Molecular Identification Of Causative Genetic And Epigenetic Alterations That Induce And Promote Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,821.00
Summary
The majority of mouse models currently employed to study colorectal cancer have two failings. The first is that they tend to focus on small intestinal cancers rather than colorectal cancers. It is important to note that small intestinal cancers are in the minority of gastrointestinal cancers in humans. The second problem is that the genetic lesions introduced into mice are mostly in all cells throughout development. This is a poor representation of the random nature of genetic changes that under ....The majority of mouse models currently employed to study colorectal cancer have two failings. The first is that they tend to focus on small intestinal cancers rather than colorectal cancers. It is important to note that small intestinal cancers are in the minority of gastrointestinal cancers in humans. The second problem is that the genetic lesions introduced into mice are mostly in all cells throughout development. This is a poor representation of the random nature of genetic changes that underpin the probable cause of colon cancer. We therefore propose to genetically engineer unique mouse models that focus on colon cancer to most closely replicate the situation in human disease. These models will then be available to others and us to develop and test therapies to prevent and-or treat colorectal cancer that will ultimately be used in patients.Read moreRead less
Analysis Of APC And APC Protein Complexes In Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,786.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is one of the foremost causes of death in Australia. A defective form of a protein called APC has been shown to be present in more than 80% of colon tumours. How APC contributes to colon cancer is still not known. We aim to determine the function of the APC protein by studying the APC protein and proteins that interact with APC in normal and cancerous colon epithelial cells. We will use cells derived from normal colon epithelium as well as from colon carcinomas. Once we have id ....Colorectal cancer is one of the foremost causes of death in Australia. A defective form of a protein called APC has been shown to be present in more than 80% of colon tumours. How APC contributes to colon cancer is still not known. We aim to determine the function of the APC protein by studying the APC protein and proteins that interact with APC in normal and cancerous colon epithelial cells. We will use cells derived from normal colon epithelium as well as from colon carcinomas. Once we have identified proteins that interact with APC in normal colonic cells, we will have a more complete understanding of the function of APC and its role in the development of colonic tumours.Read moreRead less
Role Of Chromatid Cohesion In Colon Biology And Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$628,422.00
Summary
Rad21 is a gene, present in many species and essential for accurate chromosome separation and DNA damage repair. Based on its known function in different species, we predict that its� dysfunction fuels cancer progression by promoting genetic instability, which is commonly associated with human cancers. This study will use unique mouse mutant models to investigate the function of this potential cancer-causing gene in colon cancer.
Using The A33 Antigen Gene Locus To Generate Novel Mouse Models Of Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,320.00
Summary
Colorectal (or bowel) cancer is a major health problem in Australia. It is the most common cancer reported to Australian cancer registries and was responsible for 14% of cancer deaths in 1990, the latest year for which national figures are available. Only lung cancer, which caused 20% of cancer deaths was a more common cause of cancer death. Approximately 1 in 21 Australians will develop colorectal cancer during his-her lifetime. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, with risk rising ....Colorectal (or bowel) cancer is a major health problem in Australia. It is the most common cancer reported to Australian cancer registries and was responsible for 14% of cancer deaths in 1990, the latest year for which national figures are available. Only lung cancer, which caused 20% of cancer deaths was a more common cause of cancer death. Approximately 1 in 21 Australians will develop colorectal cancer during his-her lifetime. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, with risk rising progressively and sharply from age 50 onwards. Like all cancers, colorectal cancer results from the progressive acquisition of mutations in genes that normally ensure a balance between cell growth and cell death. Mutations which predispose individuals to colorectal cancer accumulate in the epithelial cells that provide the lining to the bowel. The progression of colorectal cancer proceeds through a number of distinct anatomical stages which can be easily recognised by pathologists. Mutations in a number of genes (known as APC, beta-catenin, Kirsten-ras, p53, SMAD2, SMAD4) are commonly found in colorectal tumours. Moreover, some of the mutations are highly associated with distinct stages of colon tumour development. As yet, however, we have no real insights into how these mutations cooperate with each other to produce full-blown (malignant) colorectal cancer. In our proposal, we are aiming to establish colorectal cancer in mice. Our approach will be to progressively introduce mutant genes into intestinal epithelial cells (singly and in combination) and study how they cooperate with each other to produce benign, and ultimately, malignant tumours in the intestines of mice. This will help us to understand which mutant genes are required for each stage in tumour development and may provide more rational approaches to bowel cancer screening and treatment.Read moreRead less
Germline Epimutations Of Tumour Suppressor Genes In Familial Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$502,500.00
Summary
In the case of bowel cancer, studies of the pattern of disease in our community indicate that up to 20% of all bowel cancers has a inherited component . We now know the genetic abnormality in up to 4% of these cases. We have recently discovered a previously unrecognised cause of cancer. Individuals who are affected by this disease may have cancer in the bowel, as well as the breast and womb. In this condition the gene alphabet is correct but the genes are chemically modified. This change called ....In the case of bowel cancer, studies of the pattern of disease in our community indicate that up to 20% of all bowel cancers has a inherited component . We now know the genetic abnormality in up to 4% of these cases. We have recently discovered a previously unrecognised cause of cancer. Individuals who are affected by this disease may have cancer in the bowel, as well as the breast and womb. In this condition the gene alphabet is correct but the genes are chemically modified. This change called methylation means that certain genes are spelt incorrectly or not at all. To date we have found two individuals who have this problem. Our work has shown that these individuals have inherited a genetic change and potentially could pass this change on to their offspring. This grant application seeks to formally pursue this findng. We will study a group of people in whom the genetic cause for their cancer remains unknown. Blood samples from these individuals will be examined for methylation of their DNA. A successful project will lead to a full description of this new type of hereditary cancer, and thus serve as the basis for identifying and effectively managing people and families at risk of this disease. It is likely that identification of individuals who are 'at risk' of cancer will allow us to implement preventative screening strategies. We will also be able to provide reassurance to those family members who have not inherited the methylation abnormality.Read moreRead less