The Role Of Natural Protein Inhibitors In Blocking Breast Cancer Invasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,139.00
Summary
The mechanisms required for breast cancer cells to spread outside of the ducts and into the surrounding breast tissue are largely unknown. There is increasing evidence that the cell layer surrounding the ducts (myoepithelium) functions to suppress invasion. We aim to test if a protein inhibitor that is expressed in these cells can preventing breast cancer invasion in models of early breast cancer and if its expression can predict those patients that are unlikely to develop invasive cancers.
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.
Studies On The Tumour-associated PIK3CA(H1047R) Mutation Using In Vitro And In Vivo Models Of Breast And Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,312.00
Summary
PIK3CA mutations are frequently found in breast and ovarian cancers but how they cause cancer is not clear. We will exploit a unique mouse model to investigate the functional effects of PIK3CA mutations in cells and their role in cancer development. Understanding the mechanisms by which PIK3CA mutations regulate cell function and drive tumour growth will allow the rationale design of novel anti-cancer agents that specifically target this important cancer pathway.
Evaluation Of Molecular Mechanisms Driving Metastasis Using Integrated Intravital Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$885,271.00
Summary
Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-associated death. Understanding key steps that drive the spread of cancer is critical to improve current treatment strategies. Using cutting-edge imaging technology and 3-dimensional model systems that mimic the disease, we will pinpoint key events that are susceptible to drug intervention and identify new therapeutic targets.
Identiification Of Novel Biomarkers And Therapeutic Targets For The Treatment Of Pancreatic Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,463.00
Summary
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with an appalling prognosis - only 6% of patient survive 5 years after diagnosis. The aim of this research is to use new technologies to find out how pancreatic cells become malignant and why the cancerous cells are so drug resistant. The goal is to ideantify cell markers to guide drug treatment design and new targets for antibody therapy. By combining emerging technologies we hope to achieve break-through outcomes in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Characterisation Of The Tumour Suppressor Function Of Caspase-2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,096.00
Summary
Aberrant cell death (apoptosis) is associated with many diseases including cancer. Apoptosis is mediated by a group of enzymes called caspases. Recently we have discovered that one of these enzymes, caspase-2, acts as a tumour suppressor. We now wish to validate this finding in several preclinical models of cancer and understand precisely how caspase-2 works to safeguard cells against cancer development. These studies will help better understand cancer and ways to treat it.
Mechanisms Of Hedgehog Signaling In Small Cell Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,564.00
Summary
Some types of lung are very sensitive to chemotherapy, however they frequently relapse, at which time they become resistant to this form of treatment. This project investigates how embryonic signaling pathways, that normally function to regulate organ formation in development, are activated and promote tumor regrowth following chemotherapy for lung cancer.
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.
Identification Of Novel ERBB2 Co-operating Tumor Suppressors Using In Vivo RNAi Screens.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Invasive breast cancer is often lethal, however, noninvasive disease has a >98% survival rate. Thus, understanding how breast cancer develops invasive ability is an important research goal. Using a new method in mice predisposed to breast cancer, we will find genes that prevent tumor invasion and determine if they are important in human cancer. By understanding how these genes restrict tumor invasion, we hope to develop therapies to improve breast cancer treatment.
I am a cancer biologist determining the mechanisms controlling growth and proliferation of cancer cells and use transgenic models of malignancy and genetic approaches to identify new therapies for targeting growth control in the treatment of cancer.