Adoptive Cell Transfer Incorporating Vaccination (ACTIV) Therapy For Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,950.00
Summary
We have made a breakthrough in a new treatment for cancer that can destroy large tumours in mice. The treatment involves a transfusion of white blood cells and an injection of a vaccine. In this project, we will seek to understand how the treatment works, and apply it to human white blood cells in preparation for a clinical trial in cancer patients.
Development Of Cancer Immunotherapy Using Gene-engineered T Cells In A Self-antigen Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumours and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of therapy and other approaches including vaccination remain ineffective in most cancer patients. In this project, we propose to improve the tumour trafficking and anti-tumour activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells.
Improving Outcomes For Women Diagnosed With Mucinous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,238.00
Summary
Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) is different from other ovarian cancers but few studies have characterized the genetic changes specific to this subtype. It is often confused with metastases from other organs and does not respond well to standard ovarian cancer therapies. If MOC is more similar to mucinous cancers from other organs than other ovarian cancers, it may be better treated with chemotherapeutics that show success with other mucinous tumours.
An Integrated Approach For The Efffective Adoptive Immunotherapy Of Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumors and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of immunotherapy remain ineffective in most cancer patients. We propose to improve the tumor trafficking and anti-tumor activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The outcomes of this project will validate this novel approach for treatment of cancer patients.
Development Of Therapeutically Useful Human Artificial Chromosomes For Gene Delivery And Optimal Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,986.00
Summary
Gene therapy is an exciting new form of treatment for genetic disorders aimed at providing long-term correction of the problems at source - namely the affected gene. The biggest technical hurdle facing gene therapy is to be able to deliver the therapeutic genes efficiently and safely into patient cells. Many gene therapy protocols are currently being trialled clinically. These protocols, based mostly on the use of attenuated viruses to deliver the genes, carry potential risks to the patients in ....Gene therapy is an exciting new form of treatment for genetic disorders aimed at providing long-term correction of the problems at source - namely the affected gene. The biggest technical hurdle facing gene therapy is to be able to deliver the therapeutic genes efficiently and safely into patient cells. Many gene therapy protocols are currently being trialled clinically. These protocols, based mostly on the use of attenuated viruses to deliver the genes, carry potential risks to the patients in terms of infection, immune response, and germline modification. We have developed the first stage of a new technology for gene delivery that does not require the use of viruses. This technology is based on the generation of human artificial chromosomes, which are smaller versions of the naturally occurring chromosomes that carry all the genes inside our cells. Safety in these artificial chromosomes comes from the use of entirely human materials for their engineering. These artificial chromosomes also have other advantages over the viral approaches, including allowing large genes to be carried, and providing a permanent cure in a single treatment. We have already successfully constructed, published, and patented a number of first-generation human artificial chromosomes. The current project aims to complete the next proof-of-concept milestone towards the further development of this technology. Specifically, we propose to demonstrate the ability of the artificial chromosomes to carry genes and provide sustainable expression of these genes in cells and in animal models. Success in this study will allow the technology to proceed rapidly into commercialisation and clinical trial as a new improved tool for gene delivery and gene therapy.Read moreRead less
Structure and function of the protein translocation channels in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Biological membranes are the basis of life and understanding how proteins are inserted into membranes is a major goal in the Biological Sciences. The TOM complex is a molecular machine mediating protein insertion into a biological membrane. Recent successes with X-ray diffraction of protein crystals, and solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy have heralded leaps-and-bound advances for our knowled ....Structure and function of the protein translocation channels in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Biological membranes are the basis of life and understanding how proteins are inserted into membranes is a major goal in the Biological Sciences. The TOM complex is a molecular machine mediating protein insertion into a biological membrane. Recent successes with X-ray diffraction of protein crystals, and solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy have heralded leaps-and-bound advances for our knowledge of how membranes work at the molecular level. Using a combination of phylogenetic analysis, yeast genetics and these new techniques from structural biology, we will characterize the structure and function of the core from the TOM complex.Read moreRead less
My research is to learn more of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms governing the development of the reproductive cell lineage, or the cells that make eggs and sperm. My research is required to better understand human reproduction and human embryonic, fetal and neonatal development, and will help in the treatment of diseases affecting these processes.
My research involves the generation of human cell types from of human embryonic stem cells. These normal human cells could potentially be used for transplantation, drug screening and vaccine development.
Olfactory signal transduction in Drosophila melanogaster. This project will strengthen Australia's research capabilities in the areas of molecular neurobiology and neurogenetics. The project will equip students with the intellectual and technical skills needed to work in priority areas such as genomics and biotechnology, as well as in medical and agricultural research, and education. The research has possible long term applications in modifying the behaviour of insects of agricultural or medical ....Olfactory signal transduction in Drosophila melanogaster. This project will strengthen Australia's research capabilities in the areas of molecular neurobiology and neurogenetics. The project will equip students with the intellectual and technical skills needed to work in priority areas such as genomics and biotechnology, as well as in medical and agricultural research, and education. The research has possible long term applications in modifying the behaviour of insects of agricultural or medical importance. For example, by inhibiting the ability of insects to perceive specific odours it may ultimately be possible to prevent insects that carry disease from identifying target animals, or plant pests from locating their host plants.Read moreRead less
Olfactory signalling and coding in Drosophila and other insects. Animals rely on olfactory cues to detect food, danger, and others of the same species. The olfactory systems of Drosophila and other insects are simpler than those of mammals, yet complex enough to offer fascinating systems for studying neural information processing. This project aims to investigate the role of the Drosophila odorant receptors in olfactory coding, and to use multiple approaches to isolate components of the poorly u ....Olfactory signalling and coding in Drosophila and other insects. Animals rely on olfactory cues to detect food, danger, and others of the same species. The olfactory systems of Drosophila and other insects are simpler than those of mammals, yet complex enough to offer fascinating systems for studying neural information processing. This project aims to investigate the role of the Drosophila odorant receptors in olfactory coding, and to use multiple approaches to isolate components of the poorly understood insect olfactory signal transduction pathway. In addition, the role of the NO/cGMP pathway in olfactory signalling will be studied using an olfactory mutant that has nitric oxide synthase defects.Read moreRead less