I am a structural biologist investigating the structure and function of malaria surface proteins as vaccine candidates, regulators of cytokine signalling and pharmacologically active toxins.
Structural Biology Of Cytokine Receptor Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,988,996.00
Summary
This Program will be focused on a group of protein hormones and their receptors, implicated in blood cell cancers and inflammatory diseases and for which current treatments are inadequate. We will determine the mechanism of receptor activation and in particular will seek to link different forms of receptor assembly to different functions. This information will help us develop new drugs with more specificity for certain hormone functions and thus less side-effects.
Epigenetic Regulation By Lysine Specific Demethylases In Breast Cancer Stem Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,860.00
Summary
The factors behind breast cancer recurrence are not fully understood but it is becoming increasingly evident that the spread of primary cancer can be initiated at a very early stage of cancer development by a small population of unique cancer cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). Targeting of these CSCs has emerged as a priority area in cancer therapy. Our aim is to demonstrate that a novel class of epigenetic enzymes are key molecular targets of CSCs and propose a strategy to eradicate CSCs.
A number of Leukemias, lymphomas and other blood malignancies are caused by mutations in a protein called JAK (Janus Kinase). To combat this human cells produce a protein that inhibits JAK (called SOCS). We aim to study how this process works and to mimic SOCS with a drug in order to treat leukemia.
Immune Regulation During Uncomplicated And Severe P. Falciparum And P. Vivax Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
Malaria is a major global disease that kills over 1 million people every year. Immune responses induced during infection help fight the infection but can also cause tissue damage and thereby worsen disease. This study will determine differences in cellular immune responses during uncomplicated and severe malaria. Better understanding of the role of immune cells in response to infection and disease progression will assist the development of novel treatment interventions and vaccine development.
A Novel Mode Of Cytokine Receptor Assembly And Activation: Functional And Structural Characterization
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,322.00
Summary
This proposal will study a group of protein hormones and their receptors, implicated in blood cell cancers and inflammatory diseases and for which current treatments are inadequate. We will determine the mechanism of receptor activation and in particular will seek to link different forms of receptor assembly to different functions. This information will help us develop new drugs with more specificity for certain hormone functions and thus less side effects
Exploring And Targeting The Anti-Inflammatory Signalling Mechanisms Of Interleukin 37
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,018,306.00
Summary
Cytokines are messenger proteins that function as master regulators of biological processes; thus they play central roles in many diseases. The rare cytokines that block inflammation do so by dampening the immune system’s potentially destructive force, making them attractive targets for drug development. We showed that interleukin 37 is a powerful anti-inflammatory cytokine, and will now evaluate its mechanisms of action and its efficacy against several severe diseases, including cancer.
Development Fo A Novel Treatment For Asthma: The Identification Of Lead Small Molecule Antagonists Of The IL-13/IL-13 Re
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,750.00
Summary
In developed countries Asthma ranks among the most common chronic illnesses. Over two million Australians now have this condition and the cost to our community is estimated to be in excess of $720 million per annum. In 1996 researchers at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute discovered a new member of the cytokine receptor family, IL-13Ra1, which further research has strongly implicated in the pathology of this disease. The main goal of the proposed research is to discover small molecule antagoni ....In developed countries Asthma ranks among the most common chronic illnesses. Over two million Australians now have this condition and the cost to our community is estimated to be in excess of $720 million per annum. In 1996 researchers at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute discovered a new member of the cytokine receptor family, IL-13Ra1, which further research has strongly implicated in the pathology of this disease. The main goal of the proposed research is to discover small molecule antagonists of IL-13Ra1 and to identify those suitable for development as novel asthma therapeutics.Read moreRead less