To study the genetic alterations that give rise to cancer. In particular, exploring how too little death of cells can lead to a tumour. If too few cells in a tissue die, a tumour may develop there. The team is exploring how the cell death process is normally controlled. They plan to characterise the molecules inside cells that determine whether a cell lives or dies and hope that better understanding of those molecules will help to explain how tumours arise. It could also lead to new drugs that c ....To study the genetic alterations that give rise to cancer. In particular, exploring how too little death of cells can lead to a tumour. If too few cells in a tissue die, a tumour may develop there. The team is exploring how the cell death process is normally controlled. They plan to characterise the molecules inside cells that determine whether a cell lives or dies and hope that better understanding of those molecules will help to explain how tumours arise. It could also lead to new drugs that can kill tumour cells more effectively by directly triggering the normal death switch of the cell.Read moreRead less
This established team of investigators will research into the molecular control of white blood cell formation and function, using a multidisciplinary, team approach to fundamental biological questions with a focus on potential clinical and commercial outcomes. The team will also attempt to identify new validated targets for therapeutic intervention by using both forward and reverse genetic approaches in mice coupled with complete phenotypic analyses of the blood cell system.
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
The Biology & Therapeutic Manipulation Of Lymphatic Vessels In Cancer & Lymphedema
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,589,101.00
Summary
This proposal brings together a team of researchers from diverse backgrounds who have already made important discoveries about the molecular control of the lymphatic system in normal physiology and cancer. The lymphatic vasculature consists of a network of vessels in organs and tissues that is critical for the regulation of tissue fluid volume and immune function. The lymphatics are also important for the metastatic spread of cancer, as they provide a route by which tumour cells spread to distan ....This proposal brings together a team of researchers from diverse backgrounds who have already made important discoveries about the molecular control of the lymphatic system in normal physiology and cancer. The lymphatic vasculature consists of a network of vessels in organs and tissues that is critical for the regulation of tissue fluid volume and immune function. The lymphatics are also important for the metastatic spread of cancer, as they provide a route by which tumour cells spread to distant sites in the body, and for lymphedema, a condition in which lymphatic dysfunction leads to swelling of tissues. This program will explore the molecular mechanisms that control the growth and differentiation of the lymphatic vessels. It will greatly enhance our understanding of lymphatic vessel growth (lymphangiogenesis) and generate a range of reagents for stimulating or inhibiting this process. These reagents will be tested in animal models for their capacity to modulate lymphatic function in the context of cancer and lymphedema.Read moreRead less
Determinants Of Child Health And Development: Populations, Partnerships, Pathways And Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$8,214,333.00
Summary
There are considerable challenges to the study of complex health and developmental problems in children and young people. Despite increasing prosperity in Australia, many of these problems are not abating and some appear to be increasing. These include low birthweight, behavioural and mental health problems, autism, obesity and, in Indigenous children, infections. This Program proposes investigating these problems with a view to prevention, thus meeting the national research priority of Promotin ....There are considerable challenges to the study of complex health and developmental problems in children and young people. Despite increasing prosperity in Australia, many of these problems are not abating and some appear to be increasing. These include low birthweight, behavioural and mental health problems, autism, obesity and, in Indigenous children, infections. This Program proposes investigating these problems with a view to prevention, thus meeting the national research priority of Promoting and Maintaining Good Health, particularly _a healthy start to life� and _preventive health care�. The Program is unique in that it brings together a multi-disciplinary team of researchers of international repute to investigate these complex issues. The research team comprises epidemiologists, clinicians, developmental psychologists, biostatisticians, sociologists and other social scientists. This team has a proven track record in producing research outcomes that have translated into innovative health policy and practice in areas as diverse as: - the use of folic acid in spina bifida prevention - understanding cerebral palsies - suicide prevention and mental health in children and young people - Aboriginal child health and development - intellectual disabilities including Rett syndrome and autism - in vitro fertilisation and birth defects. The factors influencing how children develop into young adults include genetic inheritance, nutrition and growth, and family, socioeconomic and environmental conditions. This work demands new ways of measuring and analysing these factors in populations of children and their families. Western Australia is one of only three sites in the world to have comprehensive linked health data on the whole of its population of children and their families. This Program comprises five overlapping themes of research planned around these unique population databases. The five themes are: - social, economic and psychological influences on child health and development - many paths to poor health are linked to social disadvantage. Examining these issues may explain why some childhood conditions are worsening or not improving - pathways to wellbeing, resilience and developmental disorders, including intellectual disability, autism, birth defects and cerebral palsy - nutrition and growth, particularly as it relates to low birthweight, childhood obesity and mental health - infectious disease, its causes and its influence on lifelong health problems and disabilities - Aboriginal health _ whilst spanning each of the research themes above, it presents its own unique challenges and requires it�s own unique solutions. This Program will investigate how children develop into young adults and will examine the influence of their families, nutrition and growth and socioeconomic and environmental conditions. It will develop new ways of measuring and analysRead moreRead less
Roles Of Impaired Apoptosis And Differentiation In Tumourigenesis And Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$21,656,910.00
Summary
