Epithelial - Stromal Interactions In Pancreatic Cancer: Role Of Pancreatic Stellate Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,750.00
Summary
The pancreas is the major digestive organ in the body. It is located in the abdomen, draped across the spine behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of death in this country and in Western Society in general. Most patients with this disease survive only a few months after diagnosis. Even for those in whom a curative operation is undertaken, survival is poor. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (alone and in combination) result in, at best, limited benefit. Clearly, there is a need for ....The pancreas is the major digestive organ in the body. It is located in the abdomen, draped across the spine behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of death in this country and in Western Society in general. Most patients with this disease survive only a few months after diagnosis. Even for those in whom a curative operation is undertaken, survival is poor. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (alone and in combination) result in, at best, limited benefit. Clearly, there is a need for novel approaches to this lethal disease. The proposed project involves an examination of the local tissue reaction around pancreatic cancer. This tissue reaction is usually prominent and the cells involved may determine the extent of local and distant spread of the cancer. Modulation of this tissue reaction may limit pancreatic cancer growth and thus improve outcome.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Novel And Essential Bromodomain Proteins In Coordinating Malaria Parasite Gene Regulation And Their Potential As Anti-malarial Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$689,034.00
Summary
Malaria kills over 400,000 people a year and new therapies are needed. Malaria parasites activate groups of genes by novel mechanisms that could be targeted by drugs. We will characterise a novel group of proteins to identify those that activate genes essential for parasite survival. We will also search for molecules that inhibit the proteins and kill malaria parasites. Thus we will discover how parasites control their genes and identify drug targets and inhibitors for drug development.
Immune Regulation During Uncomplicated And Severe P. Falciparum And P. Vivax Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
Malaria is a major global disease that kills over 1 million people every year. Immune responses induced during infection help fight the infection but can also cause tissue damage and thereby worsen disease. This study will determine differences in cellular immune responses during uncomplicated and severe malaria. Better understanding of the role of immune cells in response to infection and disease progression will assist the development of novel treatment interventions and vaccine development.
Blood clotting is dependent upon platelets. A decline in platelet number, or thrombocytopenia, is a life threatening condition that can result from various diseases or importantly as a side effect of chemotherapy. We are investigating the control of platelet production. A long term goal is to stimulate platelet production in patients by boosting the natural pathways or to generate platelet producing cells for transfusion from a patient's own skin cells by genetic reprogramming.