BMP4 - A Metastasis Suppressor Gene In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,220.00
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in western women. Whilst the primary tumour can often be eradicated successfully, in many cases, it may have already spread to other organs, including lungs, liver and bone, causing severe morbidity. Current treatments are largely palliative and new therapies that specifically prevent to spread of breast cancer are urgently required. However, little is known about the molecular pathways regulating the spread of cancer cells. We have shown th ....Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in western women. Whilst the primary tumour can often be eradicated successfully, in many cases, it may have already spread to other organs, including lungs, liver and bone, causing severe morbidity. Current treatments are largely palliative and new therapies that specifically prevent to spread of breast cancer are urgently required. However, little is known about the molecular pathways regulating the spread of cancer cells. We have shown that expression of a gene called BMP4 in tumours blocks the spread of breast cancer in a mouse model. The aim of this project is to develop the application of BMP4 as a therapy for advanced breast cancer using our mouse model. We will measure the expression of BMP4 in human breast cancer and test whether treatment with purified BMP4 protein can protect mice from the spread of breast cancer. If successful, this study will offer a new therapy for women with currently incurable breast cancer.Read moreRead less
Structural And Functional Analysis Of Oncostatin M Receptor Signalling Complexes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,284.00
Summary
Understanding how a chemical messenger selectively controls bone formation may lead to development of new therapies for osteoporosis and potentially other important diseases.
The Role Of The Secreted SVS7 Protein In Bone Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,122.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures caused by imbalance between cells that are constantly reabsorbing and reforming bone. The cost to society with our aging population and individuals who become disabled by hip fractures could triple by the year 2040.The proposed project studies a novel factor that controls bone mass. Its potential is for therapeutic treatment.
Molecular Studies Of Dentine Phosphophoryn And Development Of A Biomimetic Dental Restorative Material.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,750.00
Summary
This project involves the study of a protein that is found in teeth and is responsible for the development of dentine. The project involves characterisation of this protein and its interaction with calcium phosphate mineral using a variety of techniques. The information obtained will allow the synthesis of a peptide that will mimick the function of phosphophoryn. This peptide will be used together with stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate in a novel dental restorative material that will help p ....This project involves the study of a protein that is found in teeth and is responsible for the development of dentine. The project involves characterisation of this protein and its interaction with calcium phosphate mineral using a variety of techniques. The information obtained will allow the synthesis of a peptide that will mimick the function of phosphophoryn. This peptide will be used together with stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate in a novel dental restorative material that will help protect the surrounding tooth tissue.The outcome will be an improved understanding of the design principles used by nature to engineer teeth. The significance is the potential development of biocompatible, superior dental restorative materials.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of Proteins Involved In Biomineralisation Processes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$234,175.00
Summary
This project involves the study of two proteins that associate with calcium and phosphate. Phosphophoryn is found in teeth and is responsible for the development of dentine in teeth. Osteopontin is a multi-functional protein found in a variety of tissues as well as in bone and in milk. Its functions in bone and milk are unknown although it is believed to be involved in bone remodelling. This project involves characterisation of these two proteins and their interactions with calcium phosphate min ....This project involves the study of two proteins that associate with calcium and phosphate. Phosphophoryn is found in teeth and is responsible for the development of dentine in teeth. Osteopontin is a multi-functional protein found in a variety of tissues as well as in bone and in milk. Its functions in bone and milk are unknown although it is believed to be involved in bone remodelling. This project involves characterisation of these two proteins and their interactions with calcium phosphate mineral using a variety of techniques. The outcome will be an improved understanding of the design principles used by nature to engineer teeth and bone. The significance is the potential development of biocompatible apatite-based biomaterials for both tooth and bone.Read moreRead less
Proton translocating ATPases are central to biological energy conversion, one of the most fundamental biological processes on earth whose elucidation has already led to several Nobel prizes. Synthesis of the universal biological energy carrier ATP takes place in the well-characterised soluble domain. The focus of this study is to understand the unknown function of the proton-driven transmembrane motor, which will give fundamental new insights into biological energy conversion and its regulation.
Monitoring Bone Loss And Response To Therapy Through Bone Material And Structural Composition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,111.00
Summary
Millions of scripts are filled for treatment of osteoporosis. However, there is no way of knowing if these drugs are right for these individuals, if it improves bone strength or are actually doing harm. Bone density measurement is of limited value. We have developed a new analysis method that measures changes in bone structure that tell us if the treatment is or is not working so alternative treatment can be used. The aim of this study is to test this new method.
Identification Of Novel PTH Anabolic Targets In Osteoblasts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,216.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a major disease affecting Australians. Whilst there are a number of drugs available that will reduce bone loss, there are few drugs available that build new bone, and little is known of the action of these drugs. New targets have been identified that modulate bone formation, and this project aims to validate these in appropriate models and determine their mechanism of action.