Epigenetic And Functional Decline Of Intestinal Stem Cells During Aging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$584,390.00
Summary
Age related changes have been shown to impact on the overall functional properties of the intestinal epithelium, which affects overall nutrition and quality of life in the aged population. This proposal will study the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying intestine deterioration during aging.
Tapping The Power Of Pluripotency: The Role Of HMGA1 In Stem Cell Self-renewal And Cell Fate Transitions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,314.00
Summary
Stem-cell-based therapies have great potential as new treatments for degenerative and genetic diseases. However, to ensure we move in the right direction, we need a detailed understanding of stem cell properties. We have recently identified a novel mechanism for controlling stem-cell-like properties in both normal and cancer stem cells. In this project, we will further investigate this new means of controlling stem cells, which could revolutionise future therapeutic strategies for many diseases.
The Regulation Of Pluripotency And Self-renewal In Embryonic And Germline Stem Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,767.00
Summary
Regulation of self-renewal and developmental potential in embryonic and germline stem cells. The capacity of some stem cells to self-renew and under specific conditions, give rise to all adult cell types, a property known as pluripotency , is the key to unlocking the potential of cell based therapies. The development of stem cell based therapies promises to revolutionize the treatment of many common human diseases. For instance, in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinsons disease, normal ....Regulation of self-renewal and developmental potential in embryonic and germline stem cells. The capacity of some stem cells to self-renew and under specific conditions, give rise to all adult cell types, a property known as pluripotency , is the key to unlocking the potential of cell based therapies. The development of stem cell based therapies promises to revolutionize the treatment of many common human diseases. For instance, in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinsons disease, normal embryonic stem cells grown in culture could be used to replace the lost or disabled neurons in the patient. Many other conditions including diabetes, cystic fibrosis, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke could potentially be treated with stem cell based therapies. Understanding the molecular regulators that govern establishment and maintenance in culture of stem cell lines derived from embryos and from germ cells is the primary goal of this study. We will use well-established techniques to genetically manipulate mouse embryonic stem cells and embryos to examine the role of a specific gene, NANOG. Named after the Celtic legend of Tir NaNog (land of the ever young). When NANOG was forced to remain active, embryonic stem cells were able to grow in media deficient in factors usually required for self-renewal and did not lose their pluripotency even when treated with chemical agents that usually induce differentiation. Understanding the full capacity of NANOG to influence stem cell self-renewal and elucidation of the underlying molecular pathways regulated by this gene will provide valuable insights into the establishment and manipulation of stem cell lines from embryonic and adult tissues.Read moreRead less
Dissecting The Molecular Mechanisms During Reprogramming Of Different Somatic Cells Into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells And The Plasticity Potential Of Their Intermediate Stages.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$234,965.00
Summary
I am a biochemist interested in the molecular mechanisms involved in gene expression and how these processes govern cell identity. I use a combination of mouse models, biochemical techniques and bioinformatics to study the _reprogramming� of adult cells into embryonic stem-like cells and how this technology can be used to generate different cell types for use in cellular replacement therapies and drug screening.
Making Human T- And B-lymphocytes For Immunotherapy And Antibody Production
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$795,880.00
Summary
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are involved in producing antibodies, killing defective cells, or killing cells infected with viruses. In recent years, researchers have found ways to harness lymphocytes to develop medicines for treating a variety of different cancers. In this project, we will establish methods to make human lymphocytes in the laboratory from stem cells, paving the way for the broader application of this cell type to new therapies.
Defining The Role Of Nedd4 In Neural Crest Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,565.00
Summary
Neural crest cells are specialised stem cells that give rise to many tissues and organs during embryonic development. We recently identified an essential role for a regulatory protein in neural crest cells. Our research is aimed at understanding how this protein influences the growth of structures such as the heart and facial skeleton. Understanding these processes underpins the ultimate goal of implementing diagnostic and preventative medicine for highly prevalent congenital birth defects.
Characterising The Mechanisms That Control Blood Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,616.00
Summary
Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that provides the body with a constant supply of all the cells of the blood system. My studies aim to characterize the molecular mechanisms that regulate the expansion and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into each cell lineage. These studies will be key to the effective use of cellular transplantation therapeutic strategies and aim to provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms that underpin proliferative disorders such as can ....Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that provides the body with a constant supply of all the cells of the blood system. My studies aim to characterize the molecular mechanisms that regulate the expansion and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into each cell lineage. These studies will be key to the effective use of cellular transplantation therapeutic strategies and aim to provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms that underpin proliferative disorders such as cancer.Read moreRead less
Understanding how the brain grows and is organised is one of the great challenges of science. This project seeks to identify key regulators of neural progenitors as these are the building blocks from which all brains cells are derived. This knowledge may also identify new avenues through which to manipulate neural progenitor function. This has implications not only for normal brain development but also potential therapies for neural disorders and disease.
Regulation Of The Drosophila C-Myc Homologue In Stem Cell Growth And Division.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,397.00
Summary
The mechanisms controlling stem cell growth and division require elucidation if we are to use stem cells in regenerative medicine and find cancer treatments. Due to experimental limitations such mechanisms are largely unknown in humans. We aim to use the vinegar fly as a model system to understand the importance of microenvironment to cancer gene control in stem cells. We will identify the secreted signals, from the neighbouring cells, required to control cancer initiation in stem cells.
Investigating The Formation And Utility Of The Prenatal Platelet Forming System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$793,442.00
Summary
A major challenge to regenerative medicine is discovering how to produce useful cell types in the laboratory. Particularly urgent is the need to generate large numbers of platelets, the building blocks of the clotting system, for clinical use. Current laboratory methods are woefully inefficient, thus cannot meet demand. This project aims to discover how platelets are made in nature. With this information we will be able to devise better platelet production strategies in the laboratory.