The Role Of The Chaperone NASP In Regulating Histone Dynamics During DNA Replication And Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,602.00
Summary
To fit inside our cells, DNA is intricately packaged with histone proteins into chromatin. All aspects of cell function are regulated by this packaging. My research will help us to understand how the cellular life of histones is controlled by a protein called NASP to ensure the packaging is correctly maintained and reorganised during normal genome function.
Inflammation Drives TFF2 Epigenetic Silencing In Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$618,909.00
Summary
Over one million deaths from stomach cancer will occur annually in the next decade. This often fatal disease can be caused by infection from childhood by the bacterium H. pylori. We will study a new link between the inflammation caused by H. pylori and a type of mutation known as epigenetic silencing that switches off a gene which normally prevents stomach cancer. Understanding this process will help us to discover approaches for early detection of stomach cancer and lead to the development of n ....Over one million deaths from stomach cancer will occur annually in the next decade. This often fatal disease can be caused by infection from childhood by the bacterium H. pylori. We will study a new link between the inflammation caused by H. pylori and a type of mutation known as epigenetic silencing that switches off a gene which normally prevents stomach cancer. Understanding this process will help us to discover approaches for early detection of stomach cancer and lead to the development of new drugs that prevent disease.Read moreRead less
Deciphering The Epigenetic Code Of T Lymphocyte Stability In Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$662,785.00
Summary
T lymphocytes defend against invading pathogens and establish immunological memory to protect us if the infection returns. As there are many different types of pathogens, T lymphocytes must be flexible in the way they respond to infection but also stable once they have decided on the appropriate type of response. This complex decision-making appears to be dictated by epigenetic changes to the chromatin state of the cell. This work will uncover epigenetic factors that maintain this balance to pro ....T lymphocytes defend against invading pathogens and establish immunological memory to protect us if the infection returns. As there are many different types of pathogens, T lymphocytes must be flexible in the way they respond to infection but also stable once they have decided on the appropriate type of response. This complex decision-making appears to be dictated by epigenetic changes to the chromatin state of the cell. This work will uncover epigenetic factors that maintain this balance to protect us against disease.Read moreRead less
Epigenetic Signatures Of Abnormal Adult Neurogenesis In Rett Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$869,332.00
Summary
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental condition arising in early childhood. In Australia, RTT affects an estimated 1/8500 females. The vast majority of RTT patients carry a single mutation in the gene MeCP2. Recent advances in genetic engineering may allow MeCP2 mutations to be corrected in patients. This study will assess whether other molecular factors are involved in the RTT phenotype in patient neurons, and whether these factors are likely to be corrected by MeCP2 gene therapy.
Epigenetic Predictors Of Outcome In Malignant Glioma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,720.00
Summary
Human high grade gliomas (HGG) present as heterogeneous disease, primarily defined by the histologic appearance of the tumor cells.Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common illness and continues to have a very poor prognosis, despite the use of multimodality therapy including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. We will use our existing biobank of specimens, clinical information and molecular investigation to identify factors that determine outcomes.
Essential Roles Of RNA Polymerase II Transcription And DNA Damage Response Pathway In The Maintenance Of Centromere Chromatin Assembly
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,224.00
Summary
A centromere is a region of DNA typically found near the middle of a chromosome where two identical sister chromatids come in contact. It is involved in cell division as the point of attachment to the mitotic spindle. Defective centromeres can result in genome instability, infertility and development of cancers. This work involves a study into how the identity of a centromere is maintained and inherited after each cell division. This has significant implication in the understanding of cell growt ....A centromere is a region of DNA typically found near the middle of a chromosome where two identical sister chromatids come in contact. It is involved in cell division as the point of attachment to the mitotic spindle. Defective centromeres can result in genome instability, infertility and development of cancers. This work involves a study into how the identity of a centromere is maintained and inherited after each cell division. This has significant implication in the understanding of cell growth and cancer development.Read moreRead less
Epigenetic Therapies To Differentiate And Eradicate Leukaemia Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,315.00
Summary
Leukemia stem cells (LSC) are often resistant to conventional and targeted therapies and therefore serve as the seed for leukaemia relapse. The overall aim of this project is to use small molecule therapies to block the activity of a particular protein (LSD1) in LSC in order to differentiate them and expose a vulnerability to another epigenetic therapy called a BET inhibitor. Together, these epigenetic therapies will differentiate and eradicate LSC, leading to improved outcome in AML.