Diseases of the 21st century are complex with environmental and genetic causes. At the interface of these is Epigenetics - factors not specified by DNA sequence that control genes. Recent data show much of the risk associated with disease is set early in life, even during the time in the womb. The MCRI CDDE laboratory has assembled teams of researchers of diverse expertise investigating epigenetics of human development and complex disease to hopefully prevent or reverse them early in life.
The identification, prevention and management of chronic disease risk factors and understanding impact on clinical outcomes is fundamental to improving health and well-being. The program of work encapsulated in this application utilises a number of research methods to advance our understanding and provide new directions for cardiovascular disease prevention and management.
Reducing Disparities In Heart Disease-Related Morbidity And Mortality: Optimising Prevention And Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$826,854.00
Summary
Heart disease contributes to a large but potentially preventable burden of death and disability. This burden is uneven with particularly vulnerable/at risk groups - including those living in regional areas and developing countries, Indigenous Australians and older patients with chronic heart disease. Prof. Simon Stewart will lead national/international collaborations to undertake innovative, multidisciplinary, prevention and disease management programs to reduce the impact and burden of heart di ....Heart disease contributes to a large but potentially preventable burden of death and disability. This burden is uneven with particularly vulnerable/at risk groups - including those living in regional areas and developing countries, Indigenous Australians and older patients with chronic heart disease. Prof. Simon Stewart will lead national/international collaborations to undertake innovative, multidisciplinary, prevention and disease management programs to reduce the impact and burden of heart disease in these vulnerable groups.Read moreRead less
My research focus is the physical and mental health of Australian women at midlife. Over the next 5 years I will address the management of severe menopausal symptoms, midlife depression and the neglected health needs of women during and after cancer treatment, organ transplant and severe persistent mental illness. I will also investigate novel treatment approaches for menopausal symptoms. I will work closely with relevant professional and community groups in planning, implementation and translat ....My research focus is the physical and mental health of Australian women at midlife. Over the next 5 years I will address the management of severe menopausal symptoms, midlife depression and the neglected health needs of women during and after cancer treatment, organ transplant and severe persistent mental illness. I will also investigate novel treatment approaches for menopausal symptoms. I will work closely with relevant professional and community groups in planning, implementation and translation to ensure my research addresses their needs.Read moreRead less
Utilization Of Gene-engineered T Cells For Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,656.00
Summary
Killer T lymphocytes can penetrate tumours and their transfer into cancer patients has demonstrated some encouraging results, but this form of therapy and other approaches including vaccination remain ineffective in most cancer patients. In this project, we propose to improve the tumour trafficking and anti-tumour activities of killer cells by genetically engineering them with proteins that will enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells, whilst minimizing toxicity to normal tissue.
New Strategies For Enhancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy For Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$849,540.00
Summary
The role of the immune system in cancer is now recognised as highly important, highlighted by the success of immunotherapy in patients. Yet many patients fail to respond to this form of treatment due to low frequency of lymphocytes present at the tumor site. A new form of immunotherapy involving transfer of gene-modified lymphocytes is a potential way to overcome this problem. This project will explore new strategies to enhance the utility of this approach against blood and solid cancers.
New genomic technologies are revolutionizing biological research. RNA-seq is a recently developed high-throughput sequencing technology that provides scientists with much more detail how genes are regulated and expressed than any earlier technology. New tools developed by Professor Gordon Smyth are allowing researchers to use RNA-Seq technology to more accurately determine which genes are genuinely changing in the development of cancers and in response to cancer treatments.