Biology Of EGFR Mutations In Glioblastoma Multiforme
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,445.00
Summary
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein that has a critical role in the development of normal cells. In glioma, the most lethal of the brain cancers, the EGFR is altered. These alterations result in uncontrolled activation of the EGFR, causing signals that promote the growth and survival of brain cancer. This grant seeks to understand the nature of the signals mediated by the altered EGFR, in turn helping us develop better therapeutics for the treatment of this deadly cancer.
A Structural Investigation Into The T-cell Response To Epstein Barr Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$549,000.00
Summary
X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as ....X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as binding to other proteins, acting as an enzyme or interacting with nucleic acids. To determine how a protein acts, it is vital to know the precise three-dimensional shape at the atomic level. This proposal is concerned with understanding the precise shape of proteins that control the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus. Epstein Barr Virus is an ubiquitous human pathogen that has being linked to a number of cancers. This work will further our understanding of the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus.Read moreRead less
Structural Studies On Cell Signalling Via The LIF Receptor And Gp130
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$453,943.00
Summary
The cytokines play important roles in the immune system during blood cell development and inflammation, and in nerve growth, bone remodeling, reproduction and heart development. Cell responses are initiated by a cytokine bringing together on the cell surface a receptor complex made up of multiple molecules. This project will investigate the atomic structure of the cell surface macromolecular complex, and hence the underlying mechanism by which cytokine signals are initiated.
Signalling Networks As Targets For Antibody Therapy In Glioma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,683.00
Summary
Antibodies are a major component of the bodies immune system that bind (i.e. stick) to foreign substances such as viruses. Once bound, these antibodies can activate other parts of the immune system, which help destroy the foreign substance. Analogous to the situation above, a number of institutions are testing antibodies that bind to cancer cells, in order to determine if they are able to destroy these cells. It is also possible to generate antibodies that bind to receptors on the surface of can ....Antibodies are a major component of the bodies immune system that bind (i.e. stick) to foreign substances such as viruses. Once bound, these antibodies can activate other parts of the immune system, which help destroy the foreign substance. Analogous to the situation above, a number of institutions are testing antibodies that bind to cancer cells, in order to determine if they are able to destroy these cells. It is also possible to generate antibodies that bind to receptors on the surface of cancer cells and block their function. If you target a receptor critical to the growth or survival of a cancer cell in this way, then swtiching-off this signal may inhibit tumor growth. In this proposal we plan to test a panel antibodies that recognize receptors important to the growth of brain cancer. Two of these antibodies have been generated and the other two will be made as part of this proposal. A key aspect of this proposal will be testing these antibodies in combination to determine how many receptors need to be targeted in order to get complete tumor regressions in animal models. Overall this work will help us identify new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of brain cancer. Finally, we will also analyze the way different receptors interact together in brain cancer cells.Read moreRead less
Novel Retinal Architectural Vascular Signs And Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease: The AusDiab Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,254.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are major health problems. Identifying 'people at risk' is critical to design preventative strategies. We have developed new computer software to measure detailed characteristics of retinal vessels. By appling this system to predict CVD or diabetes in the AusDiab Study we aim to find 'the best combination of risk factors' to predict CVD and diabetes. This will open up the possibility of new risk assessment using a simple 'eye scan.'