Further Characterisation Of The Role Of HSSB1 In DNA Repair And Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,526.00
Summary
To date, all breast cancer predisposition genes identified play an important role in the DNA damage repair pathway. We have characterised a new protein designated as hSSB1, which plays a crucial role in the maintenance of genomic stability by protecting us from DNA damage. Significantly, evidence strongly suggests an interaction of hSSB1 with the breast cancer susceptibility protein BRCA2. This project will investigate the role of hSSB1 in breast cancer predisposition and DNA damage repair.
Biomarkers Of Phenotype, Prognosis And Response To Therapy In Pancreatic Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,845.00
Summary
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in our society. This research is aimed at the discovery of novel biomarkers with the ability to forecast prognosis and response to treatments in patients with PC. Ultimately, this will lead to the “individualisation” of the treatment for each patient, so that the most appropriate therapy could be given to an individual patient. This would significantly improve the overall survival and the quality of life for patients.
Advanced Anti-cancer Activities With Therapeutic Agents That Induce Tumor Cell Apoptosis And Antitumor Immune Responses.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,701.00
Summary
The aim is to perform pre-clinical studies to identify new therapies for blood cancers. We will utilise three new anti-cancer agents that kill tumor cells and genetically engineered mice that develop cancer. We will determine if these three new agents kill the mouse tumor cells and activate anti-tumor immunity. The combined effect of killing blood cancer cells using new therapeutics, coupled with enhancing the anti-cancer immune response may hold the key to developing new treatments.
Novel Strategies In Cancer Cell Invasion In High-density 3D Matrix
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,768.00
Summary
The use of high-density (HD) matrix to study cell invasion sets precedence in mimicking the HD breast tissue condition that pose a real cancer risk. Cell invasion promotes the spread of cancer causing organ failures and death. The aims of this project are to determine the molecular mechanisms and to isolate new regulatory markers of cell invasion into HD matrix. Putative markers will be confirmed by investigating their expression levels in tissue arrays of 195 breast cancer samples.
The Molecular Basis For The Initiation Of Squamous Differentiation And How It Is Disrupted In Oral Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
Squamous cancers of the mouth, nose and throat occur due to defects in the cells that line these regions. We have shown that a major defect is that the lining cells are unable to stop growing and mature into cells that provide a barrier against the environment. In this proposal we will undertake studies to identify why these cancers cells do not mature properly. In doing so we will be able to identify new strategies that may be used to treat patients with this frequently deadly cancer.
Gene And Environmental Factors Influencing The Risk And Outcome Of Childhood Neuroblastoma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,573.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumour of early childhood. The proposed project will identify gene variations as well as birth characteristics and perinatal factors associated with the cause of neuroblastoma. Understanding the genetic causes of the disease can potentially identify genetic targets for treatment and improve diagnosis, while the identification of risk factors can be translated into interventions for prevention of neuroblastoma.