Regulation Of Breast Cancer Metastasis By MiR-193b And MiR-342-3p
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,537.00
Summary
When breast cancer spreads to other organs, it results in high morbidity and mortality. MicroRNAs are a class of genes that control the expression of other genes, some of which are involved in the spread of cancer. In this project we will examine the function of two microRNA species that we have found to be associated with breast cancer spread. The anticipated outcome is a better knowledge of the genes that control cancer spread and the identification of new molecular targets for therapy.
Identification Of Genes Causing Medulloblastoma By Transposon Mutagenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,997.00
Summary
Brain tumours are the most common cause of cancer-related death in children and the tumour medulloblastoma is the most frequent. There is a need to develop new therapeutic approaches to treating medulloblastoma through the development of new drugs to directly target the tumour. This research has identified new genes that are good candidates as drug targets for treating medulloblastoma.
Integrative Bioinformatic And Experimental Approaches To Define Novel Roles For Genes That Typically Regulate Axon Guidance In Pancreatic Cancer Initiation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$587,955.00
Summary
Early detection and intervention would have a dramatic effect on improving the outcomes for pancreatic cancer. This however relies on understanding how the cancer is initiated. New analysis of more than 100 tumours identified aberrations in genes that typically regulate how the nervous system is positioned during development. We want to use novel bioinformatic approaches and a unique experimental method with cells in culture to rapidly and accurately find out which of these genes drives a normal ....Early detection and intervention would have a dramatic effect on improving the outcomes for pancreatic cancer. This however relies on understanding how the cancer is initiated. New analysis of more than 100 tumours identified aberrations in genes that typically regulate how the nervous system is positioned during development. We want to use novel bioinformatic approaches and a unique experimental method with cells in culture to rapidly and accurately find out which of these genes drives a normal pancreatic cell to become a tumour cell.Read moreRead less
Tailoring Treatment Strategies For NRF2-driven Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$923,501.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia. Mutations in the KEAP1 gene are observed in a high number of lung cancer patients. These abnormalities are associated with poor prognosis, but may also present an opportunity to specifically target these cancer cells. We will utilise preclinical models to identify new personalised treatment strategies for patients that carry KEAP1 mutations.
Elucidating The Function Of Rho-ROCK Signalling In The Regulation Of Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,568.00
Summary
As cancers progress from benign to more malignant forms, the way in which cancer cells respond to external influences changes dramatically. These cells subvert the normal interactions between proteins which pass signals from outside the cell to the inside, to control cell behaviour and assume a survival advantage. We plan to study a form of cell signalling that is often abnormal in cancer in order to identify technologies for limiting cancer growth and spread by interfering with these signals.
Deregulated Cytokine Signalling As A Molecular Bridge Linking The Pathogenesis Of Emphysema To Lung Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,820.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the most lethal form of cancer in Australia and worldwide. Although smokers with emphysema are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, it is becoming apparent that emphysema can predispose to lung cancer independently of cigarette smoking, albeit by unknown mechanisms. Our aim is to combine smoke carcinogen and genetic mouse models of lung cancer with novel mouse strains displaying emphysema to identify the processes which link the pathogenesis of emphysema to lung cancer.
A Novel Role For CBF? As A Regulator Of Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,415.00
Summary
Whole genome sequencing studies of human breast tumours identified a handful of common significantly mutated genes, all previously linked to breast cancer, except one, CBF?. Preliminary data from our lab now show that CBF? may be a new regulator of human breast cancer and metastasis. Using mice with altered CBF? levels, breast cancer models and human patient cohorts, this study aims to identify a novel role for CBF? as a new regulator of human breast cancer and potential therapeutic target.
Novel Role Of Innate Immune DNA Sensors In Promoting Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$774,025.00
Summary
Stomach cancer is the third most lethal cancer worldwide, and is strongly associated with inflammation (gastritis) caused by Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection. However it remains unknown how Helicobacter triggers gastritis and stomach cancer in people. Using a mouse model for gastritis-associated stomach cancer, our aim is to demonstrate the role of immune system proteins in the stomach which detect bacterial and host DNA to drive chronic inflammatory responses that lead to stomach cancer.
Individuals with stomach cancer, the second most lethal cancer world-wide, have a poor survival rate which is largely due to our poor understanding of the mechanisms which drive this deadly malignancy. Our aims are to identify how over-activation of a specific molecule of the immune system, called STAT3, in the mitochondria of cells promotes the growth of stomach tumours, and also examine whether blocking the actions of mitochondrial STAT3 can suppress the growth of gastric cancer cells.
Identification Of New Therapeutic Targets In Neuroblastoma Through ABCC Transporter Associated Pathways.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,436.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma accounts for 15% of childhood cancer deaths. Children diagnosed over 1 year have survival rates below 40%. New research shows that certain genes previously implicated in drug resistance contribute to neuroblastoma development. We will investigate their role using a new neuroblastoma model and a range of biochemical and cell biology techniques. This research will improve our understanding of neuroblastoma biology and identify new therapeutic targets in this and other cancers.