Functional Characterization Of The Regulatory Architecture Of Melanoma-associated Loci
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,663.00
Summary
Melanoma accounts for more than 75% of skin cancer related deaths. In Australia, >10,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly. In this proposal, we will apply novel genetic sequencing technologies developed in our laboratory to examine genomic regions that are associated with melanoma development. By focusing on selected areas, we will obtain a much deeper understanding of how these genes are regulated and find new ways of detecting and treating this disease.
Genomic Analysis Of The Novel Epigenetic Modifier Smchd1 As A Tumour Suppressor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$619,142.00
Summary
Epigenetic modifications are changes made to our DNA that act like punctuation marks in the genome, to instruct the cell when to turn genes on and when to switch them off. Epigenetic control is critical to range of different biological processes, and also goes awry in cancer. We are specifically interested in the role of one new protein involved in epigentic control and characterising its role as a tumour suppressor.
Genomic Analysis Of The Role Of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) In Haematopoietic Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,150.00
Summary
Epigenetic modifications are changes made to our DNA that act like punctuation marks in the genome, to instruct the cell when to turn genes on and when to switch them off. Epigenetic control is critical to range of different biological processes. We are specifically interested in how different components of the molecular epigenetic machinery interact and contribute to blood stem cell function.
A Systems Biology Approach To Defining Therapeutic Targets In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,112.00
Summary
Breast cancer is a very complex disease affecting large numbers of women. Current treatment strategies are effective at controlling the disease for patients, however many continue to be burdened by their disease as their tumour either does not respond or develops resistance to the treatment. We will use mathematical approaches to analyse large and complex data sets generated from breast cancers to identify new therapeutic targets and improve patient outcomes.
CAGE: Consortium For The Architecture Of Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,080.00
Summary
This research project is about understanding why some people are most susceptible to disease than others, by identifying genetic factors that influence the expression of genes that are important in disease. We will work with leaders in the field in Europe and the USA in an international research consortium to find genetic variants with an effect on gene expression and to link those genetic factors to disease. The project will provide new understanding about the biological basis of common disease ....This research project is about understanding why some people are most susceptible to disease than others, by identifying genetic factors that influence the expression of genes that are important in disease. We will work with leaders in the field in Europe and the USA in an international research consortium to find genetic variants with an effect on gene expression and to link those genetic factors to disease. The project will provide new understanding about the biological basis of common diseases.Read moreRead less
Improving Outcomes For Women Diagnosed With Mucinous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,238.00
Summary
Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) is different from other ovarian cancers but few studies have characterized the genetic changes specific to this subtype. It is often confused with metastases from other organs and does not respond well to standard ovarian cancer therapies. If MOC is more similar to mucinous cancers from other organs than other ovarian cancers, it may be better treated with chemotherapeutics that show success with other mucinous tumours.
Molecular Insights Into Long Noncoding RNA-protein Complexes: Important Gene Regulators In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$388,927.00
Summary
Cancer cells turn good genes off and bad ones on: but how do they do this? Recent breakthroughs suggest that noncoding RNA, produced from so-called ‘junk’ DNA, is important. One such noncoding RNA forms paraspeckles, a novel component of the cell machinery. Here, we will pick apart the way paraspeckles are organised and function, to develop them as a prototype for designing anti-cancer treatments against noncoding RNAs.
Successful HIV remission and cure, where patients can live normally without daily drug therapy and risk of transmitting infectious virus, will critically depend on understanding the mechanisms that control the expression of viral messenger RNA and proteins. This project further explores the mechanisms controling poorly understood steps in the proecssing of viral mRNA that are required for HIV protein produciton, and identifies new targets and strategies to drive HIV into permanent remission.
The Role Of UPF3B And Nonsense Mediated MRNA Decay Surveillance In The Pathology Of Intellectual Disability.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$789,954.00
Summary
Proper functioning of the nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD or 'mRNA police') is crucial for any cell to ensure normal development and function. When NMD is compromised the outcome is learning and memory problems, autism or schizophrenia. Under this project we study malfunctioning NMD using stem and neuronal cells derived from patients' skin cells. Some of the affected genes might be considered for therapeutic interventions. NMD is relevant to 1000s of human disorders and as such it is of fundam ....Proper functioning of the nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD or 'mRNA police') is crucial for any cell to ensure normal development and function. When NMD is compromised the outcome is learning and memory problems, autism or schizophrenia. Under this project we study malfunctioning NMD using stem and neuronal cells derived from patients' skin cells. Some of the affected genes might be considered for therapeutic interventions. NMD is relevant to 1000s of human disorders and as such it is of fundamental importance.Read moreRead less
Elucidation Of The Mechanism Of IL-22-Mediated Suppression Of Β-Cell Stress In Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$222,322.00
Summary
Pancreatic ?-cells produce the hormone insulin that controls blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by inability of stressed ?-cells to make sufficient insulin to control blood sugar. We discovered that an immune factor, IL-22, protects ?-cells from stress. Treatment of diabetic mice with IL-22 resolves all the major problems in diabetes. This project seeks to reveal the mechanisms by which IL-22 protects ?-cells from stress, with potential for development of novel diabetes therapies.