The Collagen-rich Matrix As A Driver Of Breast Cancer Progression And Resistance To Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$702,230.00
Summary
The extracellular matrix or 'matrix' surrounds all cells and is very important in controlling cell behaviour. In cancer, the matrix is dramatically altered, making cancer more aggressive. We recently developed a new way to study the matrix in breast cancer, and have analysed the matrix at different stages (Early/Mid/Late). We have uncovered exciting new matrix targets associated with more aggressive tumours. This project will validate their potential as therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
Harnessing Extracellular Matrix Remodelling By Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts To Increase T Cell Infiltration Of Solid Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$923,407.00
Summary
The ability of killer T cells to find and eliminate tumour cells is the basis for adoptive transfer immunotherapies, which thus far only work well with blood-borne cancers. There is limited success with solid tumours, which T cells do not readily infiltrate, notably because of remodelling by fibroblasts. We have discovered that T cells migrate in tunnels dug in the tumour matrix by fibroblasts. Here, we will harness this discovery to improve tumour infiltration and rejection of solid tumours.
Pathways That Regulate Nuclear Export Of Circular RNA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$933,327.00
Summary
An emerging and unusual class of RNA molecules, circular RNAs (circRNAs), is widespread and plays important roles in cancer initiation and progression. However, the pathways responsible for nuclear export of circRNAs are unknown. We propose here to systematically determine how circRNAs are exported from the nucleus and characterise the effect of modulating circRNA export pathways in cancer. This will enable us to determine whether circRNAs can function as a biomarker of patient response.
Casting The Net: A New Approach To Identify Therapeutics To Treat Type-2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,068,283.00
Summary
The discovery of treatments for type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a national health priority. In T2D, cells in the brain become 'insulin resistant' resulting in dangerously high blood sugar levels. There are no treatments for brain insulin resistance. The extracellular structures that surround brain cells undergo change in T2D, resulting in insulin resistance. By furthering understanding of these extracellular brain structures, this proposal will identify new drug targets to treat T2D.