Developing The Epidemiological Evidence Base For Eczema Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
Eczema, food allergy, asthma and hay-fever are all common conditions that are a substantial burden for individuals and families. To prevent them, we need to know their causes, but these are not yet well understood. We need better studies to identify what is causing our children to develop these allergic diseases, and rigorous studies to prevent them. In this fellowship, I will explore the causes and consequences of these conditions and test ways to prevent children from developing them.
Identification Of Factors Critical For Maintenance Of The Epidermal Barrier
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,950.00
Summary
The human skin plays a crucial role in the body’s defence against our hostile environment. The outer most layer of the skin, the epidermis is the key structural component of the skin barrier and is essential for its integrity. We have identified a family of genes that are pivotal for epidermal barrier formation, maintenance and repair. This project examines the mechanisms that underpin the function of this family, and has broad ramifications in a host of dermatological conditions.
Topical Drug Delivery Based On Porous Silicon Nanoneedles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
There are currently a number of new drugs that can only be administered through the skin via hypodermic needles, which is costly, invasive and carries the risk of infection spread. This project proposes to develop an alternative strategy based on skin patches covered in millions of microscopic porous needles. These needles are able to puncture the skin painlessly to provide rapid and minimally-invasive administration of drugs for treatment of skin diseases, such as melanoma or psoriasis.
Identification Of Critical Factors For The Establishment And Maintenance Of The Epidermal Barrier
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,424.00
Summary
The human skin plays a crucial role in the body’s defence against our hostile environment. The outer most layer of the skin, the epidermis is essential for formation and repair of the skin barrier. We have identified a family of genes that are pivotal for skin development and function. Disruption of these genes has disastrous consequences, including loss of barrier function and the development of skin cancers. This project examines how these diseases occur.
Development Of A Novel MicroRNA Mimic For Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,179.00
Summary
Liver cancer is a major health burden globally, with a very poor prognosis. New treatments are urgently needed. We have developed proof-of-concept data showing that a tiny RNA, called a microRNA, is a powerful inhibitor of liver cancer growth. We will use this grant application to further develop the microRNA with novel chemistry so that it can be readily translated into early phase clinical trials in the near future.
Colon Cancer: Receptors, Signalling And Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,115,542.00
Summary
This program aims to understand the biochemical and biological basis of colorectal cancer, a major cause of cancer deaths in Australia. The Chief Investigators have extensive experience in the analysis of the molecular defects in colorectal cancer cells and have already developed new drugs to treat successfully experimental colon tumours in animals. During this research program, we will explore these systems further, concentrating on the identification of novel inhibitors of colon cancer cell gr ....This program aims to understand the biochemical and biological basis of colorectal cancer, a major cause of cancer deaths in Australia. The Chief Investigators have extensive experience in the analysis of the molecular defects in colorectal cancer cells and have already developed new drugs to treat successfully experimental colon tumours in animals. During this research program, we will explore these systems further, concentrating on the identification of novel inhibitors of colon cancer cell growth, survival and movement. Newly developed instruments and techniques will allow us to identify and detect the critical steps during the development of colorectal cancer and to design potent drugs to fight the disease. We have experience in conducting novel clinical trials in colon cancer and have developed imaging techniques for monitoring the effectiveness and safety of new anti-cancer drugs. Our collective scientific experience and ability to work in the clinic provides a unique opportunity for developing more effective treatments for colorectal cancer patients.Read moreRead less
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer, is a major global problem. Most people present with advanced disease and current therapies are relatively ineffective. Small RNAs, called microRNAs are a new form of therapy that may present new options for patients with HCC. We have characterised a microRNA that is a powerful inhibitor of HCC growth both in cells and in preclinical animal models. This project will characterise the microRNA’s function in HCC and as a potential therapeutic.