REGULATION OF ANDROGEN RECEPTOR And ErbB-2 GENE EXPRESSION IN PROSTATE CANCER: ROLE OF THE HU PROTEINS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,000.00
Summary
Carcinoma of the prostate (PCa) is the most common malignancy affecting males and causes enormous morbidity and mortality in Australia. It is the second leading cause of death in men in Western countries. About one third of men relapse after radical prostatectomy because of previously undetectable metastatic disease. Androgens, acting via the androgen receptor (AR) a nuclear transcription factor that regulates a set of largely unknown androgen-responsive genes, promote the growth of prostate can ....Carcinoma of the prostate (PCa) is the most common malignancy affecting males and causes enormous morbidity and mortality in Australia. It is the second leading cause of death in men in Western countries. About one third of men relapse after radical prostatectomy because of previously undetectable metastatic disease. Androgens, acting via the androgen receptor (AR) a nuclear transcription factor that regulates a set of largely unknown androgen-responsive genes, promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. Thus the AR is a major target for therapy. Even when the disease is unresponsive to androgen withdrawal, the AR is present. Furthermore, we know that these PCa cells recruit other androgen-independent pathways to activate growth. One such pathway is the erbB-2 signaling cascade, which drives the cells towards proliferation. Proteins that bind to RNA, the cellular messenger, are playing an increasing role in the biology of cancer. HuR, a member of the Hu-Elav family, augments growth of colon cancer cells, and is associted with poor outcomes in ovarian and brain malignancies. We have recently identified the first proteins that bind to AR and erbB-2 mRNA. Remarkably, HuR binds to both sequences. Furthermore, HuD, another member of the Hu-Elav family which is normally only found in the brain, is aberrantly expressed in human PCa. In this Project we will determine the effects of these proteins on the growth of human PCa cells in culture and in whole animal models. We will also evaluate their presence in a large array of human PCa specimens. It is envisaged that this work will develop novel links between the two pathways bringing them together in a previously unrecognised manner. We also aim to solve the molecular structure of Hu proteins bound to the AR mRNA. Outcomes of the work will include new potential tests for prostate cancer and improved prognosis prediction, and establishment of a foundation for the development of novel targets for therapy.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Molecular Heterogeneity Of Response And Resistance To Anti-HER2-ErbB2 Agents In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,173.00
Summary
A revolution in cancer care will take place in the next decade as we aim to individualize treatment for each patient. A subtype of breast cancer relies on a growth factor called HER2 for growth. Treatments that block HER2 are highly effective and have less side effects than chemotherapy. My study aims to further understand of the biology of this subtype of breast cancer and action of anti-HER2 agents as this will allow us to treat this aggressive type of breast cancer more effectively.
Molecular Mechanisms Leading To Schizophrenia- The Role Of Estrogen And Estrogen Receptor Alpha
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a devastating mental illness of unknown cause thought to arise from a derailment of normal brain development where the brain fails to respond to the pubertal surge in sex steroids. This proposal aims to determine the molecular pathogenesis of SZ. The SZ susceptibility gene estrogen receptor alpha and the SZ susceptibility pathway neuregulin-ErbB4 are interrogated. This will lead to the development of novel therapeutics and preventative agents that will halt disease onset.
Humanisation And Pre-clinical Validation Of A Therapeutic Anti-cancer Antibody
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,136.00
Summary
This grant will develop a novel antibody against a protease expressed on cancer cells. Preclinical studies, and antibody humanisation, will be performed. This project will also provide vital information on optimal therapeutic approaches with the antibody that can be ultimately taken into human trials.
Antibody-based Inhibition Of ADAM10 As Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,788.00
Summary
Despite our advances in understanding the molecular basis of cancer, treatments for metastatic cancers are limited, emphasising an urgent need for strategies targeting several oncogenic pathways. We generated monoclonal antibodies effectively blocking the activity of ADAM10, an oncogenic cell surface protease that activates tumour growth, invasion and metastasis through multiple pathways. Here we describe the strategies that progress these antibodies as lead therapeutics for clinical testing.
Novel Dual Domain Targeting Strategies Against ErbB Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$711,216.00
Summary
This project will develop innovative strategies to treat cancer through novel antibodies to erbB growth factor receptors, and identify ways to improve conventional treatments.
Testing Novel Therapies Using Paediatric Brain Tumour Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,023.00
Summary
Brain tumours are the second most common childhood cancer, with 300 children affected in Australia each year. Many children with brain tumours continue to die of their disease, whilst survivors are often left with devastating life long side effects. Our goals are to harness the power of innovative model systems of childhood brain tumours, in order to test the effectiveness of new treatments for these devastating diseases, so that the most promising therapies can be taken through to the clinic.