A Genomic Approach Towards An Understanding Of Clonal Evolution And Disease Progression In Multiple Myeloma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,689.00
Summary
Cancer development is associated with changes in the genetic composition of the cell. These changes involve the loss/gain of genetic material and/or changes in gene expression. Using sophisticated technology, we will define the changes in the genes that are associated with the transition from a benign to a malignant cancer state. We will examine this process in the blood cancer, multiple myeloma, in order to identify new treatment targets for this incurable disease.
An International Population-Based Study Into The Genetic Epidemiology Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and is a major public health issue in Australia. This project aims to find genes and levels of sun exposure, plus ways the genes and exposure interact with each other, that increase people’s risk of melanoma and how long they survive after diagnosis. The results will help to identify people at a higher risk of disease earlier and also better predict prognosis in those already diagnosed.
A Comprehensive Genomic Analysis Of Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma: Understanding The Genetic Aetiology Of OAC Towards Biomarkers Of Progression, Prognosis And Targeted Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$987,906.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer (OAC) continues to have poor survival despite surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Selecting patients for the most appropriate therapies and improving survival remain unmet research needs. We propose to undertake a detailed genetic study of OAC, including “next generation” sequencing, in order to catalogue the genetic changes in the disease. This information forms an essential basis for identifying genetic signatures of OAC progression, prognosis and treatment response.
Next-generation Sequencing Of Candidate Ovarian Tumour Suppressor Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,899.00
Summary
In Australia in 2001 there were approximately 1300 new cases of ovarian cancer. Survival of ovarian cancer is very poor and current treatments inadequate. To develop more effective treatments we need to understand the molecular events that cause ovarian cancer. Some genes are inactivated by loss of a copy or mutation. We aim to find these genes using new DNA sequencing techniques.
Evaluation Of Unclassified Variants Of BRCA1 And BRCA2 Using A Multifactorial Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,495.00
Summary
The major genes that predispose to hereditary breast cancer are called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Most mutations in these genes cause the protein product to be truncated and inactive. However there are many families in which such truncating mutations are not found, but instead there are sequence changes that may slightly alter the protein product. It is often difficult to predict whether these sequence variants are likely to cause hereditary breast cancer simply by looking at the position and nature of th ....The major genes that predispose to hereditary breast cancer are called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Most mutations in these genes cause the protein product to be truncated and inactive. However there are many families in which such truncating mutations are not found, but instead there are sequence changes that may slightly alter the protein product. It is often difficult to predict whether these sequence variants are likely to cause hereditary breast cancer simply by looking at the position and nature of the sequence change. Consequently, it is not possible to offer informative genetic counselling to these women or their at-risk family members. Assessment of the potential pathogenicity and functional significance of these unclassified sequence variants will be directly useful with regard to the clinical management of these women and their families, and will develop our current understanding of how different domains of these genes contribute to their role as cancer susceptibility genes. In addition, some of our experiments to classify variants may be useful as a screening tool to identify carriers of mutations, and so prioritize them for mutation screening.Read moreRead less