Molecular Regulation Of Tumourigenesis By The Polarity Determinant Scribble And Associated Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$614,421.00
Summary
Cell polarity is the property of cells to be spatially oriented in a tissue or organ. We have shown that Scribble, a key regulator of cell orientation, may keep tumour development in check. In this proposal, we will examine how disruption of Scribble promotes breast cancer using a combination of tissue culture studies and a newly established mouse model. Understanding how this new pathway can regulate breast tumour development may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer.
Tumour cells are often characterized by defects in signaling pathways. One of the most important signaling cascades involved in the development of cancer is the EGFR-Ras-MAPK pathway. EGFR is often overexpressed in breast cancer, leading to enhanced Ras signaling (hyperactive Ras) and cell transformation. The proposed project aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that can downregulate hyperactive Ras and will make a valuable contribution to our understanding of EGFR-Ras related cancers.
Cell polarity is the property of cells to be spatially oriented in a tissue or organ. We have now shown that the gene Scribble, a key regulator of cell orientation, may keep tumour development in check. In this proposal, we will examine how disruption of Scribble promotes cancer using a combination of tissue culture studies and a newly established mouse model. Understanding how this new pathway can regulate tumour development may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer.
Prorenin And The Prorenin Receptor In Diabetic Retinopathy: Involvement Of The Wnt Pathway And Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$580,042.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030 more than 300 million people will have diabetes. Given the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and the lack of effective treatments, there is an urgent need to identify the factors that contribute to its development. This project will determine the role of components of a hormonal system, prorenin and its receptor, in diabetic retinopathy and whether they are new ta ....Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030 more than 300 million people will have diabetes. Given the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and the lack of effective treatments, there is an urgent need to identify the factors that contribute to its development. This project will determine the role of components of a hormonal system, prorenin and its receptor, in diabetic retinopathy and whether they are new targets for its treatment.Read moreRead less
Targeting KRAS Mutations In Cancer Using A Novel SiRNA Delivery Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,899.00
Summary
Mutations in a gene called KRAS are found in 20% of human cancers but are impossible to target with existing treatments. RNA interference is a promising new way to target genes previously considered undruggable, but there is no way to deliver the molecules required for RNA interference to tumours. We will evaluate the ability of a new nanotechnology based delivery system (antibody targeted minicells) to deliver RNA interference, thereby selectively targeting of KRAS in tumours while avoiding tox ....Mutations in a gene called KRAS are found in 20% of human cancers but are impossible to target with existing treatments. RNA interference is a promising new way to target genes previously considered undruggable, but there is no way to deliver the molecules required for RNA interference to tumours. We will evaluate the ability of a new nanotechnology based delivery system (antibody targeted minicells) to deliver RNA interference, thereby selectively targeting of KRAS in tumours while avoiding toxicity to normal tissue.Read moreRead less