Cancer is linked to mutations in a large variety of genes but how these changes impact on cell behaviour is often unknown. We are using functional genomics in zebrafish to identify genes that are essential for rapid rates of proliferation by intestinal epithelial cells. Seven genes have been cloned so far and our next task is to analyse, using mouse models and human cancer transcriptome analysis, whether any are indispensable for cancer growth and thereby present suitable targets for therapy.
This Senior Principal Research Fellowship will support a program of translational research and leadership for the Therapeutics Research Centre that is based at the Translational Research Institute in Brisbane and The Basil Hetzel Institute in Adelaide and for future researchers/research leaders in clinical medicine. A key research focus will be in improving the safety and efficacy of products and nanosystems, especially after application to the skin and/or absorption into the body.
Biomedical Investigations Of Pharmacology And Pathology For Disease Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
I am an NHMRC SPRF & Director of the Molecular Pharmacology & Pathology Program consisting of 34 researchers. The breadth of our studies is diverse & continues to expand. Excitingly, we have recently obtained commercialisation support to develop our anti-tumour drug, DpC. My vision for the next 5 yrs is to direct development of these agents together with investigations of basic mechanism. These studies will be done with a team of outstanding researchers I am mentoring and an established group of ....I am an NHMRC SPRF & Director of the Molecular Pharmacology & Pathology Program consisting of 34 researchers. The breadth of our studies is diverse & continues to expand. Excitingly, we have recently obtained commercialisation support to develop our anti-tumour drug, DpC. My vision for the next 5 yrs is to direct development of these agents together with investigations of basic mechanism. These studies will be done with a team of outstanding researchers I am mentoring and an established group of experienced collaborators.Read moreRead less
Cancer remains a significant clinical problem and causes considerable morbidity and mortality in society. Prof Maria Kavallaris is an international leader in cancer biology, therapy and the development of less toxic therapies for cancer using nanotechnology. Her vision is to build a leading program of applied research to develop treatments for aggressive disease that will reduce the impact and improve the outcomes for cancer patients.
Epilepsy is a very common and serious brain disorder. Epilepsy often includes other disabilities, reduction in quality of life and is associated with increased risk of early death. 30% of people with epilepsy are unable to gain control of their seizures with currently available medications. The genetic causes of the large majority of epilepsy cases have not yet been found. This project aims to identify new genetic causes of epilepsy and its related disorders.
Defining Optimal Strategies For Sustained Control Of Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
My work helps us understand how infections spread between people, to work out the most effective use of vaccines and other protective measures. This fellowship will support research into the ways large family size, poor health care access, social connections and the environment increase infection risk in settings of poverty. We will find better ways to prevent infectious diseases in the populations worst affected, including Indigenous Australians and people living in low-income countries.
Right Person, Right Treatment, Right Time: Engaging Comorbid Populations With EHealth Interventions Across The Lifespan
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,655.00
Summary
I lead an innovative research program that is internationally recognised for its impact, research quality, and significant translational and commercial value. My work focuses on areas of critical need; increasing the evidence base and clinical translation of treatments for co-occurring (comorbid) mental and physical disorders. Over the next 5 years, I will focus on developing evidence to better match people with treatment, so that the right person receives the right treatment at the right time.
Advancing Nanomedicine Through Particle Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
This proposal will support the development of advanced particle systems to improve the delivery of medicines in neurological diseases, HIV, diabetes and cancer. It will provide important insights for particle-based therapeutic delivery that are expected to underpin progress on nanotechnology in the areas of biology and medicine. These developments in nanotechnology-enabled medicines towards commercialisation will ultimately improve the health and quality of life of Australians.
Optimising Personalised Care, At Scale, For Young People With Emerging Mood Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,005.00
Summary
New digital technologies, linked to specialist expertise, can bring highly-personalised mental health care to large numbers of young Australians, early in the course of major anxiety, mood or psychotic disorders. Widely accessible and optimized early intervention services will be evaluated not only in terms of their capacity to relieve symptoms and reduce self-harm or suicidal behaviour, but also enhance longer-term social, economic and education participation and physical health outcomes.
I aim to decipher the role of heritable, genetic DNA variation in human neurological disease. I will use next generation genomics technologies together with sophisticated cellular models to address the important questions of the biology of epilepsy and intellectual disability in particular. I aim to develop a treatment for a specific type of epilepsy, which affects only girls from the age of 6 months. My ultimate goal is to improve the life of the patients and their relatives.