Evaluation Of A Novel Antiosteolytic Agent: Potential In Breast-to-bone Metastasis And Mechanism Of Action
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,583.00
Summary
In breast cancer the spread of cancer (metastasis) to bone occurs frequently and causes significant problems including pain, fracture, immobility and paralysis. We have recently discovered that a drug, widely used in Japan and Korea for skin disorders, inhibits breast cancer growth in bone using animal model systems of this disease. This is a very exciting and novel finding. We will further investigate the potential of this drug and identify precisely how it works at the molecular level.
Defining The Genetic And Epigenetic Targets Involved In Serrated Neoplasia Of The Colorectum
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,122.00
Summary
We believe that some colon cancers develop from a type of polyp called a hyperplastic polyp and that many of these polyps contain a specific mutation in a gene called BRAF. We are conducting tumour studies using mouse models that carry different mutated genes to understand their role and importance in the pathway by which these cancer evolve. Understanding this will allows us to develop better treatments for pateints suffering from colon cancer.
Functions Of ASCIZ In The Repair Of Accidental And Programmed DNA Base Damage
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,060.00
Summary
Every cell in the body encounters approximately 10,000 DNA base lesions per day. If not accurately repaired, this DNA damage may give rise to cancer. We have discovered a new protein called ASCIZ that is involved in the cellular response to base damage. We believe that ASCIZ functions by promoting the most efficient way to repair damaged DNA bases. We will investigate this hypothesis using cells that lack the ASCIZ gene, and also test if defective ASCIZ leads to increased cancer.
I am a molecular-cell biologist determining the molecular regulation, cellular localisation and function of tumour suppressor proteins in cancer. We aim to elucidate pathways that can ultimately be targeted for intervention in breast and colon cancer.
I am a molecular biologist determining the mechanisms that promote the spread of cancer via blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, with the aim of developing novel anti-cancer therapeutics to block these processes. My approach is to target protein growth fa
2-Methoxyestradiol Analogues: Prototype Modulators Of Annexin II-dependent Plasminogen Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$369,690.00
Summary
The enzyme system that enables us to dissolve blood clots is similar to the system that enables cancer cells to escape from the primary tumour and travel in the blood to another organ to form a secondary cancer growth. We have new results showing that some drug candidates can distinguish between these two closely related enzyme systems. We are now working to develop inhibitors that will stop cancer cells from spreading without compromising the ability to dissolve blood clots.
Bcl-2 Proteins And The Regulation Of The Megakaryocyte Lineage.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$416,240.00
Summary
Platelets are tiny cells that circulate in the blood. They are essential for blood clotting. Too few platelets leads to uncontrolled bleeding. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow by cells called 'megakaryocytes'. Cancer chemotherapy often causes dangerous decreases in platelet count - this is thought to be because it kills megakaryocytes. We will pinpoint the molecules responsible for megakaryocyte life and death. This has the potential to make the side effects of chemotherapy less severe.
Studies On New Mononuclear And Polynuclear Platinum Compounds With Trans-geometry
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,617.00
Summary
Even in post-genomic age cisplatin continues to be widely used as a highly successful anticancer drug. However, the drug has a number of side effects and does not show activity against many types of cancer. in some cases, resistant form of cancer develops for which the drug does not function. An example is ovarian cancer. This project aims to arrive at new platinum-based anticancer drugs targeted to ovarian cancer.