The Regulation Of 14-3-3 Protein Function By Post-translational Modification
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,036.00
Summary
The cells of our body have control mechanisms that prevent them from growing abnormally. However, when cells become cancerous they escape the normal checks and controls and are able to survive, divide and grow uncontrollably. In the last decade the molecular basis of several of the control mechanisms involved in preventing cancerous growth have been uncovered. However, our understanding is far from complete and recent research reports suggest that we have thus far overlooked a whole level of reg ....The cells of our body have control mechanisms that prevent them from growing abnormally. However, when cells become cancerous they escape the normal checks and controls and are able to survive, divide and grow uncontrollably. In the last decade the molecular basis of several of the control mechanisms involved in preventing cancerous growth have been uncovered. However, our understanding is far from complete and recent research reports suggest that we have thus far overlooked a whole level of regulation of cell growth control. Signals that instruct a normal cell to divide are propogated by pathways of interacting molecules within the cell. These pathways are regulated by switch mechanisms that either modify the interacting molecules, thereby inactivating their activity or by controlling when and where the molecules are allowed to interact. This spatial and temporal control mechanism is mediated by a family of specialised molecules, called 14-3-3 proteins. Recent research indicates that the function of these 14-3-3 proteins is also tightly controlled, although as yet we don't understand how. This research proposal attempts to discover the molecular mechanism of regulation of 14-3-3 function. An understanding of this process may provide new molecular targets for the development of therapeutics against cancer.Read moreRead less
Investigation Of The Influence Preterm Birth On Lung Structure And Function In School Age Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$204,482.00
Summary
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most significant chronic lung complication of premature birth. While some information on the long term respiratory outcomes in BPD exist there are no comprehensive studies linking lung structure, function and respiratory symptoms and relating these changes to neonatal history. Studies of this kind are essential to ensure future healthcare for these children can be planned accordingly.