Understanding The Role Of SSB1 In Embryonic Development And Genome Maintenance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,716.00
Summary
Normally DNA exists as a double helix where two strands are zipped together. When single-stranded (ss) DNA is exposed during various cellular processes it can be easily damaged and degraded by cellular enzymes, but is protected by ssDNA binding proteins (SSBs). We have identified two new SSBs (SSB1 and SSB2) that play a crucial role in DNA repair and will investigate the role and physiological function of these important proteins.
Rad50 Protects The Integrity Of The Genome To Minimise Disease Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,222.00
Summary
Exposure to both endogenous products of metabolism as well as a variety of exogenous agents (UV, X-rays) increases the risk of cancer and other diseases. This project is designed to further investigate a novel defect in the Rad50 gene that predisposes to genetic instability and cancer. In short we have described for the first time a patient with a defect in the Rad50 gene. This information will assist in understanding our defence systems against oxidative stress to reduce the risk of disease.
Structural And Biochemical Investigation Of The Bloom�s Complex, Defective In Bloom�s Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$184,661.00
Summary
Bloom�s Syndrome is a rare inherited disorder that results in greater than 90% risk of developing cancer by the age of 25. The gene that causes Bloom�s Syndrome, called BLM, protects cells from cancer-causing mutations hence affected individuals develop the same types of cancers as the general population, only much faster. We will investigate the properties of the BLM gene product and understand how it protects us from cancer, and may influence some forms of cancer treatment.
Defining Biomarkers Of Colorectal Cancer Prevention By Dietary Agents And Translation To Human Intervention Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,924.00
Summary
This research will explore dietary agents for their ability to regulate the damage to DNA that is responsible for causing bowel cancer. The plan is to identify a dietary approach that will effectively reduce the risk of colon cancer. The science will be tested in animal models followed by initial human experiments aimed at testing the relevance to humans.
Sellar Masses, Pituitary Adenomas And Pathways Of Pituitary Tumourigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$90,917.00
Summary
Pituitary tumours encompass a number of pathologies. Their cause is not clearly established. Pituitary adenomas are one of the most frequent intracranial tumours. The genetics of sporadic tumours is unknown. Craniopharyngiomas are rare brain tumours arising in the pituitary stalk area that can have profound effects, presenting in childhood or later. To date there is limited knowledge on the cell signaling pathways causing these tumors, which can help to understand cancer in general.
It is seldom the initial cancer that kills the patient; most deaths are due to its metastatic spread throughout the body. Survival after the onset of a brain metastasis is dismal. Current understanding of cancer spread to the brain is poor and yet an ability to inhibit this process would save thousands of lives each year. Using rare tissue resources and cutting-edge technologies, this project will elucidate molecular features of brain metastases that can be exploited to generate new treatments.
The Role Of ILK In Hedgehog Signaling And Medulloblastoma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$452,248.00
Summary
Molecular signaling pathways regulate normal embryo development, and deregulated signaling by these pathways causes many cancers. Hedgehog (Hh) is a signalling pathway commonly activated by mutations in specific genes to cause cancer, including medulloblastoma, the most common brain tumour of childhood. We have discovered novel protein interactions in the Hh pathway, and will use animal models of Hh-dependent medulloblastoma to investigate new anti-cancer drugs targetting these proteins.