Molecular Determinants Of Advanced Disease In Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,244.00
Summary
Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary (GCT) represent 5-10% of malignant ovarian cancers. They are distinct from the more common epithelial tumours and although considered to have a much better prognosis, they have a propensity to late recurrence. Recurrent or aggressive GCT have a poor prognosis. These studies will investigate the molecular basis of recurrence and aggressive behaviour in GCT. This will provide both prognostic information and also potential therapeutic targets.
Functional Analysis Of The Roles Of The Serine Protease Kallikrein 7 And Its Variant Isoform In Serous Ovarian Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,017.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancers with 1,200 women in Australia diagnosed with the disease in 2004, and 852 patients dying of ovarian cancer. The mortality rate has improved little over the last two decades with one of the major reasons being that ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage when cancer cells have spread into the abdomen or metastasised to other sites. The kallikrein family of serine proteases or enzymes is emerging as very useful diag ....Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancers with 1,200 women in Australia diagnosed with the disease in 2004, and 852 patients dying of ovarian cancer. The mortality rate has improved little over the last two decades with one of the major reasons being that ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage when cancer cells have spread into the abdomen or metastasised to other sites. The kallikrein family of serine proteases or enzymes is emerging as very useful diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer as they often have higher levels in ovarian cancer tissue compared to the normal ovary. One of these enzymes is kallikrein 7, which is also involved in shedding of skin cells. Because of its involvement in skin, we hypothesise it may be playing a similar role in ovarian cancer and helping the cancer cells to detach from the ovary so they are free to move around the body to other sites. There are two different forms of kallikrein 7, a long form and a shorter form which is lacking a part that is crucial to enzymatic activity. While low levels of the short form have been found in normal ovary, very high levels of both forms were seen in ovarian cancer, especially the serous subtype which is the most common and most aggressive form of ovarian cancer. The aim of this project is to determine the function(s) of both forms of kallikrein 7 in ovarian cancer and to identify other molecules-proteins they are involved with. These findings will tell us if kallikrein 7 is involved in the spreading of ovarian cancer cells or metastasis and will lead to a better understanding of the development and progression of ovarian cancer. The finding from this study may also lead to better therapeutic approaches (ie blocking the action of Kallikrein 7), and-or markers to monitor ovarian cancer progression.Read moreRead less
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a striking 9-21% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is an important health problem and can affect menstrual cycles, fertility and increase risk of diabetes and mood disorders. There is a lack of longitudinal studies that women with PCOS over time to examine the key determinants of PCOS, long-term impact of obesity and factors contributing to PCOS complications.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Insulin Resistance And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,325.00
Summary
Research to be undertaken will focus on the impact of excess weight on insulin action in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common hormone condition in women of reproductive age, with significant long-term health implications. Identification of key metabolic and lifestyle associated factors in PCOS and the long term impact of these on health outcomes will assist in enabling earlier detection and intervention to optimise management and minimise long-term sequelae.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Targeting The Sympathetic Nervous System To Improve Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,140.00
Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, rendering it a major public health issue. Due to the combined development of abdominal obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance patients with PCOS are at increased risk of developing heart disease. The etiology of PCOS remains unknown but work by us implicates involvement of the sympathetic nervous system. We aim to elucidate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS and to examine the effect of ....Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, rendering it a major public health issue. Due to the combined development of abdominal obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance patients with PCOS are at increased risk of developing heart disease. The etiology of PCOS remains unknown but work by us implicates involvement of the sympathetic nervous system. We aim to elucidate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS and to examine the effect of pharmacological treatment targeting this system.Read moreRead less
Investigating Role Of Insulin Resistance And Sympathetic Nervous System In Metabolic Features Of PCOS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,468.00
Summary
PCOS affects 9-18% of Australian reproductive aged women. Whilst reproductive features are prominent, PCOS has major psychological and metabolic consequences. Emerging data implicate the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS. The aim of this PhD is to investigate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in insulin resistance and other metabolic features of PCOS and determine whether modification of this system's activity will favorably influence the metabolic consequences assoc ....PCOS affects 9-18% of Australian reproductive aged women. Whilst reproductive features are prominent, PCOS has major psychological and metabolic consequences. Emerging data implicate the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS. The aim of this PhD is to investigate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in insulin resistance and other metabolic features of PCOS and determine whether modification of this system's activity will favorably influence the metabolic consequences associated with PCOS.Read moreRead less
Effects Of Replacement And Withdrawal Of Testosterone In Human Males On Muscle, Bone And Fat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$156,682.00
Summary
Male sex hormone or androgen deficiency (AD) is a common, but under-diagnosed condition. AD decreases well being and contributes to muscle weakness, bone fragility and weight gain. Cutting edge technology will be used to help explain how AD may relate to these negative effects, particularly on muscle function. Given the importance of aging, frailty, osteoporosis and obesity, understanding the role of hormones in these conditions may have major implications for prevention and treatment.