Defining The Role Of IGF-1 As A Novel Angiocrine Factor In The Development And Treament Of Common Craniofacial Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,848.00
Summary
1 in 1000 children are born with a small jaw, which requires invasive surgery for treatment. We identified that defects in blood vessel development in the jaw underlie some cases of these craniofacial defects. We found that factors secreted from the major artery in the jaw can promote jaw growth, and our research proposal aims to identify what exactly these factors are. These factors have the potential to be used to therapeutically treat children with a small jaw to help it grow correctly.
Aberrant Ependymal Development And The Formation Of Hydrocephalus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,005.00
Summary
Foetal hydrocephalus is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition associated with severe intellectual impairment. Breakdown of the ependymal cell layer, which acts as a barrier between brain tissue and the ventricular space, is a major cause of hydrocephalus. Despite the importance of these cells, we have little understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate their production. This project will identify critical signalling pathways governing the establishment of the ependymal layer.
Novel Roles For Neural Crest Cells In Cardiac Morphogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,848.00
Summary
Abnormal formation of the cardiac outflow tract leads to common malformations affecting over 1% of all births. Taking advantage of novel mouse models this grant aims to identify the molecular mechanisms by which neural crest cells control formation of the cardiac outflow tract. New information generated from this study stands to identify new targets which may be used for predictive testing and regenerative therapies.
Deciphering The Role Of Scribble In Development And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$628,789.00
Summary
Scribble is a protein that controls the orientation and organization of all cells within our body. Mutations in the Scribble gene are found in many cancers and also in some patients with spina bifida, however how these mutations cause these diseases is not understood. Here we propose experiments that can be used to link Scribble mutations to specific cellular functions. This information will help us design new therapies to treat diseases driven by tissue disorganization such as cancer.
In Australia, chronic kidney disease costs >$1 billion per annum and can only be treated by dialysis or transplantation. Your kidney function depends upon what happened during your development as all the functional units of the kidney are made prior to birth from a stem cell population that then disappears. We have found a way to recreate these stem cells from adult cells. In this project, we will optimise this process and investigate whether regenerated stem cells can repair an adult kidney.
Aberrant Mesenchymal-epithelial Transition: A Pathogenic Mechanism In Tissue Maintenance And Differentiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,299.00
Summary
The causative genetic factors associated with aberrant changes of cellular properties are identified by analysing the profile and the control mechanism of gene expression. Specifically,this project will reveal how the transition of different patterns of tissue organization may be manifested in birth defects and malignant diseases.
The Role Of The Asymmetric Cell Division Regulator GPSM2 In Mammary Gland Development And Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,539.00
Summary
Tissues are built by small populations of progenitor cells which divide unequally to generate different cell types. Recent studies suggest defective progenitor cells are founders of some breast cancers and that progenitor-like cancer cells resist therapy to regenerate tumours. We have shown a progenitor division regulator called GPSM2 controls these cells and inhibits breast cancer. Examination of this new anti-tumour pathway promises to identify therapeutic targets for breast cancer recurrence.
Understanding The Regulation Of Kidney Morphogenesis In Order To Improve Renal Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$683,040.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease is a growing burden to the health system. The long term health of your kidneys is influenced by the number of functional units, nephrons, present in each kidney, a feature that is determined before birth. If we could influence this number, we may be able to reduce the risk of kidney disease in later life for at risk populations, including the Aboriginal community. This study will investigate the stem cells that form the nephrons, how the process occurs and how it can be in ....Chronic kidney disease is a growing burden to the health system. The long term health of your kidneys is influenced by the number of functional units, nephrons, present in each kidney, a feature that is determined before birth. If we could influence this number, we may be able to reduce the risk of kidney disease in later life for at risk populations, including the Aboriginal community. This study will investigate the stem cells that form the nephrons, how the process occurs and how it can be influenced.Read moreRead less