Understanding The Role Of RAS Mutations In Thyroid Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,854.00
Summary
My fellowship will examine the association of RAS mutations in thyroid cancer. RAS proteins are the most mutated in cancer and I will investigate how they work in thyroid cancer. RAS mutated thyroid cancer is more likely to cause death. This grant will be based in the pioneering lab of Prof Fagin at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. It is hoped by understanding these mutations, new treatments for thyroid cancer can be developed.
Characterization Of Ras-Stimulated Macropinocytosis In Pancreatic Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,964.00
Summary
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal human cancers, namely due to frequent late stage diagnosis. Thus, there is urgent need to better understand the biology of this disease. Cancer cells are characteristically more reliant on nutrients in order to sustain their growth, making them more vulnerable to inhibition of nutrient supplies. The key aim of this project is to better understand the ways in which PC cells take up nutrients so that these processes may potentially be blocked.
Novel Molecular Pathways Of The Placental Renin Angiotensin System In Preeclampsia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,524.00
Summary
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common and potentially life-threatening pregnancy disorder of pregnancy which originates in the early placenta. We will look into new interactions between molecules that determine how early cells establish a functioning placenta. Detection and early treatment of abnormal placental function can prevent PE before serious complications develop.
Mechanisms Responsible For Neurogenic Hypertension: A Novel Interaction Between GABAergic Modulation Of Amygdalo-hypothalamic Pathways And MicroRNA Regulation Of Renin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,220.00
Summary
A genetic model of hypertension will be used to understand the interrelated role of the brain, nervous system and kidney. The proposed studies will test the hypothesis that disruption of inhibitory neurochemicals in specific regions of the brain, leads to greater nervous system activation of the kidney, which in turn decreases an inhibitory molecule, ultimately resulting in greater activation of a hormonal system responsible for raising blood pressure.
Preeclampsia (PE) is the most common serious medical disorder of human pregnancy and leads to life-threatening problems for both mother and baby. Currently, the only cure for PE is delivery of the baby, even if the baby is not ready for birth. My research focuses on understanding how PE develops. Understanding how PE develops will help us to treat this disease and thereby improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
The Recently Discovered (pro)renin Receptor: Examination Of Its Role In Diabetes And Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,628.00
Summary
It is thought that a protein known as the (pro)renin receptor may cause cardiovascular disease, however little is known about its role in normal cell function. My project will investigate the normal function of this protein and determine what role it has in cardiovascular disease. This information will be essential for the development of new drugs. I will be conducting this research in a prestigious overseas laboratory, where I will learn new skills that I can bring with me back to Australia.
Mechanisms Of Weight And Adipose Loss Following Inhibition Of The Renin-angiotensin System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,722.00
Summary
As an energy homeostasis researcher, with a particular interest in ingestive behaviour, I plan to examine the role the renin-angiotensin system in energy balance and obesity. I will achieve this by spending two years learning new techniques and conducting research in one of the top energy balance labs in the world, headed by Professor Stephen Woods (University of Cincinnati). I will then return to Australia to implement the techniques I have learned and extend this research.