The Role Of Keratin End-domains In Filament Biology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$139,235.00
Summary
The skin is the largest organ in the body and is the main interface between the organism and the external environment. It protects us from UV radiation, microbial invasion and chemical attack. It is able to repair itself and in fact, is continually renewing itself. In this study, we propose to examine the biology of keratins and the filament networks they form. Keratins are the most abundant proteins present in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Keratins form a cellular skeleton that re ....The skin is the largest organ in the body and is the main interface between the organism and the external environment. It protects us from UV radiation, microbial invasion and chemical attack. It is able to repair itself and in fact, is continually renewing itself. In this study, we propose to examine the biology of keratins and the filament networks they form. Keratins are the most abundant proteins present in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Keratins form a cellular skeleton that reinforces skin cells to help them withstand mechanical trauma. Mutations in these proteins result in a much weaker skeleton and ultimately in disease. We will examine how the keratin building blocks are transported around the cell to where they are needed. We will also determine the effect of mutations in this transport process on the biology of the cell. These studies may provide important clues into certain inherited skin disorders.Read moreRead less
The Molecular Basis For The Initiation Of Squamous Differentiation And How It Is Disrupted In Oral Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
Squamous cancers of the mouth, nose and throat occur due to defects in the cells that line these regions. We have shown that a major defect is that the lining cells are unable to stop growing and mature into cells that provide a barrier against the environment. In this proposal we will undertake studies to identify why these cancers cells do not mature properly. In doing so we will be able to identify new strategies that may be used to treat patients with this frequently deadly cancer.
Mechanisms Of Head And Neck Cancer Progression Role Of Matrix Metallopreinase (MMP-2) Using In Vitro And In Vivo Anima
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$218,668.00
Summary
This proposal will assist in improving human health, quality of life and patient lifespan. Head and Neck cancer is of high prevalence in Australia and China. Cancer patients, often with metastasis to adjacent and distant organs, including bone at late stages of the disease, suffer from pain, facial nerve paralysis, recurrence and frequently die under very distressing circumstances. This proposal intends to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Head and Neck cancer and help come up with better tre ....This proposal will assist in improving human health, quality of life and patient lifespan. Head and Neck cancer is of high prevalence in Australia and China. Cancer patients, often with metastasis to adjacent and distant organs, including bone at late stages of the disease, suffer from pain, facial nerve paralysis, recurrence and frequently die under very distressing circumstances. This proposal intends to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Head and Neck cancer and help come up with better treatments against cancers including providing a new target for cancer gene therapy.Read moreRead less
A Novel Tumour Suppressor Function Of E2F7 In Squamous Cell Carcinoma Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,124.00
Summary
squamous cell carcinomas of the skin are the second most common skin cancer. In this proposal we present data showing that a new gene, E2F7, may play an important role in the development of squamous cell carcinoma. If true, these studies will identify a new therapeutic target that could be exploited in developing novel anticancer therapies.