Interaction Of TRF2 With DNA Repair Proteins In Alternative Lengthening Of Telomeres
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$297,246.00
Summary
10-15% of human cancers, including some of the most difficult-to-treat and aggressive, depend for their continuing growth on a molecular process called Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT). We have identified for the first time a protein whose normal role includes repressing ALT. We will study how this protein works, what its molecular partners are, and how these molecules interact with each other. This information is expected to lay the foundations for cancer treatments that target ALT.
Activation Of TERT Gene Expression In Breast Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$693,440.00
Summary
A key step in the development of most cancers is the switching on of an enzyme, telomerase, that allows cancer cells to keep growing without limit. We will study the molecular details of this step using new techniques for functional analyses of the genome in human breast cells grown in the laboratory. Blocking telomerase has great potential for cancer treatment, so analysing how this enzyme gets switched on may identify new strategies for achieving this for breast cancer - and other cancers.
Telomere Structural Abnormalities In Cells Using Alternative Lengthening Of Telomeres
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,122.00
Summary
The continuing growth of cancers depends on their cells being able to prevent shortening of chromosome ends (telomeres). Some cancers, including very aggressive brain and connective tissue tumours, achieve this via the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) process. We have evidence that the telomere structure of normal cells prevents ALT. Here we will examine how the telomere structure of ALT-positive cancer cells is changed, and whether reversing these changes inhibits ALT.