Intercellular RNA Transport In Mammals: Function And Significance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,213.00
Summary
It was recently discovered that the nucleic acid RNA can turn genes off very potently. This raises the exciting possibility of using RNA as a new treatment for a wide range of diseases including cancer and infection. However, it is not known how RNA enters cells in our body. This project aims to understand how RNA is transported across cell membranes, will explore the significance of this process, and should ultimately assist efforts to develop more effective RNA-based therapeutics.
The Role Of 'Orphan' Transporters In Bone Homeostasis And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,668.00
Summary
Osteoclasts (OCs) are giant multinucleated cells exclusively responsible for physiological bone degradation (resorption). Excessive OC activity leads to localised bone destruction (osteolysis) as observed in patients with osteoarthritis and underlies decreased bone mass and fragility fractures that are a hallmark of osteoporosis. This project examines the role of an orphan solute carrier transporter in OC function and its potential involvement in bone disease.
Epilepsy is often poorly controlled by medication and dietary measures can be taken that reduce occurrence of epileptic seizures. Glucose control is impacted by diet and also mutations in the genes that move glucose around the body are known to cause epilepsy. Here we will be studying how the genetic and dietary control of glucose levels impacts brain function to increase seizures and to potentially reveal novel therapies.
Protecting The Efficacy Of Antimalarial Therapies With Novel Approaches To Suppress The Emergence Of Drug Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
The global campaign to eliminate malaria is under serious threat from the continuing emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to antimalarial drugs. However in acquiring resistance to one drug, the parasite can become more susceptible to other antimalarials. This project aims to 1) test the ability of drug pairs with opposing selection forces to suppress resistance in vitro and 2) define the physiological and molecular basis of these opposing evolutionary forces.
To Biochemically Trick P-Glycoprotein (Pgp) To Target Resistance Via Lysosomal Pgp
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,848.00
Summary
We have discovered an innovative biochemical strategy whereby our novel compounds exploit and trick a part of the detoxification machinery, that is the transporter, P-glycoprotein, to specifically kill drug resistant cancer cells. Herein, we take advantage of this biochemical mechanism to design novel and safe drugs to selectively target resistant tumours.
ABCA12 – A New Regulator Of Cellular Lipid Metabolism And Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$786,676.00
Summary
Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism plays a key role in a number of diseases – from diabetes and atherosclerosis to neurological and skin disorders. Mechanisms of regulation of cholesterol metabolism are poorly understood. We have recently discovered a new pathway regulating cholesterol metabolism and in this study we will investigate molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of this pathway and will identify the possibilities to target it for therapeutic intervention.