A biological model to understand caveolin-1 and lipid raft function in health and disease

Abstract:: Defective caveolin-1 is associated with chronic, debilitating diseases including cancer and diabetes. Caveolin-1 alters cell function by changing the content and distribution of special cholesterol-rich membrane domains called lipid rafts. Current treatments for lipid raft dysfunction are limited and non-specific. This project will develop a biological model of lipid raft fujction and model prostate cancer-associated caveolin-1 defect to find novel drug targets. The development of drugs that specifically target defective pathways will more effectively cure or prevent cancer and other chronic diseases. This will greatly alleviate the national economic, health and social burden associated with these prevalent diseases.
Grant type:: ARC Future Fellowships
Funded by:: Australian Research Council

The University of Queensland