Identification Of Genes That Predict Outcomes In Acute Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
This study aims to identify genetic factors that contribute to the resistance of acute leukaemias to treatment, and to poor outcomes in patients with acute leukaemias.
Long-term In Vivo Imaging Of Bone Marrow Microenvironments In Multiple Myeloma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,371.00
Summary
White blood cells are soldiers of the immune system. When the machinery that controls growth and death of these cells is disrupted, these cells can undergo massive expansion. This leads to the development of blood cancers such as multiple myeloma (MM). In MM, malignant cells infiltrate bones preventing production of blood and damaging the bone structure leading to fractures. Using cutting edge microcopy we will watch how MM cells grow and damage bone tissue to develop new therapeutic approaches.
The Targeting Of Flt3, C-Kit And Src As Therapies For C-Cbl-associated Myeloid Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,416.00
Summary
Most leukaemias are incurable so it is important to find new treatments. For this to occur it is essential that the mutated genes causing leukaemia are identified. We have generated a mouse with a mutation in a gene, c-Cbl, that promotes the activation of a number of proteins involved in leukaemia development. By treating c-Cbl mutant mice with drugs that target these proteins we intend to identify the most effective treatments for human leukaemias associated with c-Cbl mutations.
Chemotherapy causes a massive depletion of blood-producing cells in the bone marrow. This results in a condition known as myelosuppression that has many harmful side effects for cancer patients. Our aim is to develop a safe and inexpensive approach that will specifically protect the blood-producing cells from chemotherapy but leave the cancer cells sensitive. If this treatment shows significant benefits in mouse models of cancer then the establishment of clinical trials will be initiated.
GADD45A Promoter Methylation And Poor Prognosis In AML:mechanism And Clinical Significance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$706,280.00
Summary
DNA methylation associated with the GADD45A gene defines an AML patient group with poor overall survival and limited treatment options. We will investigate the significance of this modification for the response of AML cells to chemotherapy and dissect the mechanism associated with this event. To translate these findings into the clinic we will test whether these patients are responsive to new agents targeting DNA methylation, and investigate survival of patients in a large independent cohort
Studying precancerous stem cells that cause T cell leukaemia. Recent research has identified abnormal stem cells that are the cause of T cell leukaemia. They are also resistant to therapeutics suggesting that they could be a cause of relapse. The aim of this project is to determine the abnormal pathways that cause these cells to become immortal and to determine new therapeutic strategies to eliminate them.