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Sphingosine Kinase As A Target For Anti-cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,785.00
Summary
Sphingosine kinase is a protein involved in the development and progression of numerous types of solid tumors and leukaemias. We have recently made a major break-through by identifing how the cancer-inducing activity of sphingosine kinase is controlled. In this study we will target these control mechanisms to develop potential new anti-cancer therapies.
Determining recurrence risk in breast cancer is crucial, as more than half of all recurrences occur after 5 years. However, optimal management of breast cancer is hampered by the challenges in finding rational preventative and predictive targets. Our vision is to find targets responsible for progenitor cell expansion, as candidates for prevention, and to find markers of relapse, to predict early versus late responders to therapy.
Peptides (mini proteins) have outstanding potential as new drugs for cancer, pain and many other diseases, but their potential has not been realised so far because peptides tend to be unstable in the body. I have discovered a new class of peptides that are ultra-stable and have very favourable pharmaceutical properties. I will use these peptides to develop a new generation of drugs that are more potent and with fewer side effects than traditional drugs.
Detailed images of protein molecules underpin our understanding of biological function and our attempts to find new medicines to counter biological malfunction. Proteins belonging to the so-called Bcl-2 family determine whether a cell lives or dies and, because failure to die on cue is a hallmark of many cancers, high resolution images of these molecules will reveal new targets for cancer therapies.
The nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) translate hormonal, metabolic & pathophysiological signals into gene regulation, and several NRs are very important in human health. NRs are important therapeutics targets in the treatment of dyslipidemia, insulin insensitivity and breast cancer. Our data identifies new and novel NR targets that can be therapeutically/pharmacologically exploited in the context of exercise capacity, metabolic disease and breast cancer.
Biosensor Imaging In Preclinical Pancreatic Cancer Targeting: Taking Cancer Targeting To New Dimensions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
Using cutting-edge imaging technology and 3D models that mimic cancer, we can map areas of poor drug response within distinct 'stages' or regions of tumours. Here, we pinpoint and specifically target key factors limiting efficient drug response in order to improve the encouraging anti-cancer profile of new or current drugs in pancreatic cancer.
The regulation to early T cell signalling is a critical step in immune responses. Superimposed onto the biochemical pathways is a spatial organization that defines the immunological synapse. My research aims to map the principles of the spatial organization on the molecular scale to identify how lipids could unbalance the dynamic signalling equilibrium, for example in obese patients. To achieve this goal, my research group has developed single molecule microscopy approaches.
I am a matrix biologist determining the molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets for fibrosis (tissue scarring). In particular, my research, which has a strong translational focus, is involved with elucidating the anti-fibrotic potential of the relaxin peptide-hormones (either alone or as an adjunct therapies to existing/other novel treatments) – as a means of developing therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cardiac and renal fibrosis.
Venoms To Drugs: Translating Venom Peptides Into Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$751,854.00
Summary
Chronic pain is a major global health problem that currently affects over three million Australians. There are few drugs available for treating chronic pain and many have significant side-effects. Several ion channels are critical for conducting pain signals to the brain. Blocking these channels can provide pain relief and, in some cases, protection from brain injury following stroke. We are producing potent and selective blockers of these ion channels for the treatment of chronic pain and strok ....Chronic pain is a major global health problem that currently affects over three million Australians. There are few drugs available for treating chronic pain and many have significant side-effects. Several ion channels are critical for conducting pain signals to the brain. Blocking these channels can provide pain relief and, in some cases, protection from brain injury following stroke. We are producing potent and selective blockers of these ion channels for the treatment of chronic pain and stroke.Read moreRead less
Overcoming Resistance Of Human Metastatic Melanoma To Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,758.00
Summary
Melanoma is a major Australian health problem, but there is no curative treatment once the disease spreads beyond the skin. I have been working on “overcoming resistance of melanoma to treatment” continuously for 10 years. My past research has provided a number of insights into the resistance of melanoma to treatment. I wish to extend my work to find new treatment approaches against the disease. If successful, this work will greatly benefit melanoma patients and Australian people.