Mechanisms And Patterns Of Post-Transcriptional Gene Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Genetic information resides in the DNA of our genome; however, to use this information it must be transcribed into chemically related RNA molecules, collectively known as the transcriptome. While different body cells carry the same genome, they differ widely in their transcriptome composition. To understand how cells properly utilise their transcriptomes we will characterise the marks and binding partners found on RNA in the context of cardiac and cancer biology.
Protein-RNA Interactions In Antiviral Cellular Defence And Gene Regulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,501.00
Summary
Protein-RNA interactions play key roles in antiviral cellular defence and inflammation. Investigation of these molecular interactions will lead to new therapeutic targets and means of combating virus-related disease and inflammatory disorders.
Discovering How MicroRNAs And CircRNAs Control Cancer Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
Most cancers arise from epithelial cells, and most deaths from these cancers are due to the transition of the cancer to an invasive form, that can invade tissues and establish secondary cancers (metastases). Our work will focus on understanding how recently discovered gene regulators, called microRNAs and circular RNAs, control changes in cancer cells to allow them to progress to invasive, metastatic forms and use this knowledge to find ways to block the process.
MicroRNA Pathway Control Of Immune Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
The immune system is comprised of many different cell types, each with a specialised function. Many are short-lived and must be continually replenished throughout life. Abnormalities in this process underlie many human diseases, including immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and cancer. My laboratory seeks to understand the molecular pathways that control development of immune cells and to identify the defects that lead to disease.
Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed & developing world. Underpinning the causes of cancer are genetic and cellular changes in key structural proteins that control cell growth and movement. My research aims to discover key links in the regulation of these proteins that lead to tumour formation, metastasis and drug resistance. My goal is to use this knowledge to develop effective and less toxic treatment strategies to target difficult-to-treat cancers.
Mechanisms Of Gene Regulation - Structure, Function And Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
The human genome contains at least 20000 genes. The activity of these genes must be tightly controlled throughout an individual’s life and problems with the regulation of genes lie at the heart of many common and serious diseases, including most forms of cancer. My program of research is focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying gene regulation and on the design of new reagents that could be used to manipulate the activity of genes that behave aberrantly in disease states.
Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) control cell communication networks referred to as cellular signaling. This proposal is focused on understanding the roles of PTPs in cellular signaling networks perturbed in human disease & delineating novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention
Pancreatic Islet Inflammation And Its Role In Diabetes And Islet Transplantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Diabetes is a major health epidemic & diabetic complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our community. My studies have increased our understanding of how inflammation contributes to diabetes but also directly led to the discovery of novel therapies that are been trialed in patients with type 1 diabetes undergoing islet cell transplants. My studies have increased our knowledge of the factors that lead to type 1 diabetes and the development of new treatments.