Understanding The Role Of Three-dimensional Genome Organisation In B Cell Lineage Commitment And Leukaemia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Every one of your nuclei contain 2 metres of DNA. This DNA is 300,000 times longer than the nucleus itself. In order to fit into this space, while maintaining access to crucial genes, the DNA forms a fantastically ordered three-dimensional structure. This intricate organisation is crucial to health, with even minute changes driving diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. We propose using new technology to understand how this organisation changes during immune cell development and leukaemia.
Structure And Composition Of The Pre-T Cell Receptor-CD3 Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
In order to recognize a wide variety of pathogens, humans produce many different T cell receptors (TCRs) by the process of gene-rearrangement. However, gene-rearrangement may not always lead to a functioning TCR. We are studying the pre-TCR protein that is responsible for monitoring the success of gene-rearrangement and is thus essential for the formation of a robust immune system. Understanding pre-TCR function will lead to new treatments for immune related diseases.
A Study To Evaluate Safety And Feasibility Of Administrating Zoledronic Acid To Children And Adolescents With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia And Lymphoma To Prevent Joint Complication.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$16,231.00
Summary
Osteonecrosis (bone death) is a debilitating complication seen following chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in older children. It potentially could lead to destruction of joint, severely limiting quality of life and ultimately requiring joint replacement surgery. Currently there is no effective medical treatment to manage this. Based on our animal experiments we want to study if Zoledronic acid could prevent severe joint destruction in these children and improve their quality of life.
Identification And Characterisation Of Novel Genetic Alterations In High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$315,336.00
Summary
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in children and young adults. The goal of this research is to identify genetic abnormalities that contribute to treatment failure in high-risk ALL. In addition to providing insights into the biologic basis of ALL, this work has the potential to result in new diagnostic tests, predict response to chemotherapy, and identify new strategies to improve the treatment outcome for ALL patients.
Role Of Connective Tissue Growth Factor In The Pathobiology Of Lymphoid Tumours And Response To Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,615.00
Summary
Leukaemia is the most common cancer in children and the improved cure rates are among the major biomedical advances of the past five decades. However, we still do not fully understand why leukaemia cells have a growth advantage. We identified the growth factor CTGF as being massively activated in leukaemia cells. The project aims to study the role of CTGF in bringing about the disease. Insights gained are expected to lead towards novel treatments for patients with leukaemia.
Targeting Drug-Resistance In Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$649,048.00
Summary
Leukaemia is the most common type of cancer in children but resistance to therapy continues to be a significant problem. This project will investigate the biology of drug-resistance and relapse using a mouse model that replicates the human disease. We hope to identify novel therapeutic targets that can be used in combination with existing therapies to improve outcomes in this disease, particularly for patients that develop drug-resistance such as those at the time of relapse.
Improving Treatment Outcome In Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia By Minimal Residual Disease Detection And Pharmacokinetics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,759.00
Summary
The main objective of this project is to make substantial improvements in the treatment of patients with childhood leukaemia by greater use of molecular diagnostics to measure minimal residual disease (MRD) and pharmacokinetic testing to determine the effectiveness of a key chemotherapy drug (PEG-L-Asparaginase) in Australian patients enrolled on an international clinical trial which has been designed to reduce the incidence of both relapses and long term side-effects.
Improving Risk Evaluation And Outcomes In Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$798,022.00
Summary
The main objective of this project is to make substantial improvements in the treatment of patients with childhood leukaemia by greater use of molecular diagnostics to measure minimal residual disease (MRD) and high risk genetic changes in Australian patients enrolled on an international clinical trial which has been designed to reduce the incidence of both relapses and long term side-effects.