Genomic Analysis Of The Novel Epigenetic Modifier Smchd1 As A Tumour Suppressor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$619,142.00
Summary
Epigenetic modifications are changes made to our DNA that act like punctuation marks in the genome, to instruct the cell when to turn genes on and when to switch them off. Epigenetic control is critical to range of different biological processes, and also goes awry in cancer. We are specifically interested in the role of one new protein involved in epigentic control and characterising its role as a tumour suppressor.
The Role Of Food Components In The Modification Of Colorectal Cancer Risk At The Epigenomic Level.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$28,609.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer represents a substantial burden to the health system. Primary prevention rather than treatment is more cost effective and can reduce morbidity and mortality. This study program will contribute to the emerging research area of nutrigenomics and nutritional epigenomics, by investigating the interaction between nutrition and gene expression. Such research can assist in establishing a diet which can best help to prevent colorectal cancer, at an individual or population level.
Functional Characterization Of The Regulatory Architecture Of Melanoma-associated Loci
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,663.00
Summary
Melanoma accounts for more than 75% of skin cancer related deaths. In Australia, >10,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly. In this proposal, we will apply novel genetic sequencing technologies developed in our laboratory to examine genomic regions that are associated with melanoma development. By focusing on selected areas, we will obtain a much deeper understanding of how these genes are regulated and find new ways of detecting and treating this disease.
I am a molecular biologist determining the mechanisms of eukaryotic mRNA translation and its regulation by RNA-binding proteins and noncoding RNA. In collaborative work I extend these basic science objectives into the medical research areas of cardiology
C-JUN TARGETING STRATEGIES AS NOVEL CARDIOPROTECTIVE AGENTS IN ISCHAEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,148.00
Summary
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its sequelae are an increasing problem in terms of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in Australia and the industrialised world; in the USA this is estimated annually at 900,000 and 225,000 patients and US$60 billion, respectively. Current treatment for AMI includes mechanical (percutaneous coronary intervention) or thrombolytic therapy; however, these approaches are directed primarily at epicardial arteries rather than the myocardium and are, therefo ....Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its sequelae are an increasing problem in terms of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in Australia and the industrialised world; in the USA this is estimated annually at 900,000 and 225,000 patients and US$60 billion, respectively. Current treatment for AMI includes mechanical (percutaneous coronary intervention) or thrombolytic therapy; however, these approaches are directed primarily at epicardial arteries rather than the myocardium and are, therefore, suboptimal. Strategies aimed at directly protecting cardiomyocytes from ischaemia-reperfusion injury, reducing leukocyte recruitment and myocardial cell death, would complement current approaches restoring epicardial artery flow and are keenly sought. This project will demonstrate the capacity of two separate gene-silencing strategies (DNAzymes and siRNA to suppress the expression of the immediate-early gene, c-Jun in cardiomyocytes and reduce infarct size, left ventricular dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammation, production of reactive oxygen species, angiogenesis and fibrosis in the injured rat myocardium. It will also shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying c-Jun-mediated myocardial inflammation. As such, these studies will provide important proof of principle evidence for these small molecule nucleic acid agents as potential therapeutic tools as cardioprotective agents in ischaemia-reperfusion injury.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Transcriptional Co-activators And Co-repressors During Embryonic Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,421.00
Summary
Every creature starts out as a single fertilized egg. The genome directs the embryonic development of the egg by regulating the expression of genes each of which must be turned on or off at the correct time and place. This essential balance between the activation or repression of genes is controlled by groups of proteins, including ‘transcriptional co-activators’ and ‘repressors’. This project aims to better understand the role of these proteins during embryonic development.
Screening And Characterisation Of Mammalian Epigenetic Modifiers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,143.00
Summary
All the information to form an adult is contained in the DNA of the fertilized egg. Development is achieved by turning genes on and off, controlled by proteins called epigenetic modifiers. Sometimes this fails, leading to disease. Despite their vital role, we have data on just 20% of the potential epigenetic modifiers in humans. I will use novel screen-based technology to find hundreds more, to enable us and others to characterise the role of epigenetics in normal development and disease.
Genomic Analysis Of The Role Of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) In Haematopoietic Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,150.00
Summary
Epigenetic modifications are changes made to our DNA that act like punctuation marks in the genome, to instruct the cell when to turn genes on and when to switch them off. Epigenetic control is critical to range of different biological processes. We are specifically interested in how different components of the molecular epigenetic machinery interact and contribute to blood stem cell function.