Cell death is a normal process that permits the growth and defense of our vital tissues. One kind of cell death, necroptosis, is characterised by the swelling and bursting of cells, triggering inflammation. Necroptosis is a key feature of illnesses ranging from colitis to arthritis, and contributes to the brain and heart damage that follows strokes and heart attacks. Understanding necroptotic cell death will pave the way for new therapies for those who suffer from these devastating conditions.
Platform Nanotechnologies For Oral Delivery Of Drugs, Therapeutic Protein And Peptide Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
The development of reliable oral delivery systems for problem drugs and biologics is one of the biggest challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry in recent times. In order to tackle these challenges, I have developed programmable nanoparticles capable of efficiently deliver wide range of drugs including large peptides and proteins orally.
Structural And Drug Discovery Studies Of Medically Important Protein Complexes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,577.00
Summary
My research is focused on structural studies of medically important biological systems, where specific protein complex formation contributes to human illnesses. I use X-ray crystallography to visualize the whole complex at atomic resolution as well as to determine whether binding partners have undergone changes in shape upon complex formation. This structural information then helps me in drug design with goals to either disrupt or modulate the complex.
Protein Homeostasis, Protein Aggregation And Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
There is a desperate need for biomarkers and therapeutics for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Mutations in a growing list of genes are implicated as a cause of MND, although the way these cause MND remains a mystery. I aim to build a uniquely positioned research team that approaches this problem from a protein centric view and incorporating strategic collaborative efforts to the understanding of the pathogenesis of MND; the longterm goal of which is translation to biomarkers and therapeutics.