Exploring The Function Of Breast Cancer-Associated Variants In Long Non-Coding RNAs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,585.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Several of these regions do not contain any known protein coding genes, suggesting that non-protein coding genes could be responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these non-coding genes. Understanding how sequences variations in these novel genes contribute to breast cancer will provide novel a ....Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Several of these regions do not contain any known protein coding genes, suggesting that non-protein coding genes could be responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these non-coding genes. Understanding how sequences variations in these novel genes contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.Read moreRead less
Identifying Novel Long-noncoding RNAs Involved In The Development Of Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$785,204.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these non-coding genes that are modulate breast cancer risk. Understanding how sequences variations that alter these novel genes contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.
We have identified genetic abnormalities in 5% of breast cancers that fall in a novel DNA element called BIME1. This proposal aims to determine whether these genetic abnormalities contribute to breast tumourigenesis and which genes and pathways are affected by these mutations. The outcomes of this proposal may lead to the development of novel therapies for breast cancer or could influence the choice of existing therapies for patients that harbour these genetic abnormalities.
Psychosocial Aspects Of Genomic Testing For Breast Cancer Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$108,902.00
Summary
Assessing a woman’s breast cancer risk by profiling polygenic risk represents a new approach in the familial cancer setting. My study is part of a program of research that aims to facilitate translation of polygenic risk information into clinical practice. For this, I will invite 400 women to receive their personal polygenic result and i) assess interest in receiving this result; ii) assess psychological and behavioural outcomes of receiving or not receiving their personal polygenic risk result
Activation Of TERT Gene Expression In Breast Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$693,440.00
Summary
A key step in the development of most cancers is the switching on of an enzyme, telomerase, that allows cancer cells to keep growing without limit. We will study the molecular details of this step using new techniques for functional analyses of the genome in human breast cells grown in the laboratory. Blocking telomerase has great potential for cancer treatment, so analysing how this enzyme gets switched on may identify new strategies for achieving this for breast cancer - and other cancers.
Functional Analysis Of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Regions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$790,588.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified regions within the human genome in which DNA sequence variations are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Several of these regions do not contain any known genes, suggesting that regulatory DNA sequences are responsible for the associated risk. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterise these DNA sequences. Understanding how sequences variations in these regions contribute to breast cancer will provide novel avenues for therapy.
High-throughput Identification And Evaluation Of New Breast Cancer Genes From GWAS.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$841,075.00
Summary
Recent studies have identified DNA markers within the human genome that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Most of these markers are located in noncoding regions, therefore the key genes driving risk are not known. This proposal will identify the target genes at all breast cancer risk regions and assess how specific markers affect disease risk. Understanding how DNA variation contributes to breast cancer will provide new avenues for prevention or treatment.
Role Of IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) And IGFBP-5 As Modulators Of Nuclear Hormone Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,750.00
Summary
The insulin-like growth factors are small proteins involved in the growth of most tissues. Their actions are regulated by binding to larger proteins (known as IGFBPs) in the bloodstream and outside the cell. However, some IGFBPs are also found inside cells, where they seem to carry out other functions. We believe that two of these binding proteins, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5, change the way cells respond to vitamin A and vitamin D. These two vitamins are important in cell growth and in the way certain ....The insulin-like growth factors are small proteins involved in the growth of most tissues. Their actions are regulated by binding to larger proteins (known as IGFBPs) in the bloodstream and outside the cell. However, some IGFBPs are also found inside cells, where they seem to carry out other functions. We believe that two of these binding proteins, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5, change the way cells respond to vitamin A and vitamin D. These two vitamins are important in cell growth and in the way certain cells perform specialised functions. In test-tube experiments, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 interact directly with the receptors that regulate the effects of these hormones. If the same thing happens inside the cell, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 could change the way these receptors respond to signals from outside the cell. We will investigate what effect these IGFBPs have in living cells and in whole animals and how this may relate to human disease. If we are able to understand how IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 affect the way cells respond to vitamin A and D, then we may be able to develop new ways to treat certain human diseases.Read moreRead less
Identifying Long-range Regulatory Elements Of The Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene, BRCA1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,842.00
Summary
BRCA1 is a breast cancer susceptibility gene implicated in both familial and sporadic breast cancers. The mechanisms controlling BRCA1 expression are poorly understood. We will identify DNA sequences critical for regulation of the BRCA1 gene. We hypothesise that these regions are mutational hot spots conferring an increased breast cancer risk. A better understanding of the pathways responsible for promoting BRCA1-associated breast cancer will provide important diagnostic and treatment targets.