Structural Characterisation Of Long Non-Coding RNA Bound Histone Modification Complexes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
Cancer is a disease associated with genetic and epigenetic changes of DNA. Epigenetics involves external changes to the DNA, switching processes “on” and “off”, to regulate gene expression. This project aims to provide powerful insight into key processes involved in epigenetic-based carcinogenesis, and thereby lay the foundation for producing novel cancer diagnostic markers and molecular based therapies.
Using Astrocytes To Protect The Brain From Injury: Investigating Mechanisms And Therapeutic Strategies.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,310.00
Summary
Brain damage caused by hypoxia (lack of oxygen) is a common problem in babies and can lead to outcomes ranging from cerebral palsy to death. We have a limited understanding of the mechanisms that cause damage, and thus very limited treatments. This project will investigate the role of cells called astrocytes in brain injury and identify novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse brain damage. The outcomes of this research will ultimately lead to new treatments for hypoxic brain injury.
Structural And Functional Studies Of The Human IL-3 Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
This proposal will study a protein hormone that is implicated in blood cell cancers and inflammatory diseases and for which current treatments are inadequate. We will determine how the hormone receptor becomes activated, identify and characterise new agents that block this activation. This information will help in the development of new and highly specific drugs for use in certain cancers in inflammatory diseases.
Discovery And Characterisation Of Long Noncoding RNAs In Human Neurological Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,647.00
Summary
Numerous regions in our DNA influence how likely we are to develop various diseases, including brain disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia. However, in many of these regions no genes have been found and they appear “empty”, making it difficult to uncover what’s triggering the disease. This project will use a powerful new technology to discover new genes hidden within these supposedly “empty” regions that are important in brain disorders and investigate how they contribute to disease.
The Role Of Innate Immune Memory In The Transition From Acute To Chronic Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,440.00
Summary
Chronic pain costs Australians more than $34 billion annually and is the 3rd highest Australian disease burden. It has long been thought to be a disease of the wiring of the brain. This project aims to challenge this long held belief by examining the impact of the immune system in creating chronic pain. Such work promises to provide new and better ways to prevent chronic pain, which will improve & maintain good health for all Australians.
Pharmacological Investigation Of The Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor (GLP-1R)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,948.00
Summary
Family B G protein-coupled receptors represent key therapeutic targets for many conditions, including metabolic, bone, growth and neuronal disorders. However, poor mechanistic understanding of this receptor family impacts on their clinical value. Consequently, this research is aimed at gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the family B glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor through use of new and novel pharmacological techniques.
Properties And Functions Of Reactive Astrocytes And Their Role In Neurological Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,652.00
Summary
I am a developmental neuroscientist interested in the way alterations to normal brain development affect neuronal function later in life. I intend to investigate this by studying astrocytes – the cells that support and nourish brain nerve cells. In some diseases these astrocytes become stressed and instead of aiding the brain, set about destroying it. A better understanding of their action during development and disease may enable improved interventions for the treatment of many brain disorders.
Oligomers Of The Alzheimer's Amyloid-? Peptide: Structure, Mechanism Of Toxicity And Small Molecule Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,324.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that currently affects 240 000 Australians. The protein called amyloid-? is found in deposits in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. The toxic form of this protein is thought to be small aggregated particles called ‘oligomers’. This work aims to investigate the structure of these particles, the reason why they are toxic, as well as their interaction with the neuroprotective compound EGCG, which is found in green tea.