Characterising Protein And Membrane Changes In Age-related Cataract Lenses.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,624.00
Summary
Cataract is the major cause of blindness worldwide. At present the only treatment for cataract, is surgery. This, however, is associated with complications (e.g. posterior capsule opacification), is expensive (a major component of the Health budget) and cannot keep pace with the incidence of cataract in developing nations. In addition, due to the greying of the community , this problem will be of increasing importance in the future. For prevention, we need to understand why cataract develops.
Defining The Role Of A Palmitoylated Variant Of Sphingosine Kinase 1 In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,452.00
Summary
Sphingosine kinase is a protein that when dysregulated is involved in cancer development and progression. We have recently made a substantial breakthrough in this area by identifing a naturally occuring variant of sphingosine kinase that is constantly activated and has an enhanced ability to induce cancer. In this study we will examine and target this form of sphingosine kinase as a potential therapeutic intervention in cancer.
The Role Of Protein Glycosylation In The Malaria Parasite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,428.00
Summary
The parasites that cause malaria have unique proteins on their surface that are essential for infection of humans. These proteins are useful for making vaccines to train our immune system to recognize and block infection by the malaria parasite. Our latest research has shown that these proteins are modified with sugars that enhance parasite virulence. We are studying these modifications more closely to facilitate the development of improved malaria vaccines.
Role Of Sirtuins In The Regulation Of The Carcinogen Metabolising Arylamine N-acetyltransferases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,324.00
Summary
This project will investigate critical biochemical pathways that regulate metabolic differences in normal and cancer cells. By understanding how these processes differ, novel approaches for detecting and managing cancer cell proliferation in humans may be achievable.
Protein Prenylation And Inflammation: New Insights Into The Pathophysiology And Treatment Of Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,755.00
Summary
This project is focused on a genetic, potentially fatal, inflammatory disease that appears in infancy. We have developed a new way of detecting the underlying defect as well as the first animal models that have the same genetic mutations and mimic the disease. With these revolutionary new approaches, we will discover the exact cause of the inflammation, test a new way of diagnosing the disease, and identify new and better therapies that treat the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms.
Investigating Drug Treatments For A Machado Joseph Disease Using Transgenic Zebrafish
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,425.00
Summary
Machado Joseph disease (MJD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease that causes problems with a patient’s co-ordination and movement, leading to paralysis and death. Although the disease affects patients throughout the world, it is most common within Aboriginal communities of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. This project seeks to identify a drug treatment for the disease by examining the effect of relevant drugs on zebrafish genetically modified to have the human gene that causes MJD.