The Role Of CD1-restricted T Cells In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
The human immune system requires T cells for survival. Specialised populations of T cells exist that patrol the body and target unwanted lipid molecules expressed by bacteria or by cells that have become abnormal or cancerous. I will identify these T cells in human blood and skin and determine their role in protection against disease. I will explore the types of lipids molecules recognised by these T cells and use this information to help prevent human diseases.
Monoclonal antibodies, such as the breast cancer therapeutic Herceptin, have revolutionised the treatment of cancer and inflammatory conditions. Will over $30 billion sales in 2011, they have also spawned a growing biotech industry. We have a generated a highly specific monoclonal antibody, which has shown efficacy in models of disease. This project will further advance and develop this monoclonal, allowing us to initiate clinical studies in patients.
The Emergence Of Dead Enzymes As Signal Transducers And Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
The cells within our bodies are constantly being replenished by new cells. Removal of old cells is typically fast and without fanfare. However, in some cases, cell death can be used to evoke an inflammatory response. My work examines the molecular details of how this happens and how we might advance our knowledge to develop novel drugs to prevent inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's disease and psoriasis.
A Targeted Nutrient-depletion Approach To Tackle Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent male specific cancer, and has a similar incidence to breast cancer in women. We are studying the role of protein pumps that control the amount of nutrients taken into and out of cancer cells. We are aiming to structurally determine LAT1 and LAT3, two nutrient pumps important for cancer progression, and to use these structures as a platform for drug design where the intention is to drugs 'starve’ the cancer by restricting nutrient uptake.
Peripheral Membrane Proteins In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,151.00
Summary
Peripheral membrane proteins are critical for processes such as cell transport, signaling, neurosecretion and development. As such, their dysfunction can lead to many debilitating diseases including cancer, inflammation and neurodegeneration. This project will establish fundamental new knowledge about how peripheral membrane proteins regulate cell function, how their perturbation or mutation results in human disease, and will inform efforts to target them for future therapeutic outcomes.
Investigating The Mechanism And Consequences Of Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Detachment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Killer cells are white blood cells that destroy cancerous cells. To move to their next target they must quickly detach from a dying target. Failure of detachment results in excessive inflammation and tumour escape. This project will discover the detachment signals required to ‘release’ a locked-on killer cell. This will lead to a deeper understanding of immune pathology and new ways of treating cancer.
Improving Patient Outcomes In Leukaemia By Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$294,763.00
Summary
Blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are among the most deadly types of cancer and new treatments are desperately needed to improve patient’s survival in these diseases. AML cancer-causing stem cells survive by turning on immortalization programs and we hope to specifically kill these AML stem cells by blocking these crucial pathways. This includes things that control the way the cells divide and the way they respond to genetic damage as well as other novel pathways.
Using Human 3D Engineered Heart Tissue For Discovery Of Novel Biology And Novel Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
The goal of this project is to develop a model of miniaturised 3D human heart tissue for research into cardiac biology and also drug discovery applications. This will hopefully result in better, cheaper drugs in the future with less reliance on animal testing.