CDK4 Activity In S/G2 Phases Influences Mitotic Fidelity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,696.00
Summary
The ultraviolet radiation component of the sunlight is a major environmental factor in the development of skin cancers, including melanomas. Over the past 10 years a genetic factors have also been identified that predispose towards developing melanoma, although the connection between ultraviolet radiation and the genetic factors has remained elusive. In this study we will investigate a cellular mechanism that potentially explains the link between sunlight exposure and one of the genetic risk fac ....The ultraviolet radiation component of the sunlight is a major environmental factor in the development of skin cancers, including melanomas. Over the past 10 years a genetic factors have also been identified that predispose towards developing melanoma, although the connection between ultraviolet radiation and the genetic factors has remained elusive. In this study we will investigate a cellular mechanism that potentially explains the link between sunlight exposure and one of the genetic risk factors. We will also examine whether targeting the pathway this genetic factor normally operates in can deliver increased therapeutic benefit to an existing chemotherapeutic treatment.Read moreRead less
Modulating Inflammation As A Therapy For Harlequin Ichthyosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,739.00
Summary
Harlequin Ichthyosis is a severe inherited skin disease caused by mutations in a protein which regulates how skin cells control their levels of lipids. Treatments for this disease are limited and do little to improve patients condition. We believe we have found a new way to treat this condition by altering tissue inflammation. This grant will undertake important experiments aimed at developing new therapies for this currently incurable disease.
Characterisation of p14ARF intracellular trafficking pathways. Over 3500 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in NSW each year, and one of the most important proteins involved in suppressing melanoma initiation or growth is p14ARF. This project will characterise the movement and functions of this protein with the aim of identifying novel targets for more effective drug therapies.
Inflammatory skin disorders, such as psoriasis and dermatitis, are responsible for a large burden of human disease and affect people across alldemographics. Knockout (KO) of TNF signalling members in mice is known to induce skin inflammation. This project proposes to use these genetic mouse models to investigate how and why disruption of particular TNF superfamily members leads to disease and potentially identify new targets for treatment.
Investigation of the biology of insulin-like growth factor 1 and its derivatives for the development of new therapeutics. This project will investigate the biology of insulin-like growth factor 1, a key molecule in growth, development and, in particular, the wound healing process. Its success will lead to improved treatments for non-healing (chronic) wounds and, potentially, new anti-cancer treatments.
Understanding the potency and role of individual stem cells in the skin using Rainbow technology. To renew itself, the skin and its components rely on the activity of stem cells. This project will define more precisely the role of each individual stem cell by labelling them with a unique colour and following its fate. This project has the potential to change our current view on how the skin maintains and repairs itself.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100172
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,000.00
Summary
Comprehensive cell imaging facility. This facility will provide Australian biological science researchers with equipment for in-depth analyses of cell function in vitro and in vivo. It will enable innovative research targeted at important questions in fields including cancer, immunology, stem cell biology, infectious disease and tissue regeneration.
Dual Targeting Of Myc And Apoptosis Pathways For Improved Blood Cancer Treatment Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,685.00
Summary
Cancer cells frequently possess defects in genes called MYC and BCL-2 that control their growth and survival. Our preliminary studies have shown that combining novel reagents that specifically target MYC plus BCL-2 leads to enhanced lymphoma cell killing. In the proposed research, we will further develop these reagents and evaluate their ability to treat blood cancer in mice. We expect our approach will provide new avenues for treating cancer patients that respond poorly to current treatments.
Mechanisms Of Mcl-1- And Bcl-2-mediated Resistance To Apoptosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,796.00
Summary
Anti-cancer therapies that target either the mitochondrial or death receptor pathways of apoptotic cell death are being developed and in clinical trials. In certain cancer cells, the tBid protein links the two pathways, making the death receptor pathway dependent on the mitochondrial pathway. Our studies will test how tBid links the two pathways and how the link might be bypassed, potentially indicating means of improving the effectiveness of treating cancer by targeting death receptors (e.g. TR ....Anti-cancer therapies that target either the mitochondrial or death receptor pathways of apoptotic cell death are being developed and in clinical trials. In certain cancer cells, the tBid protein links the two pathways, making the death receptor pathway dependent on the mitochondrial pathway. Our studies will test how tBid links the two pathways and how the link might be bypassed, potentially indicating means of improving the effectiveness of treating cancer by targeting death receptors (e.g. TRAIL).Read moreRead less
Manipulating Oncogenic-signalling Pathways In The Genesis And Treatment Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,484.00
Summary
Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new therapi ....Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new therapies.Read moreRead less