Disarming Deadly Viruses: High Throughput Protease Screening Using Massive Peptide Libraries
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,625.00
Summary
Viral diseases affect millions of people worldwide with mortality rates as high as 50%. Viral enzymes help liberate proteins essential for viral replication. The rapid identification of the activity and specificity of these viral enzymes is important to combat outbreaks of viral disease and has become possible through biomedical device technology developed by the industry partner. With just 17 new drugs approved by the FDA in 2002, the proposed program has the potential to deliver new drugs quic ....Viral diseases affect millions of people worldwide with mortality rates as high as 50%. Viral enzymes help liberate proteins essential for viral replication. The rapid identification of the activity and specificity of these viral enzymes is important to combat outbreaks of viral disease and has become possible through biomedical device technology developed by the industry partner. With just 17 new drugs approved by the FDA in 2002, the proposed program has the potential to deliver new drugs quickly and efficiently, and this will be of benefit to viral disease sufferers worldwide.Read moreRead less
Contribution Of MDSC-derived Cysteine Cathepsins In Breast Cancer Metastasis To Bone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
Cathepsins are enzymes called proteases that function to cleave specific proteins, a process that is important for many normal cellular functions. Aberrant cathepsin activity can result in a number of pathologies, including cancer and inflammation. We are developing tools called activity-based probes to study the function of cathepsins in disease. Specifically, we will investigate their activity within cells of the immune system with the goal of developing novel therapeutic approaches.
The Importance Of Neutrophil Plasticity In Early Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Lung disease is a lifelong problem for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Blood immune cells called neutrophils swarm the lung and cause ongoing damage. No treatments exist because how CF lungs talk to neutrophils is poorly understood. I will apply new skills from an international neutrophil expert to study samples from AREST CF, a world leading CF research group. This unique combination will recreate the early CF lung in the laboratory, testing triggers of CF lung disease and potential drugs.
Haemolysins And Haemoglobinases As Anti-hookworm Vaccines.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,951.00
Summary
To meet its growth and reproductive requirements, hookworms must be able to utilise host haemoglobin located in the red blood cells. To puncture the red blood cell membrane, and break down the exposed haemoglobin into small peptides or single amino acids; the hookworm uses proteases called haemolysins and haemoglobinases. Identifying these proteases and disrupting their function may lead to reduced worm burdens, size and fecundity. Therefore these proteases could be ideal vaccine candidates.
Proteases are enzymes that degrade other proteins. These molecules are essential for life and drive fundamental processes such as blood clotting and the inflammatory response. Protease dysfunction underlies numerous human diseases, including cancer. This proposal aims to investigate whether structural information can be used to improve our ability to accurately predict the target specificity of proteases.
Role For Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV In The Innate Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
The innate immune system is the bodyÍs first line of defence in fighting off infections by invading organisms. An inappropriate innate immune response can lead to the development of several inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. A malfunctioning innate immune response has been identified in children with IBD. This project will determine the role of a unique enzyme called DPIV in the development of innate immune responses and its potential as a therapeutic target for IBD.