This study will address the idea that cancer commonly involves a genetic pathway that is normally used by stem cells to proliferate in an undifferentiated state. We have evidence to indicate that this system is active in cancer cells and believe this could explain how cancer cells manage to divide rapidly in a primitive state. This project may bring a new perspective to the study of malignant transformation and has the potential to reveal multiple new targets for cancer therapy.
Harnessing Endogenous L1-mediated Mutagenesis To Elucidate New Candidate Genes For Liver Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,656.00
Summary
Retrotransposons are mobile genes that copy-and-paste themselves in our genome. Previously thought to represent “junk DNA”, retrotransposons are increasingly recognised to play major roles in biology. In a recent publication in Cell, we found that retrotransposons were highly active in some types of liver cancer, mutating key genes required to block tumour formation. In the current study, we will determine in greater depth how, and how often, these genes are involved in other types of liver canc ....Retrotransposons are mobile genes that copy-and-paste themselves in our genome. Previously thought to represent “junk DNA”, retrotransposons are increasingly recognised to play major roles in biology. In a recent publication in Cell, we found that retrotransposons were highly active in some types of liver cancer, mutating key genes required to block tumour formation. In the current study, we will determine in greater depth how, and how often, these genes are involved in other types of liver cancer.Read moreRead less
Somatic Retrotransposition Drives Neoplastic Mutagenesis In Glioblastoma Multiforme
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$667,342.00
Summary
Retrotransposons are mobile genes that copy-and-paste themselves in our genome. Previously thought to represent “junk DNA”, retrotransposons are increasingly found to play major roles in biology. In a recent landmark publication in Nature, we demonstrated that retrotransposons move in the healthy human brain. In the current study, we will use cutting-edge technologies to determine whether brain cancer can occur as a result. This will provide new perspectives of the genetic basis for cancer.
A Comprehensive Genomic Analysis Of Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma: Understanding The Genetic Aetiology Of OAC Towards Biomarkers Of Progression, Prognosis And Targeted Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$987,906.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer (OAC) continues to have poor survival despite surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Selecting patients for the most appropriate therapies and improving survival remain unmet research needs. We propose to undertake a detailed genetic study of OAC, including “next generation” sequencing, in order to catalogue the genetic changes in the disease. This information forms an essential basis for identifying genetic signatures of OAC progression, prognosis and treatment response.
Identification Of Genes Responsible For Familial Predispositions To Haematological Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,944.00
Summary
A successful approach to the identification of cancer genes has been to study the 5-10% of cases that occur in families with an inherited predisposition to develop cancer. In contrast to solid tumors, few cancer-causing germ-line mutations have been identified for hematological cancers. We are using cutting edge technologies to identify blood cancer genes in a collection of both Australian and international families and comparing them to similar sporadic cancers.