Role Of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 As A Mediator Of Apoptosis In Human Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,234.00
Summary
Human breast cancer, like other human cancers, is characterised by a disruption of normal cellular growth due to defects in the control of both cell proliferation and cell death. Understanding how these processes are regulated in normal and cancerous breast cells is an important goal for breast cancer treatment. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 is a regulator of normal and cancerous breast cell growth and has been implicated as a negative prognostic indicator for breast cance ....Human breast cancer, like other human cancers, is characterised by a disruption of normal cellular growth due to defects in the control of both cell proliferation and cell death. Understanding how these processes are regulated in normal and cancerous breast cells is an important goal for breast cancer treatment. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 is a regulator of normal and cancerous breast cell growth and has been implicated as a negative prognostic indicator for breast cancer progression. IGFBP-3 inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells and causes them to die by a process called apoptosis. We are determining how IGFBP-3 causes breast cancer cells to die by apoptosis. In particular, we are investigating whether IGFBP-3 may make breast cancer cells more sensitive to the apoptotic effects of ionising radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs which are both current therapies for the treatment of breast carcinoma. These studies may, in turn, elucidate the mechanisms that lead to increased resistance of breast cancers to these treatments.Read moreRead less
Interactions Between Transcription Factor Networks And Cell Signaling Pathways During Early Blood Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,338.00
Summary
Cancer initiating cells acquire stem cell characteristics and self renew within a supportive environment that helps maintain and propagate malignant tumours. Identifying the normal hierarchy of gene regulation within blood stem cells and designing therapies that target key transcription factors (proteins that control other genes) that are over expressed in cancer stem cells is the ultimate goal.
Cell Cycle Regulation By The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,036.00
Summary
The rate of growth and death of normal cells is regulated through signals transmitted from the cell surface to the nucleus. In many human cancers the normal regulatory mechanisms are subverted, leading to uncontrolled growth of the cells. We aim to characterize the signals that are initiated by binding of the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to its receptor and to understand how these signals influence the ability of the cell to divide and to survive. We will identify the pathways that contribute t ....The rate of growth and death of normal cells is regulated through signals transmitted from the cell surface to the nucleus. In many human cancers the normal regulatory mechanisms are subverted, leading to uncontrolled growth of the cells. We aim to characterize the signals that are initiated by binding of the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to its receptor and to understand how these signals influence the ability of the cell to divide and to survive. We will identify the pathways that contribute to uncontrolled growth in tumor cells. This knowledge is necessary for the design of new therapies targetted to the molecular lesions which stimulate solid tumors.Read moreRead less
Inductive Interactions Between Lens And Optic Cup Specify Cell Fates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,500.00
Summary
Normal eye development depends on interactions between embryonic eye tissues. In the front part of the eye inductive interactions between lens and optic vesicle are important for the formation and growth of lens, ciliary body and iris. Our recent studies indicate that a family of developmentally important growth factors, the Wnts, plays key roles in this process. Our proposed studies will examine, for the first time, the role of Wnts in lens, ciliary body and iris development. Specific experimen ....Normal eye development depends on interactions between embryonic eye tissues. In the front part of the eye inductive interactions between lens and optic vesicle are important for the formation and growth of lens, ciliary body and iris. Our recent studies indicate that a family of developmentally important growth factors, the Wnts, plays key roles in this process. Our proposed studies will examine, for the first time, the role of Wnts in lens, ciliary body and iris development. Specific experimental outcomes will show if Wnts are important in promoting the formation and maintenance of the front part of the lens, the lens epithelium. The outcomes will also give us information on the molecules that mediate the effects of Wnts on lens cells and if regulatory factors from the lip of the optic cup-ciliary body can influence the pathways by which Wnts can influence the lens cells. In addition we will learn if lens-derived Wnts have a role in the formation of ciliary body and iris. Identifying factors that regulate the formation of eye tissues is fundamental to understanding the molecular basis of eye disease. For example, cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world. Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure and is placing an ever-increasing burden on health care budgets. Cataracts that most commonly require surgery usually involve abnormal growth and behaviour of lens cells such as occurs in posterior subcapsular cataract and posterior capsular opacification (also known as aftercataract because it occurs subsequently to cataract surgery). Identifying molecules and mechanisms that are involved in normal formation and growth of lens cells is fundamental to understanding these diseases. In addition, as it is well known that the lens is required for the normal formation of the front part of the eye, including the ciliary body and iris, results from this study may also shed light on some developmental abnormalities such as small eye.Read moreRead less