How Does ROCK ‘education’ Of Fibroblasts Drive Neoplastic Progression In The Breast?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,776.00
Summary
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another (metastasis) is the main cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis is assisted by the abnormal behaviour of a population of cells called cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We have identified that activation of an enzyme called ROCK in breast cancers causes an increase in the number of CAFs. We plan to find out how ROCK activation causes this increase in CAFs and find new targets against which breast cancer therapies can be developed.
Characterising The Function Of Niche-derived Neuregulin 1 In Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$994,246.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer affects thousands of Australians each year. A specialised cell population, named cancer stem cells, continuously produces new tumour cells. Defining mechanisms controlling the behaviour of these unique cells is critical to develop new drugs. We have identified that Neuregulin-1 is a key factor that enhances the action of cancer stem cells. We aim to study how colorectal cancer is mediated and whether targeting Neuregulin-1 is a promising therapeutic option.
The intestinal lining is continuously renewed by specialised cells called intestinal stem cells. Stem cells throughout the body are regulated by nearby connective tissues. But, the identity of these supportive cells in the gut are unknown. We test whether a discrete population of connective tissue cells in the gut support intestinal stem cells. This project will identify new cellular therapies and targets to promote intestinal repair and manage intestinal cancer.
The behaviour of prostate cancer cells is regulated by their surrounding environment known as the stroma. The stroma has been proposed as a therapeutic target, but it is a diverse mix of cells that needs to be specifically targeted. Not all stromal cells are equal; cells surrounding tumours have different features from cells in normal tissue. Therefore, the goal of this project is to directly isolate cancer-associated stromal cells from patient tissue and study their role in cancer progression.
Alpha-particles linked to recombinant antibodies targeting tumour cells have potential to effectively treat tumours while minimising normal tissue side effects. We will explore a novel alpha-particle therapy approach to solid tumours, by delivering 225Ac directly into tumour cells, or into cells that support the tumour (microenvironment). This approach will hopefully result in development of a new approach to treatment of cancers that are resistant to conventional therapies.
Understanding The Mechanisms That Regulate Spleen Organogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,227.00
Summary
Spleen is a organ with regenerative capacity but the cells driving this have been largely unexplored. A cell-type essential for spleen tissue formation was recently discovered, termed a spleen organiser cell. We are now are attempting to understand where these cells originate from, what cells they develop into, and which genes are important for spleen regeneration. These findings will advance fundamental knowledge of spleen development and lead to better strategies for spleen transplant therapy.
Each year, 18,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. While current treatments are designed to directly target cancer cells, the tumour-associated stroma is also recognised to play a pivotal in the establishment and progression of prostate cancer. This grant aims to investigate the contribution of stromal Hedgehog signalling, with the view to creating new treatment strategies that will treat the entire tumor environment.