I am a reproductive physiologist investigating the nature and actions of hormones, particularly steroids and transforming growth factor-? superfamily members, regulating follicle growth and oocyte quality in the ovary, implantation and breakthrough bleedi
Prof A Suhrbier is the Group Leader of the Inflammation Biology Group at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. The group focuses at the applied end of inflammation research and development and will be involved in the identification and development of new interventions and diagnostics for inflammatory diseases and cancer, often in collaboration with the biotech industry.
Linking Estrogens, Prostatitis And Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,309.00
Summary
Prostatitis is very common and a significant health issue that affects men from their 20's. Estrogens promote inflammation and inflammation is associated with the development of cancer. If this study links estrogens, prostatitis and prostate cancer, we can provide better treatment for prostatitis, thus preventing progression to prostate cancer
Examining The Metabolic And Cognitive Deficits Caused By Insulin Resistance In The Ventral Striatum
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,372.00
Summary
Brain insulin resistance is thought to cause metabolic and cognitive deficits, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain elusive. This project addresses this gap in our knowledge by examining how brain insulin resistance disrupts the metabolic regulation of food intake and the cognitive control of actions. The outcomes will provide new insights in disorders characterised by brain insulin resistance such as obesity and dementia.
Steroid hormones, such as oestrogen and cortisol, act in the body by binding a family of proteins (nuclear receptors) that bind directly to the DNA to regulate genes. The mechanisms underlying this process are complex and involve recruitment of additional molecules or coactivators to improve efficiency. Recently a novel coactivator was identified termed SRA, which remarkably is never made into protein in cells, rather exerting its effects as a RNA. We have identified a novel family of proteins t ....Steroid hormones, such as oestrogen and cortisol, act in the body by binding a family of proteins (nuclear receptors) that bind directly to the DNA to regulate genes. The mechanisms underlying this process are complex and involve recruitment of additional molecules or coactivators to improve efficiency. Recently a novel coactivator was identified termed SRA, which remarkably is never made into protein in cells, rather exerting its effects as a RNA. We have identified a novel family of proteins that bind to SRA in cancer cells, and may well play a critical role in regulating how SRA modulates genes. This project seeks to understand how this family interacts with SRA, the functional effects on breast cancer cells, and the detailed 3-dimensional structure of the family members coupled with SRA. This work will provide novel insight into how SRA regulates steroid hormone action, and may create new potential avenues for developing therapeutics in breast cancer.Read moreRead less
Discovering How A Novel Anti-malarial Drug Series Rapidly Kills Parasites
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$672,971.00
Summary
We have developed a new set of highly potent anti-malarial drugs but we do not know how they work. Identifying how these compounds work is important for improving their effectiveness and safety. We will discover how these drugs kill parasites by using a number of cutting edge methods that could also be useful for discovering how other drugs work. Data generated will progress these compounds along the drug development pipeline which urgently needs a constant supply of new antimalarials.
Combating Giardiasis By Investigating New Potent Compound Series As Leads For Improved Treatment Options
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$776,028.00
Summary
Giardia parasites infect ~1 billion people globally and are responsible for significant morbidity and disadvantage. There is no licensed vaccine and current treatment options are inadequate, resulting in poor compliance, treatment failures, rapid re-infection and drug resistance. New therapies are needed to combat this parasite and improve the health of millions world-wide. We will address this issue by investigating new drug candidates for the treatment of Giardia infections.