Overcoming Breast Cancer Heterogeneity And Resistance Using A Novel Therapeutic Approach Targeting The Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Breast cancer (BrCa) is the leading cause of cancer death in women and current treatments suffer from development of resistance, leading to metastatic progression. I will assess a novel treatment strategy for BrCa, targeting a gene that is able to inhibit multiple key drivers of BrCa, using a novel potent and selective anti-cancer agent. This approach has the potential to overcome resistance to current therapies and alleviate the onset of metastasis, to improve prognosis for BrCa patients.
Epigenetic Therapies As Molecular Probes To Investigate The Molecular Pathogenesis Of Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$937,402.00
Summary
A major limitation to the success of targeted therapies in cancer is the fact that we have few if any tools to study in detail their mechanism of action within cancerous and normal cells. If we were able to visualise these drugs within cells and precisely characterise the proteins, DNA and RNA within a cell that interact with these therapies we will be able to identify strategies that can optimise their efficacy and reduce the side-effects of these treatments.
Uptake of fertility preservation procedures (eg. egg and embryo freezing) prior to cancer treatment is increasing and women will return to use these to try to conceive. Radiation may damage the uterus and there is insufficient evidence to guide the management of those exposed to intermediate doses. The aim is to improve understanding of radiation effects on the uterus which will assist clinicians with deciding whether it can support a pregnancy, or if surrogacy should be advised.
VCAM-targeted Delivery Of Recombinant CD39 To The Endothelium Is Antithrombotic, Antiinflammatory And Ameliorates Ischaemia Reperfusion Injury.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,327.00
Summary
Blockage of arteries with clots leads to heart attacks and strokes. Reestablishment of blood supply by clot-busting drugs or mechanical interventions paradoxically causes further organ injury. This is due to toxic chemicals generated by inflammatory processes and free oxygen radicals. We have created an unique drug that selectively targets blood vessels that are injured by process. The drug will deliver blood-thinning activity and reduce inflammatory stress selectively at the site of need.
A Pharmacological Targeting Approach Implementing Albumin As A Carrier Of A Novel Chemotherapeutic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,659.00
Summary
New drugs for cancer therapy are essential to develop that overcome resistance to standard chemotherapeutics. We have developed potent anti-cancer chelators that bind to the abundant plasma protein, albumin. Our studies showed increased tumour cell uptake of the chelator, Dp44mT, mediated by albumin. We will elucidate the mechanisms of their albumin-mediated uptake, with the aim to implement albumin nanoparticles as carriers of novel chelators to selectively target tumours.
A Pharmacological Targeting Approach Implementing Albumin As A Carrier Of A Novel Chemotherapeutic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Novel agents that bind essential metals have emerged as a potential avenue for cancer therapy. My laboratory has developed potent anti-cancer agents, such as Dp44mT, that bind to the plasma protein, albumin. Notably, the uptake of Dp44mT into tumour cells was increased in the presence of albumin. My research will examine the mechanisms in the albumin-mediated increase in Dp44mT uptake into tumour cells, with the goal to develop albumin nanoparticles to selectively deliver our agents to tumours.
Molecular Profiling Residual Disease From Early Stage HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemo- And Anti-HER2 Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,108.00
Summary
Chemotherapy given prior to surgery can often inform us if a breast tumour is sensitive or resistant to therapy by the amount of disease remaining at time of surgery. We have further shown that the immune response is also important in these patients. In this study we propose to analyse the tumour samples that remain after chemotherapy in order to understand possible resistance mechanisms as well as how the immunity influences survival of HER2-positive breast cancer patients
Growth Regulatory Transcriptional Networks And Novel Therapies In Vascular Pathobiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,760.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease and cancer together account for the majority of all deaths. Underpinning both these conditions are cellular and molecular changes in our blood vessels. This Fellowship will enable Professor Khachigian to enhance our understanding of fundamental mechanisms regulating the pathogenesis of vascular disease, and by harnessing this new knowledge in preclinical and human trials, generate novel strategies to combat a range of diseases through strategic partnership, collaboration a ....Cardiovascular disease and cancer together account for the majority of all deaths. Underpinning both these conditions are cellular and molecular changes in our blood vessels. This Fellowship will enable Professor Khachigian to enhance our understanding of fundamental mechanisms regulating the pathogenesis of vascular disease, and by harnessing this new knowledge in preclinical and human trials, generate novel strategies to combat a range of diseases through strategic partnership, collaboration and training.Read moreRead less
Development Of Specific Inhibitors Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis Gingipains Based On Their Cognate Propeptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,655.00
Summary
Gum disease (periodontitis) is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial pathogens that is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also associated with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. In this study we will develop novel peptide-based therapeutics to inhibit the proteases that enable these bacteria to cause disease.