechanism of action is crucial to understand for the development of novel anti-cancer agents.
Melanotransferrin: A “Missing Link” And A Novel Pharmacological Target For Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,848.00
Summary
Despite >30 years of research, the precise function of the protein, melanotransferrin (MTf), is unknown. However, we have breakthrough evidence that MTf stimulates WNT signalling as a major driver in cancer progression. We will investigate this hypothesis, which will underpin new cancer therapies. Indeed, we designed a new class of drugs that target the WNT pathway via up-regulating the WNT inhibitor, NDRG1. This drug (DpC) inhibits MTf expression to block tumour cell growth and metastasis.
Resistance To Herceptin (trastuzumab) In HER2 Positive Breast Cancers: The Role Of Calcium Signalling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,292.00
Summary
The monoclonal antibody therapy trastuzumab has revolutionized the treatment of women with Her2 positive breast cancer. Unfortunately some Her2 positive breast cancers do not respond to this therapy or gradually develop resistance. This project will define how an important cellular signal is remodeled in breast cancers resistant to trastuzumab. The ability of modulators of this signaling pathway to alter the sensitivity of breast cancers to trastuzumab will also be determined.