Elucidating The Mechanisms Of Action Of And Resistance To Endoperoxide Antimalarials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,755.00
Summary
Artemisinin-based antimalarials (ARTs) save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Unfortunately resistance of P. falciparum to ART is now emerging in South East Asia and it is critical to know how and why. We will determine what is different about resistant parasites and will develop assays to monitor drug resistance in the field. We have found that the immature form of the malaria parasite is more resistant to ARTs, which helps explain resistance. We will build on this to develop new targe ....Artemisinin-based antimalarials (ARTs) save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Unfortunately resistance of P. falciparum to ART is now emerging in South East Asia and it is critical to know how and why. We will determine what is different about resistant parasites and will develop assays to monitor drug resistance in the field. We have found that the immature form of the malaria parasite is more resistant to ARTs, which helps explain resistance. We will build on this to develop new targetted treatments.Read moreRead less
The rapid interactions of circulating human blood platelets is critical to prevent bleeding, but can cause thrombotic diseases (heart attack, stroke). These highly regulated interactions involve specific adhesive proteins. Our studies will define factors regulating platelet interactions. Imaging the thrombotic process will quantify platelet function at an unprecedented resolution and we have a panel of new candidate reagents that will be assessed for antithrombotic potential.
Unraveling the variability in the protein expression in tissues or cell populations is critical to understand how cells respond to their environment. For example, this can provide details about the cellular response to an infection or to a chemoterapic. As of today, single cell protein analyses has become at reach, but its application is still cumbersome and its throughput is low. This proposal aims to develop and deploy a simple and robust method to analyse the protein content in single cells.
The University of Queensland Dermatology Research Centre are committed to conducting and promoting high quality clinical research into skin disease, particularly skin cancer, aimed at improved patient outcomes. Telemedicine and cutting edge imaging technologies are employed with a view towards their implementation into clinical practise to potentially overcome geographical inadequacies of health care in Qld. We expect the research will impact on Australian policies and guidelines in the field of ....The University of Queensland Dermatology Research Centre are committed to conducting and promoting high quality clinical research into skin disease, particularly skin cancer, aimed at improved patient outcomes. Telemedicine and cutting edge imaging technologies are employed with a view towards their implementation into clinical practise to potentially overcome geographical inadequacies of health care in Qld. We expect the research will impact on Australian policies and guidelines in the field of telemedicine and skin cancer management.Read moreRead less
Gene Therapy And Bone Marrow Transplantation For Treatment Of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,445.00
Summary
Bone marrow stem cells modified to express self antigen is proposed as a treatment for experimental autoimmune uveitis. A major goal of this research is to investigate the impact and possible mechanism of gene therapy on the development and progression of autoimmune disease in the eye to prevent or reduce the severity of disease.
A Novel Patch-fluorimetry Technique For Investigating Structural Changes During Gating Of Mechanosensitive Ion Channnels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,018.00
Summary
Membrane proteins, especially membrane channels play an important role in regulating the flow of substances across the cell. Dysfunction in these channels can lead to a variety of diseases. Thus approximately 60% of drug development is targeted against such proteins. In our research, we are looking at membrane channels found in bacteria. Understanding the function of these channels will help us develop novel anti-bacterial agents. It will also aid to understand a role of ion channels in disease.
The Essential Nuclear Transporter Importin 13; Key Role In Brain And Testis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,124.00
Summary
Transport into and out of the nucleus, the control centre of cells, is critical for cell function in complex organisms such as mammals. The present proposal seeks to further understanding of a novel molecule mediating nuclear transport that has a novel inhibitory form in the testis, and important roles in the lung and nervous system. The results should help basic understanding of this molecule, and relate to disease conditions such as X-linked mental retardation and childhood asthma.
Characterising The Beta-catenin Nuclear Targeting Pathway In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$485,081.00
Summary
Bowel cancer is caused by inherited gene mutations that cause build-up of beta-catenin protein in the cell nucleus. Bowel cancer is the second largest cause of cancer deaths in Australia. We aim to study the mechanisms controlling beta-catenin accumulation in the nucleus. We will characterise new signalling pathways that control movement and activity of beta-catenin in the nucleus. This will yield insights into the role of beta-catenin in cancer and possible targets for therapy.