Role Of MACROD2 Loss In DNA Repair, Chromosomal Instability And Development Of Colorectal Cancer: Clinical And Therapeutic Implications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,871.00
Summary
The MACROD2 gene is deleted in one-third of human bowel cancers. We have discovered that MACROD2 deletion causes defective DNA repair and tumour chromosomal instability. Here, we will use novel laboratory models to show that MACROD2 loss actively promotes bowel cancer development. We will test the clinical implication of MACROD2 loss for predicting tumour therapy response and will investigate the potential of exploiting this deficiency for drug targeting.
Transcriptional Effectors Of Oncogenic ERK Signaling In Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$820,776.00
Summary
This project aims to unravel how one of the most frequently deregulated molecular pathways in colorectal cancer controls the expression of genes required for these tumours to grow and spread. We expect this work to uncover novel therapeutic targets to effectively inactivate this pathway and biomarkers to select patients most likely to benefit from existing therapies.
Defining The Role Of Reserve Stem Cells In Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,739.00
Summary
Over 800,000 deaths from stomach cancer occur annually. This often fatal disease is caused by chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. This proposal will investigate how stomach inflammation ‘reprograms’ a new type of 'cancer stem cell' to form tumours and evaluate ways to therapeutically target these cells to prevent disease. Collectively, these studies will inform new approaches for stomach cancer prevention and treatment.
Engineering MYCN Models Of High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSC)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$797,478.00
Summary
The most lethal type of ovarian cancer, high-grade serous cancer (HGSC), can be divided into four subtypes based on gene patterns. One subtype involves a set of genes/proteins that, in their specific combination, result in activation of a pathway known as MYCN. As most HGSC start in the fallopian tube, we are using fallopian tube material to make new MYCN HGSC models to observe development in the earliest stages. We hope to generate new tests and treatments for this subtype of ovarian cancer.
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