Meta-research: Using Research To Increase The Value Of Health And Medical Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Improving the return on investment in health and medical research will produce more and faster discoveries that enhance the lives of all Australians. Many problems in the research process are well known and have been pervasive for decades. I will use the research process to improve the research process. I will improve Australia's health and medical research workforce and the quality of the research they produce, creating benefits in multiple fields that last long into the future.
This is an application for reappointment as a Principal Research Fellow. My primary area of research is preclinical studies of addiction, with a particular emphasis on relapse. I am increasingly engaged in translational studies.
We have entered an era where it is now possible to sequence an individual's genetic blueprint. In the case of cancer this can be used to determine the genetic damage that has occurred in cancer cells. This fellowship seeks to carry out large scale sequencing of cancer patient and map out the genetic damage that is common to get a handle on what drives the disease. It will also investigate how personalized mutation detection might improve cancer treatment selection for individual patients.
Delivering On The GWAS Promise: From Genetic Discoveries To Novel Drug Targets For Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,605.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to identify new drug targets for asthma. This is important because for 6 in 10 asthma patients, current treatments do not adequately control disease symptoms and so these individuals are at a higher risk of having severe exacerbations. I propose that identifying asthma risk genes represents our best chance to identify novel drug targets for asthma. In this study, I will identify new asthma risk genes and test whether blocking these genes can alleviate disease symptoms.
Platelets are key blood elements that are essential for the prevention of bleeding in response to injury or infection. Overactive or spontaneously active platelets cause thrombosis and blood clot formation. My laboratory has identified new physiological pathways of activation of platelet metalloproteinases, the enzymes that regulate surface levels of the prothrombotic platelet receptors. By understanding this mechanism of receptor regulation, we can uniquely target platelet receptors in people w ....Platelets are key blood elements that are essential for the prevention of bleeding in response to injury or infection. Overactive or spontaneously active platelets cause thrombosis and blood clot formation. My laboratory has identified new physiological pathways of activation of platelet metalloproteinases, the enzymes that regulate surface levels of the prothrombotic platelet receptors. By understanding this mechanism of receptor regulation, we can uniquely target platelet receptors in people with prothrombotic pathologies.Read moreRead less
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.
Prof. Simes will lead and develop research at the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre in collaboration with major national and international cooperative groups. Research themes include integrating molecular science with trial design and embedding research routinely in health care. Projects include surgery for rectal cancer; novel targeted therapy in gastric cancer; aspirin to prevent colon cancer; placental transfusion for preterm babies; risk in heart disease; economic assessment of clinical trials.
Defining The Role Of The PSA-related Kallikrein Serine Proteases In Hormone Dependent Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$880,454.00
Summary
Kallikreins are a family of 15 proteins, related to the prostate cancer biomarker PSA, that have potential as biomarkers for hormone dependent cancers such as prostate and ovarian cancer. Prof Judith Clements and her team discovered that kallikreins induce resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer and are found in prostate cancer bone disease. Her research will determine the underlying mechanisms of kallikrein action and their potential as new biomarkers or treatment targets for these disease ....Kallikreins are a family of 15 proteins, related to the prostate cancer biomarker PSA, that have potential as biomarkers for hormone dependent cancers such as prostate and ovarian cancer. Prof Judith Clements and her team discovered that kallikreins induce resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer and are found in prostate cancer bone disease. Her research will determine the underlying mechanisms of kallikrein action and their potential as new biomarkers or treatment targets for these diseases.Read moreRead less
Translating Oocyte Biology Discoveries To New Clinical Practices
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,605.00
Summary
A/Professor Gilchrist is a reproductive biologist studying factors that regulate the intrinsic quality of unfertilised eggs. He has produced and patented the use of unique growth factors produced by the egg that enhance egg quality in women. Bringing together industry and a world-leading clinic, he is developing new forms of hormone-free infertility treatment which he will take to clinical practice over the next 5 years.
Innovations In Prevention And Treatment Of Vascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
Novel clinical trials and related basic science research in the prevention and treatment of heart and blood vessel disease and diabetic complications will be undertaken, building on extensive collaborations and novel discoveries to date.