Melanotransferrin: A “Missing Link” And A Novel Pharmacological Target For Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,848.00
Summary
Despite >30 years of research, the precise function of the protein, melanotransferrin (MTf), is unknown. However, we have breakthrough evidence that MTf stimulates WNT signalling as a major driver in cancer progression. We will investigate this hypothesis, which will underpin new cancer therapies. Indeed, we designed a new class of drugs that target the WNT pathway via up-regulating the WNT inhibitor, NDRG1. This drug (DpC) inhibits MTf expression to block tumour cell growth and metastasis.
Neuropathic pain is particularly difficult to treat and existing medications have considerable side effects. This project will develop a new set of glycine transport inhibitors that have the potential to provide pain relief without side effects.
The Structural Basis For Promiscuity Of Drug Binding To HERG K+ Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,035.00
Summary
Special proteins called ion channels control the electrical activity of the heart. Drugs that block ion channels can have the unwanted side-effect of altering the rhythm of the heart beat and causing sudden cardiac death. Extensive efforts are made to screen for this problem during drug development but it is still an inexact science. Here we will use high resolution imaging technologies to get a better understanding of how drugs bind to ion channel proteins.