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Dementias affect a large number of Australians each year with the number of patients expected to triple by 2050. As such, there is need to develop a better model of this debilitating disorder to provide improved treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells, are relatively easy to obtain and grow, and are able to produce the key cell types in the brain. We can use these cells to identify the processes that control the production of brain cells, which will likely provide better treatment of this disease.
Cell Trafficking In A Stem Cell Model For Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,082.00
Summary
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a genetic disease passed down in affected families. It is a slowly progressing lower limb paralysis that gradually restricts daily activities until the sufferer is confined to bed. There are no cures. This project investigates patientsÍ stem cells to study how HSP genes cause disease. We will use these stem cells to discover new potential drug therapies.
A Simple Method To Improve Stem Cell Transplant Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,652.00
Summary
Despite the success of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and years of promise, almost all other stem cell therapies are considered experimental and remain in preclinical or early-phase clinical testing. This study aims to improve the efficiency of stem cell transplantation by manipulating cellular metabolism prior to transplantation, if effective these results may offer hope to patients suffering from a broad range of disorders.
How Does The Endometrium Regenerate? Role Of Epithelial Stem/progenitor Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,397.00
Summary
Endometriosis and endometrial cancer are disorders of endometrial growth and regeneration. We recently discovered adult stem cells in the endometrium (uterine lining), which are responsible for its regeneration each month during the menstrual cycle. We aim to examine the role of a molecular pathway in endometrial epithelial stem cell function during endometrial regeneration to identify novel targets for devising more effective non-hormonal therapies for endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
Mediator Kinase As A Therapeutic Target For Wnt/β-catenin Dependent Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$949,907.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in Australia and globally. The Wnt/?-catenin signalling pathway is a well established driver of colon cancer growth in >90% of cases. Using sophisticated genetic screens, we identified CDK8/19 as a colon cancer oncogene and critical regulator of Wnt/?-catenin activity. In this proposal, we will use innovative cancer models in mice and human cancer tissues to investigate newly developed CDK8/19 inhibitors for colon cancer therapy ....Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in Australia and globally. The Wnt/?-catenin signalling pathway is a well established driver of colon cancer growth in >90% of cases. Using sophisticated genetic screens, we identified CDK8/19 as a colon cancer oncogene and critical regulator of Wnt/?-catenin activity. In this proposal, we will use innovative cancer models in mice and human cancer tissues to investigate newly developed CDK8/19 inhibitors for colon cancer therapy.Read moreRead less
Repair Of Epigenetic Abnormalities In Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells By Targeted Epigenome Engineering
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$810,366.00
Summary
New advances enable a patient’s cells to be reprogrammed into an adult stem cell, with the capacity to turn into any specialized cell type to replace a patient’s damaged cells. However, we have discovered that adult stem cells are flawed, they have an epigenetic memory of their past specialized form that limits their capacity to transform into other specialized cells. We will use a novel molecular tool to erase this memory, thus repairing adult stem cells for their use in regenerative medicine.
Development And Characterization Of Gallbladder Epithelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$729,227.00
Summary
Death of insulin-producing cells is a common feature of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, affecting over a million Australians. Although transplantation of cadaveric human islets offers cure, lack of donor islets is a major limitations. An alternative is to find other sources of insulin-producing cells. We are the first to demonstrate that insulin-producing cells are naturally found in human gallbladder. This research proposal will involve detailed characterization of human gallbladder-derived insulin ....Death of insulin-producing cells is a common feature of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, affecting over a million Australians. Although transplantation of cadaveric human islets offers cure, lack of donor islets is a major limitations. An alternative is to find other sources of insulin-producing cells. We are the first to demonstrate that insulin-producing cells are naturally found in human gallbladder. This research proposal will involve detailed characterization of human gallbladder-derived insulin-producing cells.Read moreRead less
Identifying, Validating And Exploiting A Novel Dclk1-positive Bipotential Lung Stem Cell
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,648.00
Summary
The discovery of stem cells has changed our understanding and approach to treating chronic diseases. Unlike other organs, the stem cells that maintain and repair the lung remain poorly characterised. I have recently identified a gene that labels a population of cells which contribute to epithelial repopulation of the lung. This project aims to characterise how this population behaves during lung homeostasis and following lung injury, with a view to translating these findings to the clinic.