Molecular Pathways Mediating Quiescence And Resistance In Leukaemia Stem Cells In Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,381.00
Summary
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a devastating cancer of the blood and bone marrow which is rapidly fatal unless effectively treated with chemotherapy. AML is caused by genetic events that alter normal blood stem cells to give them a growth and survival advantage and also may confer resistance to chemotherapy in some cases. We will evaluate and target the mechanism of this resistance in laboratory models. This information can then be used to design new treatments to improve outcomes in AML.
Characterisation Of CBF Acute Myeloid Leukaemia By MicroRNA Profiling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$118,956.00
Summary
Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of small pieces of previously undescribed genetic material, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), which are thought to have critical functions across various biological processes and regulatory pathways in cells. This project aims to examine the role of these miRNAs in the development of abnormal cellular proliferation that leads to leukaemia, by examining the expression of all known miRNAs in the abnormal cells of our patients with leukaemia.
MicroRNA Expression And Genome-Wide Epigenetic Analysis Of Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$71,765.00
Summary
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is one form of childhood leukaemia, the causes for which are unknown. Evidence suggests genome changes are associated with ALL, specifically epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and microRNA dysregulation. We aim to investigate these changes associated with childhood ALL. We believe this will refine the current diagnostic measures, more accurately predict patients� treatment response, and detect the minimal residual disease during and after treatment.
Mechanisms For The Development Of Leukaemia Via Antibody Hypermutation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,421.00
Summary
During responses to infection, the antibody genes in responding B cells mutate at a high rate, resulting in B cells producing better antibodies. Although essential for long-lived immunity, antibody mutation involves the introduction of DNA breaks which can occasionally cause leukemia or lymphoma. We understand only poorly how DNA repair systems normally make sure that antibody mutation is benign and does not cause cancer.