Targeting KRAS Mutations In Cancer Using A Novel SiRNA Delivery Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,899.00
Summary
Mutations in a gene called KRAS are found in 20% of human cancers but are impossible to target with existing treatments. RNA interference is a promising new way to target genes previously considered undruggable, but there is no way to deliver the molecules required for RNA interference to tumours. We will evaluate the ability of a new nanotechnology based delivery system (antibody targeted minicells) to deliver RNA interference, thereby selectively targeting of KRAS in tumours while avoiding tox ....Mutations in a gene called KRAS are found in 20% of human cancers but are impossible to target with existing treatments. RNA interference is a promising new way to target genes previously considered undruggable, but there is no way to deliver the molecules required for RNA interference to tumours. We will evaluate the ability of a new nanotechnology based delivery system (antibody targeted minicells) to deliver RNA interference, thereby selectively targeting of KRAS in tumours while avoiding toxicity to normal tissue.Read moreRead less
Optical Vortices For Trapping And Guiding Nanoparticles In Air
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,685.00
Summary
A serious challenge for environmental protection in the fast-growing nanotechnology industry is the development of new methods for effective removal of nanoparticle contamination, which may pose hazards to humans, from air. We will develop new laser-based methods for effective capture and removal of nanoparticulate pollutants from air, which will find wide-spread application in developing ecologically clean and health-safe environments for the Australian and world-wide nanotechnology industry.
Mechanisms Of Nanoparticle-mediated Inhibition Of Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,921.00
Summary
Ultrafine pollution particles may promote asthma, and there is concern that man-made 'nanoparticles' have a similar effect. Surprisingly, we found that inert toxin-free nanoparticles inhibit asthma. We propose nanoparticles do this by leaving a unique �imprint� in the lung. We will explore how this imprint modifies lung inflammatory and immune regulatory cell function, and investigate particles made from advanced biodegradable polymers as potential therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases suc ....Ultrafine pollution particles may promote asthma, and there is concern that man-made 'nanoparticles' have a similar effect. Surprisingly, we found that inert toxin-free nanoparticles inhibit asthma. We propose nanoparticles do this by leaving a unique �imprint� in the lung. We will explore how this imprint modifies lung inflammatory and immune regulatory cell function, and investigate particles made from advanced biodegradable polymers as potential therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma.Read moreRead less
Antibody-directed Delivery Of Anti-restenotic Agents Using Inorganic Nanoparticles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,151.00
Summary
Arteries that have been surgically treated to remove fatty lesions that block blood flow frequently become re-blocked (restenosed), and drugs to prevent this re-blockage often have bad side-effects. We propose to prevent these complications by target-delivering the drugs directly and only to the required site using a single injection at the time of surgery. This will limit systemic side-effects, treatment costs and incidence of reblocking and bleeding complications.
MICROFABRICATED DEVICES: A SIGNIFICANT ADVANCE FOR THE DETECTION AND MOLECULAR ANALYSES OF CIRCULATING CANCER CELLS?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,107.00
Summary
Using advanced microfabrication concepts, this project aims to develop a platform technology able to capture tumour cells circulating in the blood of cancer patients. Although present only in extremely small numbers, these cells provide invaluable insights into the pathophysiology of the disease and consequently provide vital diagnostic and prognostic information. Molecular analyses of these cancer cells could ultimately enable the design of improved and personalized cancer treatment.