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.
Generating Haematopoietic Stem Cells From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$872,215.00
Summary
Blood stem cell transplantation is a vital therapy for patients with leukaemia following chemotherapy or for patients with bone marrow failure. Because many patients lack a donor, there is a need for an alternate source of stem cells. Using a new approach that we have developed, our laboratories will make blood stem cells from human pluripotent stem cells that will treat patients needing a transplant.
Defining The Role Of Reserve Stem Cells In Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,739.00
Summary
Over 800,000 deaths from stomach cancer occur annually. This often fatal disease is caused by chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. This proposal will investigate how stomach inflammation ‘reprograms’ a new type of 'cancer stem cell' to form tumours and evaluate ways to therapeutically target these cells to prevent disease. Collectively, these studies will inform new approaches for stomach cancer prevention and treatment.
Making Human T- And B-lymphocytes For Immunotherapy And Antibody Production
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$795,880.00
Summary
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are involved in producing antibodies, killing defective cells, or killing cells infected with viruses. In recent years, researchers have found ways to harness lymphocytes to develop medicines for treating a variety of different cancers. In this project, we will establish methods to make human lymphocytes in the laboratory from stem cells, paving the way for the broader application of this cell type to new therapies.
Interplay Between Metabolic Reprogramming And Oncogenic Signalling In The Cellular Response To Chemotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,035.00
Summary
Chemotherapy resistance is a major barrier to the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We seek to uncover an intimate link between cell metabolism and oncogenic signalling pathways in regulating the cellular response to chemotherapy. Our studies will identify a critical mechanism limiting the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy and investigate combination therapy strategies that could improve the treatment of TNBC.
Stem Cell Based Strategies For Re-establishing T Cell Immunity In Aging And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$845,777.00
Summary
The thymus is the organ responsible for producing T cells, a key cell type in the body’s immune system. Certain cancer treatments damage the thymus, compromising the immune system and leaving patients susceptible to opportunistic infections. This proposal will develop clinically applicable strategies for generating functional human thymic mini-organs that could eventually help restore the immune system of people receiving treatment for cancer.
Selective Isolation And In Vivo Properties Of Dopamine Neurons Generated From Embryonic Stem Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,389.00
Summary
This research aims to develop a procedure that allows for the safe and effective use of stem cells as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease. It is based on the concept that new dopamine neurons, generated from stem cells, can be implanted into the brain of the patients in order to replace those lost to the disease, thereby improving motor function.
Modelling TRPV4 Skeletal Disorders Using Human IPSCs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,171,187.00
Summary
Inherited skeletal disorders are a significant disease burden. Many gene mutations have been defined but we only have limited understanding about how they cause the disease. We will use patient skin cells and new in vitro re-programing technology to induce them to form cartilage cells to produce “disease in a dish” models of human skeletal disorders. These models will allow us to answer questions about how specific mutations cause disease and identify potential therapies
Exploiting And Defining The Immune Regulatory Activities Of BET Bromodomain Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$923,222.00
Summary
Immune-based agents such as “checkpoint inhibitors” have the ability to re-awaken our own immune systems and activate previously dormant anti-tumor responses. We have discovered that small molecule inhibitors of gene regulatory proteins called bromodomain proteins act synergistically with checkpoint inhibitors in mouse cancer models. We will define the molecular and biological events underpinning this novel combination approach and assess the effects of the combination across different tumors.
Regulation Of Neural Progenitor Cell Self-renewal By The RNA-binding Protein ZFP36L1 During Development And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,401.00
Summary
The timely differentiation of neural stem cells is critical during development, and the unrestrained proliferation of neural stem cells in the adult can lead to deadly brain cancers such as glioma. At present our understanding of the key molecules that regulate neural stem cell behaviour during these processes remains limited. In this proposal we will investigate the molecular determinants underpinning neural stem cell biology, both within the developing brain, and within glioma.