Ovarian cancer is frequently fatal and an extremely distressing cause of death in women. Our research program draws on the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS), involving over 2000 women with ovarian cancer to investigate the genetic causes, and molecular changes that control cancer growth and response to therapy. The program is part of Australia’s $27m commitment to the International Cancer Genomics Consortium, an ambitious, worldwide effort to map the cancer genome.
Mechanisms Of Regulation Of Ribosome Biogenesis And Function In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway drives many cancers and until recently was thought to do so by preventing cancer cell death. We have shown this pathway also regulates the synthesis of ribosomes, the cellular “factories” that make protein and by interfering with PI3K/AKT regulated ribosome synthesis, can kill cancer cells. We aim to establish the mechanisms underlying this regulation of ribosome synthesis and to test the hypothesis that ribosome biogenesis is a novel target for cancer treatment.
Regulation Of Cell Death, Cell Survival And Ubiquitination In Normal Physiology And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
The project will investigate the functions of specific genes and pathways to understand the molecular basis of various diseases. It is based on our data that indicate new roles for (i) cell death in genomic instability in cancer, and (ii) ubiquitination in hypertension, developmental defects, kidney disease, as well as iron homeostasis. The work will lead to new understanding of human disease and discovery of potential new drug targets. It will also provide training of junior scientists.
Prof Lindeman's laboratory, co-headed with Dr Visvader, has played an influential role in the identification of mammary stem and progenitor cells, elucidation of the mammary epithelial cell hierarchy and gaining insights into how female hormones regulate mammary gland development and cancer. In parallel, I have established translational research platforms such as patient-derived tumour xenograft (PDX) models, which offer powerful preclinical models to test new drugs.
Manipulating Oncogenic-signalling Pathways In The Genesis And Treatment Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,484.00
Summary
Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new therapi ....Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new therapies.Read moreRead less
The human immune system comprises many different types of cells that can detect foreign molecules. My research will lead the way to understanding some of the most abundant, yet least well understood, cells within this system, collectively known as 'unconventional T cells'. This knowledge is essential to optimally and efficiently manipulate the immune system in health and disease.
I am a developmental biologist studying how transcription factors regulate developmental processes. I have a particular interest in the MYST family of co-activators, their role in regulating self-renewal and lineage determination in stem cells, their role in oncogenesis and targeting these proteins to develop new cancer therapeutics.
Overcoming Resistance Of Human Metastatic Melanoma To Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,758.00
Summary
Melanoma is a major Australian health problem, but there is no curative treatment once the disease spreads beyond the skin. I have been working on “overcoming resistance of melanoma to treatment” continuously for 10 years. My past research has provided a number of insights into the resistance of melanoma to treatment. I wish to extend my work to find new treatment approaches against the disease. If successful, this work will greatly benefit melanoma patients and Australian people.
Deciphering Breast Cancer Heterogeneity To Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
Breast cancer is a very heterogeneous disease. Patients are often treated in a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but response to therapy remains quite disparate. To better personalise therapy, there is a pressing need to define the precise cell types and initiating genetic events that give rise to breast cancer. This application is focussed on understanding the molecular and cellular origins of breast cancer, with the potential of identifying new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Inflammasome Function In Protection Against Infectious Disease And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
Inflammation, characterised by swelling, heat, pain and redness, is a normal response to injury and infection. Many human diseases such as gout, athersclerosis, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease involve some inflammation, mediated through a common pathway termed the inflammasome. This project will investigate the proteins involved in this pathway and how they interact in their normal role of combatting infections, as well as a possible defect in this pathway in autoimmune patients.