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Microparticles As Novel Biomarkers In Liver Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,833.00
Summary
No current highly sensitive or specific diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exists. We will identify novel nucleic acid signatures in the circulation of patients with HCC through Next Generation Sequencing. Plasma microvesicles will be isolated and their contents analyzed to identify novel genetic biomarkers and fusion gene constructs specific for HCC. Resultant panel of novel biomarkers for HCC will be validated on the Australian STREP cohort of HCC patients.
Harnessing Endogenous L1-mediated Mutagenesis To Elucidate New Candidate Genes For Liver Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,656.00
Summary
Retrotransposons are mobile genes that copy-and-paste themselves in our genome. Previously thought to represent “junk DNA”, retrotransposons are increasingly recognised to play major roles in biology. In a recent publication in Cell, we found that retrotransposons were highly active in some types of liver cancer, mutating key genes required to block tumour formation. In the current study, we will determine in greater depth how, and how often, these genes are involved in other types of liver canc ....Retrotransposons are mobile genes that copy-and-paste themselves in our genome. Previously thought to represent “junk DNA”, retrotransposons are increasingly recognised to play major roles in biology. In a recent publication in Cell, we found that retrotransposons were highly active in some types of liver cancer, mutating key genes required to block tumour formation. In the current study, we will determine in greater depth how, and how often, these genes are involved in other types of liver cancer.Read moreRead less
Development Of Serum Models That Can Predict Clinical Outcomes In Chronic Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,694.00
Summary
The overall objective of this project is to develop blood tests that can accurately predict liver related death, liver cancer and liver decompensation respectively for patients with chronic liver disease. Blood tests will also be developed to predict cardiovascular disease in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, we will evaluate the use of repeated blood tests to assess if this can more accurately predict death and complications compared to a single time point.
Epidemiology And Prevention Of Viral Hepatitis-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,507.00
Summary
Liver cancer (HCC) is a serious global issue with high mortality. Viral hepatitis is a major risk and HCC can be prevented by early detection and treatment of hepatitis B infection. The PROLIFICA study aims to identify risks for HCC in West Africa, evaluate prevention strategies and develop simple diagnostic tests to help with HCC management in resource-poor settings. This important research will be directly translatable for HCC prevention in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Understanding The Genotoxic Risks Of Liver-targeted Gene Therapy Using Recombinant AAV Vectors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$891,639.00
Summary
Advances in gene transfer technology using an engineered virus known as AAV underpin success in the treatment of haemophila B, and offer the exciting prospect of treating many other liver diseases. While continued improvement of gene transfer efficiency is essential there is an equal need to focus on safety. We have discovered a genetic element in AAV that we believe is a key to unlocking accurate analysis of the safety of AAV-based gene transfer technology. Here we propose to turn the key.
Improving Outcomes From Hepatitis B Infection In Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People In Northern Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
Hepatitis B infection is common in Indigenous Australians causing serious problems such as liver failure and liver cancer. In the NT, there is an unusual and aggressive type. This project will establish if this unique strain does cause more liver failure and liver cancer. I will develop a special urine test to enable checking for liver cancer, and assess whether the use of the "Hep B Story" App will help people to have a better understanding of hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C virus is a major medical problem in Australia and many other parts of the world. The viruses causes a persistent infection in most infected individuals that results in serious liver disease and liver cancer in a proportion of patients. Treatment is only possible for a small percentage of patients and many patients are infected with viruses which are resistant to the best contemporary treatment regimens. The aim of this project is to develop systems which will result in the assembly o ....Hepatitis C virus is a major medical problem in Australia and many other parts of the world. The viruses causes a persistent infection in most infected individuals that results in serious liver disease and liver cancer in a proportion of patients. Treatment is only possible for a small percentage of patients and many patients are infected with viruses which are resistant to the best contemporary treatment regimens. The aim of this project is to develop systems which will result in the assembly of virus particles which can be used to examine the efficacy of potential antiviral agents, either in the test tube or by infecting an animal model. In particular, we will examine the contribution of a small viral protein, p7, on virus assembly and secretion from the infected cell. Recent data suggests that p7 can function to help release virus from the infected cell and a number of inhibitors of p7 function have been described. We will then use the systems which we develop to determine if these inhibitors can inhibit virus replication in the test tube and in animal models.Read moreRead less
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer, is a major global problem. Most people present with advanced disease and current therapies are relatively ineffective. Small RNAs, called microRNAs are a new form of therapy that may present new options for patients with HCC. We have characterised a microRNA that is a powerful inhibitor of HCC growth both in cells and in preclinical animal models. This project will characterise the microRNA’s function in HCC and as a potential therapeutic.
Studies On The Pathogenesis And Early Diagnosis Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,082.00
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and worldwide is the third and fifth leading cause of cancer death in men and women respectively. Early diagnosis is vital to patient survival. Our research investigates new methods in the early diagnosis of HCC, including new protein markers of the cancer and non-invasive measurements of liver scarring. We also study the genetics of HCC and investigate new genes that could be targets for future therapies.