Clinical And Molecular Analyses Of Nodular Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,904.00
Summary
There have been very recent advances in our understanding of the biology of melanoma that are now poised to have major impacts in the outcome of patients with this disease. The nodular subtype of melanoma contributes disproportionately to mortality from melanoma. By using the latest molecular techniques to study these melanomas I will identify causative factors, diagnostic features and molecular profiles associated with these poor-prognosis melanomas leading to new approaches in the prevention, ....There have been very recent advances in our understanding of the biology of melanoma that are now poised to have major impacts in the outcome of patients with this disease. The nodular subtype of melanoma contributes disproportionately to mortality from melanoma. By using the latest molecular techniques to study these melanomas I will identify causative factors, diagnostic features and molecular profiles associated with these poor-prognosis melanomas leading to new approaches in the prevention, early detection and treatment of these melanomas.Read moreRead less
Most normal cells naturally cease their growth because their chromosomes erode from repeated cell division. The erosion takes place at the ends of the chromosomes, or telomeres. All cancer cells avoid this erosion, and thus fail to cease their growth. About 85% of all cancers achieve this by activating an enzyme called telomerase, an enzyme that allows cancer cells to avoid the natural ageing process. This project aims to understand how this enzyme gets recruited to chromosome ends.
The Effects Of Estrogen-Responsive B Box Protein On Retinoid Sensitivity In Cancer And Its Significance In Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,421.00
Summary
Although effective, many cancer drugs often lead to side effects, especially in children. New therapies are needed that specifically target cancer cells while leaving normal cells unaffected. I am studying a novel protein (EBBP) which I believe has an important role in cancer cell growth. By studying EBBP I aim to be able to increase the effectiveness of the low toxic chemotherapy retinoic acid without increased side effects, as well as understand the functional role of EBBP in cancer cells.
Molecular Mechanisms That Mediate The Anti-osteosarcoma Properties Of Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor (PEDF)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,453.00
Summary
Cancer results from a sequence of alterations to genes which lead to abnormal cells dividing without control. Osteosarcoma is a cancer involving bone and can rapidly spread to surrounding and distant tissues. A number of mediators have been identified as being able to provide some regulation of this abnormal cell division. Pigment epithelium-derived factor is one such protein and further understanding of how it achieves this could be used for the development of targeted osteosarcoma treatment.
Identification Of Genes That Predict Outcomes In Acute Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
This study aims to identify genetic factors that contribute to the resistance of acute leukaemias to treatment, and to poor outcomes in patients with acute leukaemias.