A Novel Mechanism For Sustained Proliferation Of Cancer Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,881.00
Summary
We have found that some tumours use a previously unknown strategy for evading the normal limits on cellular proliferation. We will analyse the molecular details of this mechanism in order to (i) understand how it works, (ii) devise a diagnostic test, and (iii) lay the foundations for developing treatments that specifically target this type of cancer.
Progenitor Origin And Regulation In Endometrial Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$847,583.00
Summary
The endometrium is the lining of the uterus and regenerates each month during a woman's reproductive years. Stem and progenitor cells in the endometrium are thought to be responsible for this regeneration. We have identified a genetic marker for stem and progenitor cells in the endometrium of mice and will use this to understand endometrial regeneration. This work will address infertility as well as overactive endometrial growth in diseases such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
Activation Of TERT Gene Expression In Breast Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$693,440.00
Summary
A key step in the development of most cancers is the switching on of an enzyme, telomerase, that allows cancer cells to keep growing without limit. We will study the molecular details of this step using new techniques for functional analyses of the genome in human breast cells grown in the laboratory. Blocking telomerase has great potential for cancer treatment, so analysing how this enzyme gets switched on may identify new strategies for achieving this for breast cancer - and other cancers.
Targeting Leukaemia Stem Cells Through Inhibition Of Telomerase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,979.00
Summary
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a type of very aggressive blood cancer that kills up to 1000 Australians every year. We use chemotherapy to treat AML, however, most patients are not cured by chemotherapy alone and the disease eventually comes back (relapses). We are looking at a new type of treatment for patients with AML that targets the genetic material (DNA) within the leukaemia cells. Our work has shown that this new type of treatment may prevent relapse after chemotherapy.