The Role Survivin And XIAP (X-linked Inhibitor Of Apoptosis Protein) As Biomarkers And Therapeutic Targets In Paediatric Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$294,218.00
Summary
I am a Paediatric Haematologist/Oncologist focussing on new treatments for childhood acute myeloid leukaemia. This study is examining the effects of conventional and novel therapies on two proteins that prevent cell death in acute myeloid leukaemia. The study will also develop clinical trials of new drugs targeting these proteins.
New Compounds For Tailored Therapy Against MLL-rearranged Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$326,401.00
Summary
Some of the worst leukaemia survival rates are found in children and adults whose leukaemias display abnormalities of the MLL gene and alternative therapies are therefore urgently required for these patients. The aim of this project is to develop new compounds that specifically inhibit this abnormal gene and in turn inhibit the growth of these cells in the patient. In this way we hope to provide new and more effective therapies for patients affected with this aggressive type of leukaemia.
A Novel Approach To Restoration Of Tumour Suppression In Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,604.00
Summary
Loss of a tumour suppressor is a key event in every cancer, including lung cancer. Therefore restoration of the expression and/or activity of the tumour suppressor is an attractive approach to anti-cancer treatment. In order to restore tumour suppression, a detailed understanding of the mechanism by which a given tumour suppressor is regulated is required. This application focuses on our discovery of a novel mechanism by which a key tumour suppressor of lung cancer is regulated.
The critical role of the class III histone deacetylase SIRT2 in stabilizing N-Myc oncoprotein. Cancer is the commonest cause of death from disease in children. Neuroblastoma is the commonest solid tumor in early childhood. This project will investigate the critical roles of SIRT2 protein in increasing the expression of N-Myc oncoprotein and consequently inducing neuroblastoma, and SIRT2 inhibitors as anticancer agents.
The Importance Of RUNX3 In Preventing Gastrointestinal Diseases And Tumour Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,322.00
Summary
Stomach cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It is estimated that in 2010, more than 1 million people will die of stomach cancer with an increase of 19%. Studies have revealed that RUNX3 has the ability to suppress the growth of stomach cancer. However the role of RUNX3 in preventing metastasis is yet unknown. Therefore, an understanding of the factors that govern metastasis will inform the design of effective therapies to prevent mortality which is high for this disease.
Mitochondrially targeted anti-cancer drugs modulate the mitochondrial genome. Successful cancer management requires novel therapeutical approaches. This project will test the effect of a new class of compounds that target mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, where they suppress expression of mitochondrial genes. By this mechanism, cancers that are resistant to apoptosis induction can be inhibited.
A Novel Approach For Treating B-cell Lymphoma By Inhibition Of The E3 Ligase E6AP
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,846.00
Summary
B-cell lymphoma is the most common type blood cancer diagnosed in Australia, and Australia's fifth most common cancer. Despite remarkable advances in diagnosis and treatment, lymphoma continues to rank as a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Our pilot studies reveal a novel approach to treatment of B-cell lymphoma by inhibiting an enzyme that destroys our natural mechanism of defense against cancer. In this study we will test the efficacy of this novel treatment.
A new Src, PKCdelta and Akt regulated protease activated receptor system in metastasis. In contrast with localised cancer which can often be cured, curative treatment is generally not possible for cancer that has spread. This project will characterise a protein that drives the spread of cancer and to develop new approaches to treat patients at risk of developing these aggressive tumours that spread to other organs.
Molecular hallmarks of androgen receptor targeting in prostate cancer. There is a critical need in oncology drug development for better biomarkers of response to prostate cancer therapies, clinically to assist with treatment decision making, and pre-clinically to facilitate translation of emerging agents into clinical practice. Using a unique explant culture model, this project will identify protein and lipid markers that can be used to accurately and reliably assess response to androgen recepto ....Molecular hallmarks of androgen receptor targeting in prostate cancer. There is a critical need in oncology drug development for better biomarkers of response to prostate cancer therapies, clinically to assist with treatment decision making, and pre-clinically to facilitate translation of emerging agents into clinical practice. Using a unique explant culture model, this project will identify protein and lipid markers that can be used to accurately and reliably assess response to androgen receptor (AR)-targeting therapies in human prostate tumours. The identification and functional assessment of these biomarkers will identify those that can be used as surrogate endpoints in clinical trials, facilitate earlier approval of investigational agents and lead to improved options for therapeutic management of prostate cancer.Read moreRead less
Crosstalk between breast cancer cells and the microenvironment to promote metastasis. Breast cancer spread (metastasis) to distant tissues is usually fatal. It is now clear that cross-talk between cancer cells and other normal cells is essential for metastasis and previous studies have discovered two key mechanisms: tumour cell suppression of immune defence pathways to escape immune recognition, and activation of proteases to promote invasion and blood vessel growth. Using unique models and cell ....Crosstalk between breast cancer cells and the microenvironment to promote metastasis. Breast cancer spread (metastasis) to distant tissues is usually fatal. It is now clear that cross-talk between cancer cells and other normal cells is essential for metastasis and previous studies have discovered two key mechanisms: tumour cell suppression of immune defence pathways to escape immune recognition, and activation of proteases to promote invasion and blood vessel growth. Using unique models and cellular imaging, this project aims to investigate the cell specific functions of these pathways and the therapeutic potential of altering their expression and function. This project may lead to the development of novel predictors of metastasis in patients and new targeted therapeutics to prevent breast cancer spread.Read moreRead less