Gene And Environmental Factors Influencing The Risk And Outcome Of Childhood Neuroblastoma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,573.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumour of early childhood. The proposed project will identify gene variations as well as birth characteristics and perinatal factors associated with the cause of neuroblastoma. Understanding the genetic causes of the disease can potentially identify genetic targets for treatment and improve diagnosis, while the identification of risk factors can be translated into interventions for prevention of neuroblastoma.
Sun Exposure, Vitamin D And The Outcome Of Prostate Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$494,698.00
Summary
We will find out whether hours of sun exposure, reported in a standard interview by men with prostate cancer, reduces prostate cancer recurrence and progression. For any effect of sun exposure ithat we observe, we will find out whether it works through vitamin D, which is produced by sunshine on the skin, or is affected by changes in the vitamin D receptor gene, which produces the protein the binds with vitamin D on cells and makes it work. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Aus ....We will find out whether hours of sun exposure, reported in a standard interview by men with prostate cancer, reduces prostate cancer recurrence and progression. For any effect of sun exposure ithat we observe, we will find out whether it works through vitamin D, which is produced by sunshine on the skin, or is affected by changes in the vitamin D receptor gene, which produces the protein the binds with vitamin D on cells and makes it work. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Australia, and this study, using two of the largest collections of clinical outcomes data for this disease, will inform researchers, clinicians and consumers about the possible benefits of sun exposure and Vitamin D in the prevention of recurrence or progression of prostate cancer. On present evidence, these effects are very plausible possibilities. It may also identify sub-groups of men in whom sun exposure or vitamin D might be particularly beneficial in improving outcome of prostate cancer.Read moreRead less
Analysis Of Gene Amplification-loss And Methylation Associated With Progression To Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,197.00
Summary
Many bowel cancers can be removed by surgery, but in many cases the cancer reoccurs. While chemotherapy can reduce the chance of recurrence, it can produce significant side effects. Currently there are few markers to indicate change of recurrence, therefore deciding who should, or should not receive chemotherapy is difficult to decide. This study will analyse differences in DNA from patients that do and do not relapse, to guide future decisions on patients who will benefit from chemotherapy.
Identification Of Novel Low Penetrance Genes Associated With Melanoma Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,830.00
Summary
Using pools of DNA samples we will conduct a genome-wide association study for melanoma predisposition genes. The most promising candidate genes will be followed up by sequencing and further geneotyping of additional SNPs in order to identify the causal variants.
Genetic And Epigenetic Biomarkers In High Risk Colorectal Cancer: Predicting Risk Of Recurrence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
The main aim of this project is to define the prognostic and predictive significance of specific genetic events in patients with high risk (stage III) colorectal cancer. We attempt to explore the differences between primary tumours from patients with and without recurrence at three years. Data from the project will then be used to define a limited set of biomarkers which will aid in clinical decisions regarding the need for adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery for high risk colorectal cancer.
Further Characterisation Of The Role Of HSSB1 In DNA Repair And Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,526.00
Summary
To date, all breast cancer predisposition genes identified play an important role in the DNA damage repair pathway. We have characterised a new protein designated as hSSB1, which plays a crucial role in the maintenance of genomic stability by protecting us from DNA damage. Significantly, evidence strongly suggests an interaction of hSSB1 with the breast cancer susceptibility protein BRCA2. This project will investigate the role of hSSB1 in breast cancer predisposition and DNA damage repair.
I am a molecular biologist and my research is focussed on the importance of epigenetics in early development and disease, especially in cancer. My research to date has resulted in many ground-breaking discoveries relating to DNA methylation patterns, that