SETD7-dependent Regulation Of Hippo/YAP And Wnt/beta-catenin Pathways In The Intestine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,950.00
Summary
Colon cancer accounts for approximately 10% of all cancer-related deaths in Australia. One of the most common causes of colon cancer is a mutation in a signalling pathway called the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Despite this knowledge, there are currently no drugs that directly target this pathway to treat colon cancer. We have now identified a new way to control this pathway and have developed a potent and specific drug to block activation of this pathway.
The Role Of Meninges In Midbrain Dopamine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,311.00
Summary
Dopamine neurons are important for the control of movement, emotion and cognitive function, and are affected in a number of disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Instrumental in improving our knowledge of disease etiology and the development of new therapies will be a greater understanding of how these cells are initially born during development. This project examines the role of the brain’s meninges in dopamine development and repair and will identify proteins and signaling pathways involved.
Fzd receptors are often upregulated in gastric cancer, and recent studies have shown that targeting these receptors has be effective at reducing cancer cell growth in other cancers including prostate and breast. This project will use cutting edge technology to firstly determine the specific requirement for Fzd receptors during gastric cancer and then determine the therapeutic benefit of using an antibody to target these receptors in mouse models and human gastric cancer cells.
Sclerostin Is A Key Regulator Of Wnt Signalling In Bone And Cartilage Pathology In Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,945.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most widespread bone and joint problem in Australia with has enormous social and economic consequences. We have identified Sclerostin (SOST) as a key regulator of the signalling pathway that drives the increase in production of bone and the erosion of cartilage in joints that are the hallmark of OA. The aims of the present project are to determine the effect altering SOST activity on the initiation and progression of OA.
Studying The Novel Role For G Protein-coupled Receptor Signalling In Leukaemia Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,144.00
Summary
Recent research has shown the clinical importance of abnormal stem cells (LSC) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). LSC are resistant to therapeutics suggesting that they could be a cause of relapse. Identifying signalling pathways that drive LSC development is essential to selectively eradicate LSC that could offer substantial therapeutic benefit. This proposal aims to identify and evaluate critical signalling pathways as a potential therapeutic target for developing effective novel LSC-targeted t ....Recent research has shown the clinical importance of abnormal stem cells (LSC) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). LSC are resistant to therapeutics suggesting that they could be a cause of relapse. Identifying signalling pathways that drive LSC development is essential to selectively eradicate LSC that could offer substantial therapeutic benefit. This proposal aims to identify and evaluate critical signalling pathways as a potential therapeutic target for developing effective novel LSC-targeted therapy in AML.Read moreRead less
Defining The Genetic Requirements For Maintenance Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide because there are few effective treatments for people with aggressive disease. The goal of this project is to uncover how normal colon cells suppress cancerous changes and to identify the important factors that colon cancer cells depend on for survival and growth. With this knowledge we can begin to develop more effective cancer treatments with fewer side-effects.
The Therapeutic Value Of Targeting Wnt Signalling For The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,535.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 1.62 million Australians and imposes a significant burden on healthcare. It is characterised by damage to joint cartilage, and increased bone formation with formation of bone spurs. Our studies will determine the importance of the Wnt signalling pathway in mediating OA joint degeneration and identify mechanisms that regulate the activation of this pathway in OA. This will inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies which could halt joint damage in OA.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide. 85% of CRC arises from mutations in the Wnt signalling pathway. We have shown that AZD1480, a drug that blocks Janus kinases (Jak) can prevent the appearance of Wnt mutant tumours and stop the growth of already established CRC in animal models. This project will test whether Jak inhibitors can improve treatment outcome and prolong disease free survival.