The ten scientific laboratories in this program have joined forces to investigate two ways in which tumours develop. Both are of particular interest, because they suggest new ways in which cancer might be overcome. Most of our tissues are continually renewed throughout life by production of new cells. Therefore many of the old cells in each tissue must die off to maintain the proper cell numbers. To eliminate cells that are no longer needed or have become damaged, the body has developed a remark ....The ten scientific laboratories in this program have joined forces to investigate two ways in which tumours develop. Both are of particular interest, because they suggest new ways in which cancer might be overcome. Most of our tissues are continually renewed throughout life by production of new cells. Therefore many of the old cells in each tissue must die off to maintain the proper cell numbers. To eliminate cells that are no longer needed or have become damaged, the body has developed a remarkable cell suicide process termed apoptosis. Unfortunately, however, occasionally a random accident to the genes in one of our cells prevents the machinery for apoptosis from being turned on. In that case, the cell will not die when it should and, by continually dividing, it may eventually give rise to a cancer. Since most cancer cells still retain most of the machinery for apoptosis, however, a drug that could switch on this natural cell death machinery would provide a promising new approach to cancer therapy. Identifying and developing such drugs is one major long-term goal of this program. The other focus of our program concerns stem cells. These are rare cells with the remarkable ability to generate an entire tissue. For example, one of our laboratories has identified stem cells that can generate all the cells in the breast. The almost unlimited regenerative capacity of stem cells has a built-in danger. If a stem cell acquires the ability to proliferate excessively, it can go on to form a tumour. Indeed, many cancer researchers now suspect that rare stem cells within a tumour cause its inexorable growth. If tumour growth is maintained by stem cells, it will be essential to develop new forms of therapy that target these rare cancer stem cells rather than merely the bulk of the tumour cells. This is another key long-term goal of our program.Read moreRead less
Control Of Cell Proliferation And Differentiation In Breast And Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,043,011.00
Summary
Breast and prostate cancer are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women and men respectively, together accounting for >25% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia and other developed countries. Although significant improvements in the management of these cancers have occurred in the past 20 years further research is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease development and progression. Such research is critical to the better management and ultimate control of the ....Breast and prostate cancer are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women and men respectively, together accounting for >25% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia and other developed countries. Although significant improvements in the management of these cancers have occurred in the past 20 years further research is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease development and progression. Such research is critical to the better management and ultimate control of these diseases through better treatments and prevention. A multidisciplinary team of cancer researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, with a 10 year track record of discovery and application of their research into breast and prostate cancer, will employ state-of-the-art research tools to identify new molecules and molecular pathways involved in these diseases. This new information will facilitate the improved management of these cancers through improved assessment of disease progression at the time of diagnosis and the development of new drugs and strategies for treatment and prevention.Read moreRead less
This Program Grant investigates a number of important reproductive problems that affect the fertility of men, prostate cancer and the way the mother nurtures and protects the baby during pregnancy. The successful development of sperm requires the proper function of a number of biological processes. This grant investigates the way in which sperm are produced, the genes that are needed to control their development, and the way sperm propel themselves and fertilize the egg. The research also invest ....This Program Grant investigates a number of important reproductive problems that affect the fertility of men, prostate cancer and the way the mother nurtures and protects the baby during pregnancy. The successful development of sperm requires the proper function of a number of biological processes. This grant investigates the way in which sperm are produced, the genes that are needed to control their development, and the way sperm propel themselves and fertilize the egg. The research also investigates how sperm are protected during their development from infection and immunological rejection, achieved in part by a special environment within the tubes in the testis where they grow. It appears that the general mechanisms that the body uses to combat infections are modified within the testis and the way in which this occurs may provide clues that could be applied to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs in general. Some of the substances that control these processes appear to play an important role in the body�s defense against infection. The grant also investigates the processes that are involved in the development of prostate cancer. These changes can occur over many years and the grant will study some substances that appear to be involved. The work will provide new knowledge that may assist in new tests to identify whether a cancer is slow or fast growing, thereby helping each man to decide the most sensible form of treatment. The grant will investigate how a group of proteins, that also are involved in the control of processes discussed above, assist the mother in protecting her baby during pregnancy. The outcomes will assist in the management of disturbances of pregnancy that may put the fetus at risk of survival.Read moreRead less
The foot soldiers of the immune system, the white blood cells, constantly march through the body seeking out invaders, but kept in check by the barrier of endothelial cells that lines the inside of blood vessels. When infection occurs, molecular messages are transmitted amongst the white cells and between white cells and edothelium, to activate the immune cells to pass out of the blood vessels and mount a defence. Unfortunatley, the activation system sometimes goes awry, resulting in inflammator ....The foot soldiers of the immune system, the white blood cells, constantly march through the body seeking out invaders, but kept in check by the barrier of endothelial cells that lines the inside of blood vessels. When infection occurs, molecular messages are transmitted amongst the white cells and between white cells and edothelium, to activate the immune cells to pass out of the blood vessels and mount a defence. Unfortunatley, the activation system sometimes goes awry, resulting in inflammatory or allergic disease, such as arthritis or asthma. This team of researchers from the Hanson Institute in Adelaide, combining expertise in molecular and cell biology, protein chemestry, structual biology and animal models, has been working together for over 10 years, investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling the formation and activities of blood vessels and white blood cells. This program seeks to further that understanding, and to develop drugs that have the potential of ameliorating the inflammatory condition.Read moreRead less