The Role Of Nuclear Architecture In The DNA Damage Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,966.00
Summary
The goal of the proposed research is to understand how dynamic changes to the chromatin genome packaging network, interact with the DNA damage response and gene expression machinery, to repair damaged DNA and the impact this has on cancer biology. To do so we are combining cutting edge molecular biology techniques with innovative novel microscopy methods developed by our research team, that far exceed the spatiotemporal resolution currently used to study chromatin biology.
How Replication Stress Activates The Mitotic Telomere DNA Damage Response To Kill Cancer Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,467.00
Summary
We discovered a novel mechanism linking stress during DNA replication to difficulties with the cell division process, and identified how this turns on DNA damage response signals from the chromosome ends (i.e. “telomeres”). We have further identified that we can exploit this mechanism to kill cancer cells. In this project we will explore this newly discovered mechanism and identify how it can be targeted for therapeutic purposes.
Chemical listening devices: Novel sensors targeting the clandestine manufacture and transport of illicit drugs and explosives. There can be no doubt that protecting Australia's borders from the dual threats of terrorism and illicit drugs is of paramount importance to continuation of our well-being and way of life. Our chemical sensors are simple hand-held or remote chemical listening sensors, which will have the ability to sense the presence of characteristic chemical vapours associated with exp ....Chemical listening devices: Novel sensors targeting the clandestine manufacture and transport of illicit drugs and explosives. There can be no doubt that protecting Australia's borders from the dual threats of terrorism and illicit drugs is of paramount importance to continuation of our well-being and way of life. Our chemical sensors are simple hand-held or remote chemical listening sensors, which will have the ability to sense the presence of characteristic chemical vapours associated with explosives and illicit drugs. The simplicity and low cost of the chemical listening allows for installation at key locations -e.g. transport hubs, shipping containers, airports etc as well as placement within clandestine drug laboratories.Read moreRead less
Deciphering The Role Of Atypical DNA Methylation In Neuronal Genome Regulation And Neurological Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,484.00
Summary
This research will use a combination of genomic, biochemical and functional genomics approaches to investigate the role of the atypical mCH form of DNA methylation in neuronal genome regulation and function, and provide new insights into the role of the epigenome in healthy brain function and neural pathologies.
Epigenetic Changes In The Prostate Cancer Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$848,954.00
Summary
Many men with prostate cancer have slow-growing tumours that are unlikely to spread outside the prostate. These men with low-risk cancer are often monitored to prevent unnecessary aggressive treatments. However, the current methods used to distinguish between slow-growing and aggressive tumours are imprecise and there is a risk of missing aggressive tumours. We aim to identify new biomarkers of prostate cancer by measuring modifications to the DNA in the tumour and surrounding cells
Circulating Tumour DNA To Monitor Treatment Response And Resistance In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,950.00
Summary
Many cancers shed small amounts of DNA (ctDNA) into the patient’s bloodstream and recent advances in genomic technologies now allow levels of ctDNA to be accurately measured in the blood. Changes in ctDNA levels have potential to be used as specific markers of disease progression and/or response to cancer therapy. This project will evaluate if ctDNA can be used to monitor treatment responses and individualise treatment decisions in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
New synthetic strategies towards higher order fullerenes. Fullerene or C60 is a novel soccer-ball shaped molecule with many potential applications as new materials and pharmaceutical drugs. This project aims to develop novel methods for the preparation of new fullerene derivatives that will have potential future applications in materials science, medicinal/pharmaceutical chemistry and chemical synthesis.
New Cascade Routes to Biologically Important Molecules. This research involves the development of short and efficient syntheses of several different classes of biologically active molecules using cascade reactions: spectacular events in which many chemical bonds are formed. Two distinct types of cascade reactions will be investigated and naturally-occurring molecules with antineoplastic, anti-immunosuppressive, antiviral and antimalarial activities will be prepared. These new, expedient routes a ....New Cascade Routes to Biologically Important Molecules. This research involves the development of short and efficient syntheses of several different classes of biologically active molecules using cascade reactions: spectacular events in which many chemical bonds are formed. Two distinct types of cascade reactions will be investigated and naturally-occurring molecules with antineoplastic, anti-immunosuppressive, antiviral and antimalarial activities will be prepared. These new, expedient routes allow the preparation of a wide range of structurally-related analogues; an important prerequisite for the preparation of libraries of compounds for biological evaluation. Along the way, important information about the chemical reactivity patterns of a newly-prepared, fundamental class of hydrocarbon molecules will be obtained.Read moreRead less
Asymmetric Synthesis of Bioactive Alkaloids and Analogues via Chiral, Polylfunctionalized-Pyrrolidines. Alkaloids are plant products that have many useful biological and pharmaceutical properties. Many of these compounds have potential as antiviral and anticancer therapeutics. This project aims to develop novel methods of preparing bioactive alkaloids and their structural analogues. These compounds potentially have applications as new potent and less toxic pharmaceutical agents.
CTCF is a unique architectural protein that regulates the three-dimensional (3D) folding of the genome to switch our genes on, or off. This is important, as it affects how DNA is arranged inside the cells, which is turn assures correct gene expression patterns. Here, we will define the role of CTCF in organizing the 3D genome architecture and identify genetic and epigenetic states that control its function.