Analysis Of APC And APC Protein Complexes In Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,786.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is one of the foremost causes of death in Australia. A defective form of a protein called APC has been shown to be present in more than 80% of colon tumours. How APC contributes to colon cancer is still not known. We aim to determine the function of the APC protein by studying the APC protein and proteins that interact with APC in normal and cancerous colon epithelial cells. We will use cells derived from normal colon epithelium as well as from colon carcinomas. Once we have id ....Colorectal cancer is one of the foremost causes of death in Australia. A defective form of a protein called APC has been shown to be present in more than 80% of colon tumours. How APC contributes to colon cancer is still not known. We aim to determine the function of the APC protein by studying the APC protein and proteins that interact with APC in normal and cancerous colon epithelial cells. We will use cells derived from normal colon epithelium as well as from colon carcinomas. Once we have identified proteins that interact with APC in normal colonic cells, we will have a more complete understanding of the function of APC and its role in the development of colonic tumours.Read moreRead less
Colon Cancer: Receptors, Signalling And Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,115,542.00
Summary
This program aims to understand the biochemical and biological basis of colorectal cancer, a major cause of cancer deaths in Australia. The Chief Investigators have extensive experience in the analysis of the molecular defects in colorectal cancer cells and have already developed new drugs to treat successfully experimental colon tumours in animals. During this research program, we will explore these systems further, concentrating on the identification of novel inhibitors of colon cancer cell gr ....This program aims to understand the biochemical and biological basis of colorectal cancer, a major cause of cancer deaths in Australia. The Chief Investigators have extensive experience in the analysis of the molecular defects in colorectal cancer cells and have already developed new drugs to treat successfully experimental colon tumours in animals. During this research program, we will explore these systems further, concentrating on the identification of novel inhibitors of colon cancer cell growth, survival and movement. Newly developed instruments and techniques will allow us to identify and detect the critical steps during the development of colorectal cancer and to design potent drugs to fight the disease. We have experience in conducting novel clinical trials in colon cancer and have developed imaging techniques for monitoring the effectiveness and safety of new anti-cancer drugs. Our collective scientific experience and ability to work in the clinic provides a unique opportunity for developing more effective treatments for colorectal cancer patients.Read moreRead less
Targeting Of The APC Tumour Suppressor To Mitochondria: Implications For APC Regulation And Cellular Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,116.00
Summary
Inherited mutations in the APC gene cause colon cancer, and kills 4,700 Australians every year. About 1 in 21 Australians develop colorectal cancer by the age of 75. APC mutations change cells in different ways, triggering the cancer process. We have discovered a new pathway, involving altered movement of APC to mitochondria in tumour cells. This study will investigate how this cancerous change may help our understanding of colon cancer progression.
Using A Novel Gut Culture System To Analyse The Influence Of Genes Mutated In Colon Cancer On Epithelial Cell Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,650.00
Summary
Colorectal (or bowel) cancer is a major health problem in Australia. Approximately 1 in 21 Australians will develop the disease in his-her lifetime. The risk of bowel cancer increases with age, with the risk rising progressively and sharply from the age of 50. Current therapies for colorectal cancer are not very effective and the median survival for patients with this disease is poor at 7- 12 months. The development of colorectal cancer is complex and is affected by both genetic and environmenta ....Colorectal (or bowel) cancer is a major health problem in Australia. Approximately 1 in 21 Australians will develop the disease in his-her lifetime. The risk of bowel cancer increases with age, with the risk rising progressively and sharply from the age of 50. Current therapies for colorectal cancer are not very effective and the median survival for patients with this disease is poor at 7- 12 months. The development of colorectal cancer is complex and is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Colorectal cancer progresses through a number of distinct pathological stages. This is thought to be the result of the progressive aquisition of mutations in genes that normally ensure a balance between cell growth and cell death. Mutations in a number of genes (known as APC, K-ras, p53, SMAD2, SMAD4) are commonly found in colorectal tumours. This research is aimed at understanding how genes which are altered in colon cancer influence the growth of cells in normal intestine. We have developed a system where normal mouse gut can be maintained and grown intact. Genes containing the alterations found in colon cancer will be introduced into the normal gut epithelial cells and the effects on the growth and behaviour of these cells analysed. This should improve our knowledge of how these altered genes contribute to the development of colon cancer.Read moreRead less