The Role Of Force-sensing Ion Channels In Melanoma Migration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,848.00
Summary
Metastasis of melanoma cells away from the primary tumour site carries a very poor patient prognosis.This research aims to characterise a novel signalling pathway that can regulate the migration (movement) of melanoma cells. This signalling pathway depends on force-sensing platforms that can rapidly convert physical inputs from the environment into an electrical signal within the cell. We are working to understand how these force-sensors function.
The cells that produce and maintain our cartilage, known as chondrocytes, do so by sensing changes in the mechanical environment, but precisely how chondrocytes detect these changes is not known. We are investigating the role of ion channels that are opened in direct response to mechanical movements within the cartilage.This project plans to identify the specific molecules that are participating in this process and to determine if they are therapeutic targets for treatment of osteoarthritis
Transient Tissue ‘priming’ Via FAK Inhibition To Impair Pancreatic Cancer Progression And Improve Sensitivity To Gemcitabine/Abraxane
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,848.00
Summary
The success of cancer drugs is dependent on many factors including the properties of the tumour tissue. As a tumour grows it changes the tissue around it, and this affects response to treatment. Combining classical biology with engineering to generate 3D models that mimic tumours, along with cutting-edge imaging technology and mouse models, we will target FAK-controlled cancer cell pathways that sense tissue changes, together with already approved cancer drugs to improve patient outcome.
Single-cell Optical Window Imaging In CDK1-FRET Biosensor Mice To Assess Tissue Stiffness And Optimise Delivery And Therapeutic Response To Gemcitabine/Abraxane In Pancreatic Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$676,979.00
Summary
Inefficient drug response in solid tumour tissue is commonly a limiting factor in the clinical effectiveness of cancer therapies. Using cutting-edge imaging technology and 3D models that mimic the disease, we have mapped areas of poor drug response within distinct regions of tumours. Here, we pinpoint and specifically target key factors limiting efficient drug targeting in order to improve the encouraging anti-cancer profile of the new drug combination Gemcitabine/Abraxane in pancreatic cancer.
Biosensor Imaging In Preclinical Pancreatic Cancer Targeting: Taking Cancer Targeting To New Dimensions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
Using cutting-edge imaging technology and 3D models that mimic cancer, we can map areas of poor drug response within distinct 'stages' or regions of tumours. Here, we pinpoint and specifically target key factors limiting efficient drug response in order to improve the encouraging anti-cancer profile of new or current drugs in pancreatic cancer.
Modelling TRPV4 Skeletal Disorders Using Human IPSCs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,171,187.00
Summary
Inherited skeletal disorders are a significant disease burden. Many gene mutations have been defined but we only have limited understanding about how they cause the disease. We will use patient skin cells and new in vitro re-programing technology to induce them to form cartilage cells to produce “disease in a dish” models of human skeletal disorders. These models will allow us to answer questions about how specific mutations cause disease and identify potential therapies
Ensemble modelling of space-weather drivers. This project aims to develop methods for forecasting the evolution of magnetic fields on the Sun's surface, and to use the results to drive an ensemble of numerical simulations of the evolution of the magnetic field in the overlying atmosphere. The project expects to create a new framework for forecasting the evolution of solar active regions, applying, for the first time, methods established in Numerical Weather Prediction. The expected outcomes are ....Ensemble modelling of space-weather drivers. This project aims to develop methods for forecasting the evolution of magnetic fields on the Sun's surface, and to use the results to drive an ensemble of numerical simulations of the evolution of the magnetic field in the overlying atmosphere. The project expects to create a new framework for forecasting the evolution of solar active regions, applying, for the first time, methods established in Numerical Weather Prediction. The expected outcomes are physics-based prediction of solar atmospheric magnetic field evolution, including explosive eruptions. The results should have significant benefit in improving prediction of extreme space weather events, which pose an increasing threat to our technologically-dependent society.Read moreRead less
Noise-free Cryogenic Wavefront Sensing. This project aims to optimise the prototype adaptive optics technology for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) by leveraging past investment in adaptive optics instrumentation and shortwave infrared detector systems. This project expects to generate significant improvements in GMT performance, with ten times greater image resolution than the Hubble Space Telescope and current estimates of >90% sky coverage, compared with ~50% coverage for current technology ....Noise-free Cryogenic Wavefront Sensing. This project aims to optimise the prototype adaptive optics technology for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) by leveraging past investment in adaptive optics instrumentation and shortwave infrared detector systems. This project expects to generate significant improvements in GMT performance, with ten times greater image resolution than the Hubble Space Telescope and current estimates of >90% sky coverage, compared with ~50% coverage for current technology. Expected outcomes of this project include the development of a highly trained workforce and continued international collaboration in the field of high-technology sensor systems. This contribution to the GMT will provide significant benefits—it will change the way we view the Universe.Read moreRead less
DYNAMICS OF EARTH'S RADIATION BELTS. Space weather is produced by rapid variations in wave fields and particle populations in near-Earth space, and has many effects. These include damage to spacecraft (causing operational anomalies and loss of service), degrading the performance of GPS, space-ground, HF radio and cable-based networks, and affecting surveillance radars. The core aim of this project is to improve knowledge of the waves and particles causing these effects. While being important to ....DYNAMICS OF EARTH'S RADIATION BELTS. Space weather is produced by rapid variations in wave fields and particle populations in near-Earth space, and has many effects. These include damage to spacecraft (causing operational anomalies and loss of service), degrading the performance of GPS, space-ground, HF radio and cable-based networks, and affecting surveillance radars. The core aim of this project is to improve knowledge of the waves and particles causing these effects. While being important to aerospace engineers, this work also consolidates Australia's international space profile and provides excellent training in this field. Since space weather causes significant radiation exposure to aircraft crew and passengers this work also has broader ramifications.Read moreRead less