Post-GWAS Functional Characterisation Of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Loci
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,632.00
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.
Genomic Characterisation Of Asbestos Related Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,099.00
Summary
Lung cancer causes more deaths in Australia than any other cancer. Smoking is the main cause, but people exposed to asbestos are also at risk, and it can be difficult to know whether a case is due to tobacco, asbestos or both. We will study lung cancer genes in people with asbestos exposure to find whether asbestos lung cancer has a specific pattern of abnormal genes (signature). If so, this could help people entitled to compensation, and also point to new treatments for asbestos lung cancer
Retrotransposon Regulation Of The Human Innate Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$231,937.00
Summary
Complete sequencing of the human genome has revealed the positions of approximately 20,000 genes. In addition, nearly 50% of the human genome is comprised of repetitive sequences previously thought of as junk DNA. Numerous studies are now finding that this DNA actually has a variety of important functions, particularly in the control of gene activity. This project will examine the relationships between gene expression and nearby repetitive sequences during the innate immune response in humans.
The Role Of Novel And Essential Bromodomain Proteins In Coordinating Malaria Parasite Gene Regulation And Their Potential As Anti-malarial Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$689,034.00
Summary
Malaria kills over 400,000 people a year and new therapies are needed. Malaria parasites activate groups of genes by novel mechanisms that could be targeted by drugs. We will characterise a novel group of proteins to identify those that activate genes essential for parasite survival. We will also search for molecules that inhibit the proteins and kill malaria parasites. Thus we will discover how parasites control their genes and identify drug targets and inhibitors for drug development.
Understanding The Genetic Basis Of Breast Cancer: Translation To Primary And Secondary Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,731,372.00
Summary
We have identified >200 regions of the genome that contain variants that increase breast cancer risk. I will now focus on the main challenges i.e. to a) find the remaining genetic risk factors that will collectively explain all of the genetic risk, b) understand how these work, in particular which genes they influence and c) apply this knowledge to find and develop new drugs. Importantly, such drugs could be used not only to treat breast cancer, but also to prevent it in high-risk women.
Genomic Approaches To Understanding Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$210,855.00
Summary
Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) is an emerging infectious disease affecting Tasmanian devils. DFTD is a transmissible cancer, and results in the growth of large tumors usually on the face and mouth of affected animals. DFTD has led to the collapse of the Tasmanian devil population, and there is concern that the disease will drive devils to extinction in the wild within the next 20 years. I propose to use new genome sequencing technologies to discover genes responsible for DFTD.
Spatial And Temporal Aspects Of Epigenetic Remodelling In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,707.00
Summary
Epigenetic deregulation occurs commonly in cancer, and can affect not only single genes but can encompass large chromosomal domains, leading to altered expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, and genomic instability. We will investigate the role of epigenetic remodeling, how spacial reorganisation of the genome, nuclear architecture, chromatin looping and replication timing may affect long range epigenetic deregulation, and ultimately contribute to cancer formation and progression.
An Alternate Function Of The MicroRNA Biogenesis Machinery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,981.00
Summary
Controlling the activity of genes is crucial. Too much or too little can result in a cell not functioning properly. We have discovered a new way genes are controlled. We have found that an enzyme called Drosha can prevent too much activation of some genes by chopping up the products of these genes. This way of controlling genes appears to be especially important for developmental processes, such as occurs in the embryo. Our goal is to understand this mechanism precisely at the molecular level.