Brown fat protects animals against obesity and diabetes. Humans with abundant brown fat are metabolically healthy. Identification of medication that boosts brown fat function may lead to novel treatment of metabolic disorders. This proposal will examine the role of such a medication, which is modeled on a factor (called FGF21) released from brown fat. The project will also search for other factors released by human brown fat, which may become future targets of obesity treatment.
This study focuses on key endocrine pathways involved in the remodelling of the breast stromal cells into a reactive stromal environment which is more permissive for tumour growth. We have identified key pathways involved in the regulation of estrogen biosynthesis and fibrosis in tumour associated stroma. These studies will lead to the development of novel breast cancer therapies.
Practice- And Policy-relevant Research In Skin Cancer Epidemiology, Prevention And Screening
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,402.00
Summary
This Fellowship will enable me to lead an internationally-competitive program of research in skin cancer epidemiology, prevention & screening that will lead to improved patient and population health through impacts on clinical practice and health policy. My aim is to lead paradigm-shifting contributions in: ? Genetic epidemiology of melanoma, ? Precision skin cancer prevention & screening, and ? Public health genomics for cancer prevention.
Stem And Progenitor Cell Contribution To Skin Wounds And Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Skin wounds represent a major health and economic burden. Although skin stem cells have been used routinely for the treatment of wounds, they cannot reconstitute a fully functional skin given the complexity and the many cell types usually involved in wound healing. In this project, we intend to evaluate the role of different cell populations on modulating skin wound healing to produce more regeneration and less scaring.
Modulating Skin Regenerative Responses To Improve Wound Repair And Fight Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Skin disorders, such as hard to heal wounds or the most common skin cancers, are a major burden on the national health system. Despite their different nature they employ similar mechanisms of response to injury. In this project we intend to develop a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms at play to allow clinical interventions to prevent or to cure these disorders.