Control Of Mast Cell Tryptase Function In Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,627.00
Summary
Allergic disorders such as anaphylaxis, eczema, hay fever and asthma affect about 25% of the developed world. Australia has one of the highest asthma prevalence in the world, costing Australians about a billion dollars a year. One of the central players in allergies is the mast cell enzyme, ?-tryptase. We have discovered a new mechanism of control of this enzyme. This research will aid the development of specific and potent inhibitors of ?-tryptase for the treatment of allergic disorders.
Kallikrein Proteases Have Key Functional Roles In Peritoneal Invasion And Chemoresistance In Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$815,541.00
Summary
Only 30% of ovarian cancer patients with advanced disease survive for 5 years. This is because the cancer quickly spreads into the abdominal cavity and often becomes resistant to chemotherapy. We aim to use a new 3D culture system, mouse models and novel inhibitors to study the roles of 4 kallikrein enzymes in these events. The outcomes from this study will lead to a better understanding of the role of kallikreins in ovarian cancer and may lead to new treatment approaches.