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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Contribution Of Host Caveolin-1 To Breast Cancer Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,992.00
Summary
Mortality in breast cancer rises to 80% in cases where secondary tumors form in other organs. To improve outcome, a better understanding of the processes involved in cancer spread is needed. Normal cells contribute to the growth and spread of a tumour and are a target for therapy. When a protein called caveolin-1 is lost from normal cells in a tumour, the prognosis for the patient is much worse. The aim of this project is to understand how this protein can regulate the spread of breast cancer.
The Role Of Clathrin In The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint And As An Anti-cancer Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,768.00
Summary
Cell division produces two daughter cells. Incorrect localisation and modification of proteins that regulate mitosis cause errors that can lead to cancer. As well as using a unique machinery mitosis uses proteins involved in non-cell cycle pathways. This project investigates the role during mitosis of one such protein: clathrin. We will identify lead clathrin inhibitory compounds, pitstops, that have potential anti-cancer properties, ultimately to be used as a chemotherapy agent.
Characterisation Of The Tumour Suppressor Function Of Caspase-2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,096.00
Summary
Aberrant cell death (apoptosis) is associated with many diseases including cancer. Apoptosis is mediated by a group of enzymes called caspases. Recently we have discovered that one of these enzymes, caspase-2, acts as a tumour suppressor. We now wish to validate this finding in several preclinical models of cancer and understand precisely how caspase-2 works to safeguard cells against cancer development. These studies will help better understand cancer and ways to treat it.
Alpha-actinin-4 As An Oncogenic Driver And Therapeutic Target In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,786.00
Summary
Despite the recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, curative treatment of metastatic melanoma remains an unmet health problem. In this project, we will potentially demonstrate that a protein called ACTN4 is abnormally expressed at high levels in melanoma cells and plays an important role for melanoma cell survival and resistance to treatment, and thus identify inhibition of ACTN4, either alone or in combination with other drugs, as a novel approach in the treatment of melanoma.