A Novel Non-invasive Diagnostic Imaging Technique Of Metastatic Cancer Using Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 2.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$187,750.00
Summary
This project aims to develop a non-invasive tumour diagnostic imaging agent based on a non-toxic protein (PAI2) that we know specifically identifies a critical marker of malignancy. PAI2 will be labelled with commonly used imaging radioisotopes. This novel imaging technique has important potential clinical uses including, determination of the most appropriate treatment for individual patients, assessing the success of such treatments, and a novel non-invasive prognostic indicator of malignancy.
Plasmin is a complex enzyme that performs major roles in removal of blood clots, wound healing and in tumor metastasis. Here we will understand how plasmin function is regulated at the molecular level. These key insights will be of future use in the development of therapeutics targeting the plasmin system in cancer and clotting diseases.
Defining The Mechanism Of Invasive Disease Caused By Diverse Group A Streptococcal M Serotypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,061.00
Summary
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus; GAS) causes life-threatening invasive infections including flesh-eating disease and toxic shock syndrome (>600,000 cases and 163,000 deaths per year). We recently discovered the trigger for invasive disease in a globally disseminated GAS strain. The aim of this work is to determine whether this trigger applies to other strains associated with GAS invasive disease. These studies will allow the development of new therapeutics and treatments.
Under this fellowship the applicant will study a n important group of enzymes and molecular delivery machines involved in clotting disease, immune dysfunction and cancer.