Functional Analysis Of The Toxoplasma Myosin Driving Tissue Dissemination And Host Cell Invasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,241.00
Summary
The single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of Toxoplasmosis and is an important basis of eye disease, congenital birth defects and illness in immunocompromised individuals. To perpetuate infection T. gondii moves through tissue and invades host cells using a molecular motor, termed the 'glideosome'. We will reveal how the glideosome produces the force required for movement and characterise its critical features. Our work will provide a foundation in which to model novel drugs that ....The single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of Toxoplasmosis and is an important basis of eye disease, congenital birth defects and illness in immunocompromised individuals. To perpetuate infection T. gondii moves through tissue and invades host cells using a molecular motor, termed the 'glideosome'. We will reveal how the glideosome produces the force required for movement and characterise its critical features. Our work will provide a foundation in which to model novel drugs that could be designed to treat Toxoplasmosis.Read moreRead less
Genetic Programs Orchestrated By AP-1 Transcription Factors In Colorectal Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,941.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. About half of all patients diagnosed with the disease die as a result of its spread in the body. This project will investigate the role that a specific DNA-binding protein plays in orchestrating gene expression programs required for CRCs to spread. The research will provide new insights into underlying mechanisms of CRC progression as well as identify new therapeutic targets for aggressive forms of the disease.
How Does Fra-1 Regulate The Invasive Properties Of Tumour Cells?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
Most cancer deaths occur when tumours spread and destroy vital body functions. The invasion of tumour cells into surrounding tissue is a critical step during the spread of cancer. This project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms that control the ability of tumour cells to invade into surrounding tissue and subsequently spread to other sites in the body. We expect to identify potential targets to better diagnose and treat the spread of cancer.
The Role Of Stem-progenitor Cells In Regeneration Of Mouse Endometrium.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,938.00
Summary
The endometrium (lining of the uterus) undergoes breakdown and re-growth each month as part of the menstrual cycle. This restorative process is not well understood. For the first time stem cells have been identified within human endometrium that are likely to be responsible for its remarkable regeneration. The aim of this project is to identify stem cells within the mouse endometrium, to use as a model to understand how the endometrium restores each month after menstruation.
Mechanistic Basis Of AP-1-regulated Gene Expression During Colorectal Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,802.00
Summary
The spread of colorectal cancers in the body poses a major clinical problem for which current treatment options are inadequate. This project aims to unravel how a specific DNA-binding protein regulates the expression of genes involved in the spread of these cancers. The research is expected to provide a better mechanistic understanding of how disease progression occurs and to identify novel strategies to treat aggressive tumours.
We have discovered a single tumour factor which causes cancer cachexia, a wasting condition that is one of the worst complications of malignancy, for which there is no current effective treatment. We have developed antibodies which effectively block this condition in preclinical models and have produced human/humanised version of this. This application is to characterise these human antibodies to allow us proceed to clinical trials.
Central Neural Circuits Subserving Nutrient–activated Thermogenesis - The Basis Of Post Prandial Energy Expenditure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$766,207.00
Summary
Studies of “energy burning” brown fat, including its importance in the determination of obesity in humans and the potential to increase its capacity by turning white fat into brown-like fat are currently foremost in obesity research. Here we study the detail of brain pathways that dictate brown fat activity after a meal resulting in the burning of ingested calories and reduction of body weight. The results will give us a better idea of how we can harness brown fat to combat obesity.
Central Neural Regulation Of Brown Fat Function – Glucose Sensing And CNS Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,942.00
Summary
Our research aims to identify how specific brain cells detect changes in glucose levels and how ageing and diet affect their function. We identified a subset of nerve cells that detect changes in glucose and the “hunger” hormone ghrelin, their ability to do so adapting with age and nutritional status. This project will investigate the potential of these nerve cells as targets for therapeutic and diet- intervention strategies to target obesity, diabetes and promote healthy ageing.
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.
To study the genetic alterations that give rise to cancer. In particular, exploring how too little death of cells can lead to a tumour. If too few cells in a tissue die, a tumour may develop there. The team is exploring how the cell death process is normally controlled. They plan to characterise the molecules inside cells that determine whether a cell lives or dies and hope that better understanding of those molecules will help to explain how tumours arise. It could also lead to new drugs that c ....To study the genetic alterations that give rise to cancer. In particular, exploring how too little death of cells can lead to a tumour. If too few cells in a tissue die, a tumour may develop there. The team is exploring how the cell death process is normally controlled. They plan to characterise the molecules inside cells that determine whether a cell lives or dies and hope that better understanding of those molecules will help to explain how tumours arise. It could also lead to new drugs that can kill tumour cells more effectively by directly triggering the normal death switch of the cell.Read moreRead less