Understanding immune dysfunction in acute myeloid leukemia
- Research Opportunity
- PhD, Honours, Master of Biomedical Science
- Department
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Location
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute
| Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Justine Mintern | jmintern@unimelb.edu.au | 83442976 | Personal web page |
| Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Jose Villadangos | j.villadangos@unimelb.edu.au |
Project Details
The growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase flt3 is the most frequently mutated gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Flt3 is expressed by immune cells and promotes their function and survival. Patients with flt3 mutations have poorer prognosis and more aggressive disease.
In this project, we will examine molecular mechanisms that regulate flt3 receptor in healthy settings and in a model of AML. We will use microscopy, immunoprecipitation and flow cytometry to examine how the mutated flt3 receptor, compared to wild type receptor, is trafficked inside immune cells. These studies will incorporate the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to delete genes identified in patient studies that are implicated in flt3 function. In addition, we will examine how mutant flt3 impacts the ability of immune cells to elicit effective immunity.
Faculty Research Themes
Cancer, Infection and Immunology
School Research Themes
Cancer in Biomedicine, Cell Signalling, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, Infection & Immunity
Research Opportunities
PhD, Honours, Master of Biomedical Science
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
Department
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Research Group / Unit / Centre
Mintern laboratory: Vaccine biology
Research Node
Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology InstituteMDHS Research library
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