Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease subtype that lacks targeted therapies. We have identified a protein associated with TNBC termed SgK269 that regulates the transmission of signals instructing the cell to grow and migrate. SgK269 associates with a closely-related protein termed SgK223 to form a signalling complex. The aim of this project is to characterise the role of this signalling complex in TNBC and determine whether it represents a potential therapeutic target.
Targeting FLT3 Kinase Activity To Treat Haematopoietic Neoplasms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$673,045.00
Summary
Most leukaemias are incurable so it is important to find new treatments. For this to occur it is essential that the mutated genes that cause leukaemia are identified. We have generated a mouse with a mutation in a gene called c-Cbl that promotes the activation a protein called FLT3 that is involved in the development of many types of leukaemias. By treating mutant mice a drug that specifically suppresses the function of FLT3 we intend to identify the most effective treatments for human leukaemia ....Most leukaemias are incurable so it is important to find new treatments. For this to occur it is essential that the mutated genes that cause leukaemia are identified. We have generated a mouse with a mutation in a gene called c-Cbl that promotes the activation a protein called FLT3 that is involved in the development of many types of leukaemias. By treating mutant mice a drug that specifically suppresses the function of FLT3 we intend to identify the most effective treatments for human leukaemias associated with activated forms of FLT3.Read moreRead less
Mechanistic And Functional Characterization Of The Atypical Kinase SgK269
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$271,879.00
Summary
The overall aim of this study is to characterize at a mechanistic and functional level the oncogenic role of SgK269. We will use quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics to characterize the signaling network role of SgK269 and subsequently undertake a detailed structure/function analysis of SgK269 in mammary epithelial cells. Our study will provide novel insights into the signaling mechanism and function of SgK269 and highlight the potential strategies for improved treatment of basal breast ....The overall aim of this study is to characterize at a mechanistic and functional level the oncogenic role of SgK269. We will use quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics to characterize the signaling network role of SgK269 and subsequently undertake a detailed structure/function analysis of SgK269 in mammary epithelial cells. Our study will provide novel insights into the signaling mechanism and function of SgK269 and highlight the potential strategies for improved treatment of basal breast cancers.Read moreRead less
Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy among women, with an estimated 1 million new cases per year worldwide. A family of enzymes known as protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are fundamental in the initiation and progression of tumour growth and they are frequently hyperactivated in breast cancer. This proposal will examine whether inactivation of the enzyme known as TCPTP contributes to PTK hyperactivation and tumorigenicity in breast cancer.
Cells have the ability to commit suicide in a process called apoptosis. Developing new treatments and drugs that harness the ability of cancer cells to commit suicide (undergo apoptosis) would represent a new and potentially valuable therapeutic approach. We have identified a number of previously unrecognized ways of triggering apoptosis in cancer cells of the blood (leukemias). We propose to use our approaches to find more effective ways of treating cancers in the future.
While most leukemia patients initially respond well to chemotherapy, >70% die because the disease returns as a result of the survival of leukaemia cells following treatment. We seek to block the switch mechanisms within leukemic cells that allow them to survive current drug therapies. We now seek to examine the therapeutic potential of our discovery with a view toward developing new targetted therapies in the future.
There are ~1.6 billion overweight adults worldwide & this is predicted to rise to 2.3 billion by 2015. In Australia > 2/3 of adults are overweight or obese. Obesity is a key factor in the progression of many human malignancies. Obesity poses the greatest risk for the development hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a deadly cancer refractory to nearly all available anti-cancer therapies. This application will delineate the molecular mechanisms by which obesity promotes HCC development.
Global Characterization Of The Src-regulated Kinome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,334.00
Summary
This proposal aims to use new cutting-edge techniques to globally characterize the impact of a particular cancer-causing gene, or oncogene, on the expression and function of an important family of regulatory proteins, termed kinases, in cancer cells. This will identify proteins critical for cancer cell growth and survival that represent potential targets for therapy.
Identification Of Novel Treatment Strategies For Human Cancers Through Integrative Phosphoproteomics And Kinomics.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
This proposal aims to use new cutting-edge techniques to characterize, at a global level, changes in growth regulatory signals in cancer cells. This will identify proteins critical for cancer growth that represent potential targets for therapy. In addition it will highlight ways to select the most effective treatments for individual patients. The ultimate outcome of this work will be improved treatment strategies for cancer patients, and hence reduced morbidity and mortality.