Functional Aspects Of CD52 Signalling In Immune Regulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Autoimmune disease, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1-Diabetes, Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis, is caused by disruptions in the normal control of the immune system. A type of cell called a regulatory T-cell can prevent these damaging immune reactions. However, we do not know how T-cells do this. CD52 is a protein found on the surface of T-cells. Our preliminary work shows that CD52 also suppresses these damaging immune responses. This project researches how CD52 influences the immune system.
The Regulation Of Monocyte Derived Dendritic Cells (moDCs) During Allograft Rejection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,218.00
Summary
Islet transplantation can cure type 1 diabetes, but the required drugs for immunosuppressing graft rejection have side effects. Therefore understanding how immune rejection occurs so that we can suppress in a more discreet selective way is our goal. A type of cell that is prominent during graft rejection is the monocyte derived dendritic cell. We propose that this cell is critical for orchestrating immune responses during rejection. Therefore we wish to determine how such cells are controlled.
Defining The Role Of Kidney CD103+ Dendritic Cells In Kidney Disease For Potential Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major cause morbidity. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the development and progression of CKD. This research is based on our recent novel finding in which CD103+ DCs have been defined, for the first time, as a major subset of kidney DCs, and shown to be pathogenic in many kidney diseases. This research will further investigate the role of CD103+ DCs in various types of CKD and aim to develop therapeutic strategies to target CD103+ DCs to treat CKD.
Targeting Transcriptional Addiction For Cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
.Tumours driven by the oncogene “Myc” are difficult to treat and an effective means to directly target Myc using small molecules has proven elusive. We have discovered that Myc-dependent tumours are dependent on their ability to globally amplify gene expression through a mechanism that involves the CDK9 enzyme and possibly other related enzymes. I will test the effectiveness of targeting CDK9 in a range of tumours with a Myc dependency, both alone and in combination with other small molecules.
Adaptive Immunity To Non-typeable H. Influenzae In Children With Bronchiectasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,143.00
Summary
Bronchiectasis is a chronic disease of the lungs which affects at least 1 in 68 NT Indigenous children. It causes recurring lung infections, hospitalisations and deteriorating lung function. This study will provide important data on the immune response of Indigenous children to NTHi, the most important pathogen associated with chronic respiratory infections and why this immune response is not protective. This is the first step in targeting therapies to the prevention of bronchiectasis.
Hypothalamic Regulation Of Appetite And Energy Homeostasis In Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$39,987.00
Summary
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disease affecting 1/~15 000 people. It causes insatiable appetite and often morbid obesity, as well as other developmental problems. It is thought that there is a defect in the way that the brain regulates eating behaviour in PWS, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. This study proposes to explore metabolic and genetic factors contributing to the appetite disorder in PWS. It will also explore new ways of treating excessive appetite.
The Consequence Of Plasmodium Falciparum Culturing Conditions On Tolerance To Anti-malarial Drugs.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,502.00
Summary
Culturing the parasite that causes malaria in the laboratory is essential for research. Variations in how the parasites are cultured will be investigated for their effect on the parasite. We are particularly interested in how different conditions affect the parasites’ response to malaria drugs. By understanding how environmental parameters impact on the parasites and their response to anti-malarial drugs, we will improve our understanding of drug resistance to malaria, thus design better drugs.
Interactions Between Neuropeptide FF Receptor And Hypothalamic Neuropeptides In The Regulation Of Energy Homeostasis And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,733.00
Summary
Despite the alarming obesity epidemic, there currently exists no effective long-term treatment for obesity. Neuropeptide FF and its receptor NPFF2R have an emerging role in regulating food intake and body fat stores. Results from this study will show whether NPFF2R plays an important role in regulating appetite, metabolic rate, body weight and fat stores, thus help to identify whether NPFF2R-targeted therapeutics would confer significant benefit for the long-term treatment of obesity.
Assessment Of Calcium Signaling In Breast Cancer Cells Associated With Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,762.00
Summary
This research will assess the role of specific proteins that control cell function in a process which is important in the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. The work is aimed at identifying new targets for drugs that may be used to prevent or stop the spread of breast cancer cells to other organs such as the brain and liver.
Transcriptional Control Of Peripheral T Cell Differentiation During Pathogen Infection And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
White blood cells, specifically helper and killer T cells, play an important role in fighting infection. They are tightly regulated and if not properly controlled can lead to aggressive autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. My studies will elucidate the mechanisms behind the regulation of T cells at steady-state and during disease. Insights gained from this project will have implications for the design of new approaches to combat infectious and autoimmune diseases.