Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a devastating consequence of a number of heart diseases. Underlying causes include inherited heart muscle problems (cardiomyopathies), with no cause found in 40%. Our study will investigate the role of 'concealed cardiomyopathy' cases, i.e. those with a SCD event with no evidence of heart disease, but carry errors in heart genes. Our findings will translate rapidly into more targeted clinical and genetic evaluation of families with the ultimate goal to prevent SCD.
ASIC1a, A New Therapeutic Drug Target For Cardiac Ischemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,382,224.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer in the world, in large part due to the lack of drugs to protect the heart from the damage caused by injuries such as heart attack. Our team of world-leading scientists and clinicians has identified a novel therapeutic target (ASIC1a) against which drugs could be targeted to protect the heart against these injuries. The aim of this project is to develop novel cardioprotective drugs that target ASIC1a so we can test them in human clinical trials.
Understanding The Role Of Lipid In Membrane Permeabilization By The Bcl-2 Family Executioner Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,524.00
Summary
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that protects our bodies from dangerous cells, e.g cells infected with viruses or that might become cancerous. A network of protein families control this process and this work will understand how certain members regulate a crucial step in this cell death pathway. Our studies will reveal key insights into apoptosis at the molecular level and inform the development of therapeutics for diseases characterised by dysregulated cell death such as cancer.
Understanding The Molecular Mechanisms Of Cell Death In Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,856.00
Summary
Radiotherapy (RT) is responsible for 40% of cancer cures. New technology enables RT delivery in fewer treatments using higher radiation dosages through a technique called 'ART'. While ART is effective in the clinic, the underlying mechanisms of cancer cell death are unclear. Here we show that ART induces two distinct waves of cancer cell death. We will characterize these waves of cell death and determine how to enhance tumour cell killing with pharmacological intervention.
Deadly Commute - Targeting The Trafficking Mechanisms That Licence Inflammatory Cell Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$774,544.00
Summary
MLKL is a protein naturally found inside cells. MLKL is activated by inflammation. Once activated, MLKL relocates to the outer periphery of cells and kills them. Gut cells are especially vulnerable to death-by-MLKL and this problem causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Using cutting edge microscopy, we have discovered how MLKL moves to the periphery of cells prior to killing them. We will test if blocking this movement of MLKL to the cell periphery stops gut death and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.