Macrophages are a key component of the immune system; thier functions include killing of pathogens as well as cancerous cells. Macrophage lineage cells are derived from stem cells within the bone marrow and thier differentiation, proliferation and survival is mediated by a particular growth factor termed colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). The understanding of how macrophage lineage cells develop will help us to treat many diseases including certain cancers (such as leukemia), arthritis and inf ....Macrophages are a key component of the immune system; thier functions include killing of pathogens as well as cancerous cells. Macrophage lineage cells are derived from stem cells within the bone marrow and thier differentiation, proliferation and survival is mediated by a particular growth factor termed colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). The understanding of how macrophage lineage cells develop will help us to treat many diseases including certain cancers (such as leukemia), arthritis and inflammation, and disorders of the immune system. The action of CSF-1 is mediated by the CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) which, when activated, controls gene regulation. In this proposal we will study CSF-1R activation and identify the genes regulated by CSF-1 with a view to characterize genes critical for macrophage development. These genes may provide potential targets for new pharmacological agents.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of The Adiponectin Receptors - AdipoR1 And AdipoR2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,158.00
Summary
The increasing incidence of cardiometabolic disease highlights an unmet need for novel therapeutic approaches. Greater understanding of the detail governing cardiometabolic function is required to provide a foundation to construct effective strategies. We will characterise 2 novel receptors that are important in the regulation and maintenance of cardiometabolic systems, seeking to identify strategies to enhance receptor, improve cardiometabolic function and reduce disease burden.
Molecular Pharmacology Of Chemokine Receptor Signalling In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,770.00
Summary
Molecular pharmacology is the study of how hormones, neurotransmitters and pharmaceuticals interact with our cells through receptors, which transfer a signal across the cell membrane to change the function of that cell. Chemokine receptors are recognised to play a role in the development of many cancers. Understanding how these receptors work has enormous implications for improving our ability to develop better anti-cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
Allosteric Targeting Of The Dopamine D2 Receptor: A Novel Approach For The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease And Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,644.00
Summary
The dopamine D2 receptor is a brain protein that is the target for drugs that are used in the treatment of schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease (PD). In both cases the current drugs have significant side effects because they simply act to switch the receptor off or on respectively. We will focus on a new class of drugs that, because they act to tune up or tune down the activity of the D2 receptor, may be a safer more effective approach to treat these disorders.
The Novel CXCR4/CCR7 Heterodimeric Chemokine Receptor Is A Key Determinant Of Breast Cancer Metastasis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,252.00
Summary
Novel cellular receptor has been identified that works as a switch to turn on cellular functions that are responsible for the metastatic dissemination of cancer cell to distant organs. The make-up and regulatory mechanisms of this novel receptor will be studied together with its potential utility as the marker of metastatic breast cancer.