Studies in humans and model organisms have shown that defects in centromere function result in chromosome abnormalities and copy-number changes that constitute a major cause of aneuploid-related syndromic disorders, intellectual disability, infertility, pregnancy loss, and cancer. Understanding the biological properties and functions of the centromere is therefore a high priority for health research.
Microtubule Severing: A Role In Mammalian Oocyte And Embryo Viability?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,251.00
Summary
In all cells, cell division is controlled by a microtubule based structure known as the spindle. Abnormal function of this spindle leads to loss and gain of chromosomes that in oocytes causes early embryo loss and in cells of the body it causes cancer and cell death. We will investigate a family of proteins that modify microtubules and explore the role they play in ensuring cell division happnens safely.
The Role Of Clathrin In The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint And As An Anti-cancer Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,768.00
Summary
Cell division produces two daughter cells. Incorrect localisation and modification of proteins that regulate mitosis cause errors that can lead to cancer. As well as using a unique machinery mitosis uses proteins involved in non-cell cycle pathways. This project investigates the role during mitosis of one such protein: clathrin. We will identify lead clathrin inhibitory compounds, pitstops, that have potential anti-cancer properties, ultimately to be used as a chemotherapy agent.
Regulation And Mechanisms Of Cell Cycling, Cell Senescence And Cell Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
Most of our cells are not dividing, but persist in a stable arrested state, yet little is known of the molecular mechanisms that regulate and maintain permanent arrest, or that go wrong when cells start proliferating and turn into cancers. This proposal addresses an area of fundamental, basic biology, that has been largely overlooked. A better understanding of the molecules that regulate cell stability might provide new drug targets so that tumour cell proliferation can be stopped.
Sex Chromosome Instability In Disorders Of Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,633.00
Summary
Chromosomes must be copied and distributed faultlessly into the newly dividing cells for normal development to occur. Factors that affect this process are often associated with health problems such as birth disorders, cancer, premature aging and infertility. This project plans to identify genetic factors that compromise the faithful transmission of chromosomes from cell to cell. Results gained from this project will greatly assist in the diagnosis of chromosome-related disorders.
Investigation Of Haematopoietic And Leukemia Stem Cell Self-renewal.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
The blood stem cell properties of self-renewal and multipotency allows for the constant replenishment of all blood components. Blood cancer stem cells use self-renewal to propagate disease, and can enter a quiescent-dormant phase to evade treatment. My research focuses on the identification and mechanisms of new genes that govern these unique blood stem cell properties, and to investigate whether these genes are also important in blood cancers.
Investigating the activator function of the Bim protein. Apoptosis is a research area where Australia has had long standing success. The first observations of this important process were made by Prof John Kerr in the 60's and 70's. A molecular renaissance developed in the late 80's and has led to the current explosion in this area of research. Many of these recent studies have been conducted at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Our scientific endeavour is aimed at broadening the understanding ....Investigating the activator function of the Bim protein. Apoptosis is a research area where Australia has had long standing success. The first observations of this important process were made by Prof John Kerr in the 60's and 70's. A molecular renaissance developed in the late 80's and has led to the current explosion in this area of research. Many of these recent studies have been conducted at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Our scientific endeavour is aimed at broadening the understanding of the mechanisms of cell death using genetically modified mouse models. Insights gained through this project will have far reaching implications for the design of new drugs to combat cancer and degenerative diseases.Read moreRead less