Suppressor Of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS4) Is A Critical Regulator Of The Anti-viral Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,912.00
Summary
The SOCS proteins are negative regulators of cytokine signalling and immune cell development and function. SOCS4 is the last remaining SOCS protein for which there is no described function or intracellular target. We intend to use well-defined acute and chronic viral disease models, and investigate the role of SOCS4 in infection in order to unravel its function. We will also search for its binding partners and intracellular targets, and determine the signalling pathways regulated by SOCS4.
Molecular Characterisation Of A New Survival Pathway In Haematopoietic Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,631.00
Summary
It is critical for normal health that cells regulate their responses to changes in the the extracellular environment. Receptors on the cell surface are triggered by specific proteins called cytokines, and relay information to the cell interior. These messages include signaling whether cells should survive and proliferate. Inappropriate activation of signals for survival and proliferation is a hallmark of cancer. We are investigating a new survival signal and how this contributes to the survival ....It is critical for normal health that cells regulate their responses to changes in the the extracellular environment. Receptors on the cell surface are triggered by specific proteins called cytokines, and relay information to the cell interior. These messages include signaling whether cells should survive and proliferate. Inappropriate activation of signals for survival and proliferation is a hallmark of cancer. We are investigating a new survival signal and how this contributes to the survival of normal cells and to diseases such as leukaemia.Read moreRead less
Phospholipase Cbeta 1b, A Target To Limit Atrial Dilatation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,847.00
Summary
We have identified a heart specific protein that is involved in perpetuating dilatation of the upper chambers of the heart and thereby contributing to cardiac disease. Inhibitors of this protein provide a suitable target for therapy to limit heart disease. The current studies aim to test such inhibitors in vivo as proof-of-concept that such treatment effectively limits cardiac dysfunction.
Pre-clinical Assessment Of The Therapeutic Potential Of Targeting The Hippo Pathway In Muscle Wasting & Muscle-derived Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,979.00
Summary
Recent findings have identified the Hippo signalling pathway as an important regulator of processes in muscle fibres and muscle progenitor cells. This project will look at the significance of the Hippo pathway in the development of muscle wasting caused by statin administration, and in the genesis of muscle derived tumors (rhabdomyosarcoma). The studies will determine if interventions that regulate the Hippo pathway could provide new therapies for these important muscle-related diseases.
The Role Of Store-operated Calcium Entry In Neuronal Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,140.00
Summary
Defects in brain development can manifest in a range of disorders including autism and mental retardation. The highly complex, precise network that is our nervous system forms during development. Our work will determine the role of key proteins in guiding developing neurons. Understanding the function of such proteins will improve our ability to predict the outcome caused by mutations in these proteins, in the developing foetus.
Fzd receptors are often upregulated in gastric cancer, and recent studies have shown that targeting these receptors has be effective at reducing cancer cell growth in other cancers including prostate and breast. This project will use cutting edge technology to firstly determine the specific requirement for Fzd receptors during gastric cancer and then determine the therapeutic benefit of using an antibody to target these receptors in mouse models and human gastric cancer cells.
Studying The Novel Role For G Protein-coupled Receptor Signalling In Leukaemia Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,144.00
Summary
Recent research has shown the clinical importance of abnormal stem cells (LSC) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). LSC are resistant to therapeutics suggesting that they could be a cause of relapse. Identifying signalling pathways that drive LSC development is essential to selectively eradicate LSC that could offer substantial therapeutic benefit. This proposal aims to identify and evaluate critical signalling pathways as a potential therapeutic target for developing effective novel LSC-targeted t ....Recent research has shown the clinical importance of abnormal stem cells (LSC) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). LSC are resistant to therapeutics suggesting that they could be a cause of relapse. Identifying signalling pathways that drive LSC development is essential to selectively eradicate LSC that could offer substantial therapeutic benefit. This proposal aims to identify and evaluate critical signalling pathways as a potential therapeutic target for developing effective novel LSC-targeted therapy in AML.Read moreRead less
Investigating The Roles Of The Wnt And Notch Signalling Systems In Colon Cancer Crypt Biology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,439.00
Summary
Colon cancer occurs because of mutations to a tumour suppressor gene. These mutations alter the growth and positional signals for the cancer cells. This project aims to produce a computer model of the regulatory processes in normal colonic cells, to discover why the mutations lead to cancer and to discover rational drug targets for interfering with the growth of colon cancer cells.
Unlocking The Secrets Of Royal Jelly: From Recent Breakthroughs To Novel Drugs Targeting Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,763.00
Summary
Nature is a source of incommensurable chemical diversity that throughout history have provided many useful bioactive compounds including anti-cancer drugs. Our recent results suggest that honeybees use royal jelly to regulate the expression of genes implicated in certain types of human cancer.The aim of this study is to identify inhibitors of cancer related genes in royal jelly and to understand the mechanism of their action. Our results could lead to novel combination therapies.
Only recently has it emerged that our cells have a built-in backup mechanism that instructs cells to die in extreme cases, such as when viruses have hijacked a cell. A misfiring backup mechanism is thought to underlie a number of human diseases, including inflammatory disease. Our investigation will establish a starting point for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs.