Location, Location, Location: Sub-cellular Specific Targeting Of JNK As A Novel Therapy In Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,755.00
Summary
The ‘triple negative’ breast cancer subtype is the most aggressive form of breast cancer, and unlike other subtypes, there are no drugs to specifically this subtype. While many potential drug targets have been identified, they cannot be utilised clinically because of other beneficial roles within the body. We are now deploying our innovative experimental platforms to specifically target the tumour promoting functions of a protein known as ‘JNK’, whilst retaining its beneficial functions.
Diabolic Regulation Of Macrophage Cell Death Pathways By Legionella
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,912.00
Summary
The bacterial pathogen Legionella causes fatal pneumonia in immuno-compromised humans. Infections depend on a sophisticated secretion machinery that translocates hundreds of proteins into host cells. These proteins subvert several essential defense pathways, including cell death signals. This project will highlight how Legionella interfere with cell death pathways and control the survival of its host cells. These findings will facilitate the development of promising new anti-bacterial agents.
New Mediators Of GPCR-growth Factor Receptor Transactivation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,842.00
Summary
Hormones bind to receptors on the surface of cells. Receptors can modify each other’s function and this “cross-talk” is important for the receptors for a peptide hormone (termed angiotensin) and a growth factor receptor (EGFR), which are major regulators of the cardiovascular system. We have identified a number of mediators of the angiotensin-EGFR crosstalk and this current grant aims to use molecular and cellular and in vivo approaches to examine the molecular basis of their actions.
Dissecting The Role Of Selective Insulin Resistance In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$980,624.00
Summary
Insulin resistance is a clinical condition where insulin, secreted from the pancreas in response to meals, is unable to fulfill its normal function. It is intimately linked to obesity and associated diseases - type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. This proposal examines mechanisms contributing to insulin resistance and how insulin resistance leads to disease. We will identify drug targets with improved specificity and lead to novel insight into the risks of current treatments.