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Sphingosine Kinase As A Target For Anti-cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,785.00
Summary
Sphingosine kinase is a protein involved in the development and progression of numerous types of solid tumors and leukaemias. We have recently made a major break-through by identifing how the cancer-inducing activity of sphingosine kinase is controlled. In this study we will target these control mechanisms to develop potential new anti-cancer therapies.
Manipulating Oncogenic-signalling Pathways In The Genesis And Treatment Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,484.00
Summary
Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new therapi ....Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new therapies.Read moreRead less
I lead a research program to improve outcomes for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). We aim to identify poor risk patients and test new treatment strategies to reduce adverse outcomes. In good risk patients we aim to reduce the need for lifelong drug dependency. Through a combination of clinical trials, innovative correlative studies, and strong scientific collaborations, my team will continue to improve outcomes for CML patients globally.
Toll-like Receptors And Innate Immunity: Genes And Pathways Regulating Infectious And Inflammatory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,367.00
Summary
The innate immune system is the first line of defence against infectious diseases, but also contributes to the pathology of inflammatory diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis). I study specific genes and pathways used by the innate immune system to (1) understand how the innate immune system prevents infections and how microorganisms overcome these defences, and (2) develop approaches to block inflammation. Outcomes may include new therapies for inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Modulating Protein-Protein Interactions In Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
Most diseases are driven by protein-protein interactions often with few/no greasy pockets to fit small molecule drugs. Innovative approaches to new drugs are needed for these proteins. This project combines chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology to create new drug leads, new knowledge on drug action and disease development at gene, protein, cell, animal levels, and aims to trial new drug leads in preclinical and eventually clinical tests in inflammatory and metabolic diseases, pain and cancer.
Translational Research Initiatives In Acute Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
Recent research has focussed on molecular characterisation of high-risk acute leukaemia subtypes. This proposal will combine the power of genomic analysis, global analysis of protein kinases and stringent preclinical drug testing in order to improve the treatment of these high-risk acute leukaemia subtypes. Several innovative and interrelated projects within this Program will utilise a unique and clinically relevant experimental model to achieve their goals.
While most leukemia patients initially respond well to chemotherapy, >70% die because the disease returns as a result of the survival of leukaemia cells following treatment. We seek to block the switch mechanisms within leukemic cells that allow them to survive current drug therapies. We now seek to examine the therapeutic potential of our discovery with a view toward developing new targetted therapies in the future.
Mechanistic And Translational Studies Targeting Kidney Inflammation And Fibrosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
The progression of kidney disease to end-stage renal failure requires support by dialysis or kidney transplantation, leading to reduced quality of life, loss of productivity, and the huge cost of renal replacement therapy in Australia ($1 billion in 2010). This research program focuses on two areas; advancing our understanding of the basic mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, and working with commercial partners to translate my current research effort towards new therapies for kidney disease.
This research draws together my expertise in medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology and virology to design and develop new compounds that we can use to interrogate and regulate human and viral proteins that cause disease. Protein, cell and animal studies relevant to major 21st century health burdens (such as inflammatory, infectious and metabolic diseases, cancer, pain and viral infections) will provide important new information on mechanisms of disease development and drug action.