Tumour Induced Innate Immune Responses That Control Breast Cancer Metastases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,164.00
Summary
The mechanisms of breast cancer spread to bone are largely unknown. We have found that cross-talk between tumour cells and the immune system exists to induce anti-tumour immune responses. By decreasing the release of proteins known to activate immune responses (type I interferons), tumour cells can hide from such responses and spread to tissues such as bone. We aim to identify the immune responses activated by type I IFN and if restoration of these pathways can block breast cancer spread to bone ....The mechanisms of breast cancer spread to bone are largely unknown. We have found that cross-talk between tumour cells and the immune system exists to induce anti-tumour immune responses. By decreasing the release of proteins known to activate immune responses (type I interferons), tumour cells can hide from such responses and spread to tissues such as bone. We aim to identify the immune responses activated by type I IFN and if restoration of these pathways can block breast cancer spread to bone.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role Of SSB1 In Embryonic Development And Genome Maintenance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,716.00
Summary
Normally DNA exists as a double helix where two strands are zipped together. When single-stranded (ss) DNA is exposed during various cellular processes it can be easily damaged and degraded by cellular enzymes, but is protected by ssDNA binding proteins (SSBs). We have identified two new SSBs (SSB1 and SSB2) that play a crucial role in DNA repair and will investigate the role and physiological function of these important proteins.
Determinants Of Response To Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,021,487.00
Summary
Until recently, patients with melanoma were treated with single agent drugs that produced no improvement in overall survival. Today, almost 80% of patients will respond to new therapies and the 2-year survival is greater than 50%. Attention has turned to the combination of immunotherapies in order to improve patient responses. This research investigates the mechanisms of response and resistance to these therapies, in order to enhance the duration and rate of patient responses.
New drugs targeting the immune system have dramatically improved the survival of melanoma patients. Nevertheless, 30-40% of patients responding to these new inhibitor will develop drug resistance. This project utilizes patient tumour samples to examine the mechanisms of acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. This information will accelerate the identification of novel combination therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Manipulating Oncogene Addiction And Immunity In The Treatment Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,975.00
Summary
Melanoma is a major Australian health problem and a common cause of cancer death in young adults. Treatment of melanoma has been revolutionised in the last few years, but many patients fail to respond to new therapies or rapidly progress on treatment. This proposal examines the mechanisms that drive resistance to therapy and identifies markers predictive of clinical response. This approach will accelerate the development of new strategies and improve patient care by personalising treatment.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100092
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Fluorescence microscopy with optical tweezers: imaging cellular responses. Life relies on the ability of our cells to receive and respond to signals with pinpoint accuracy, involving both chemical and mechanical signals. This equipment will allow scientists to expose cells to both types of signals and measure the response at an unprecedented level of accuracy for the first time.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100210
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,000.00
Summary
In-vivo, high-resolution, whole animal imaging . The purchase of state-of-the-art live-animal imaging equipment for use by researchers at The Australian National University and The University of New South Wales. This equipment will aid the study of many aspects of normal biology and disease including cancer, inflammation, autoimmune diseases and blood vessel disorders.
Crosstalk between breast cancer cells and the microenvironment to promote metastasis. Breast cancer spread (metastasis) to distant tissues is usually fatal. It is now clear that cross-talk between cancer cells and other normal cells is essential for metastasis and previous studies have discovered two key mechanisms: tumour cell suppression of immune defence pathways to escape immune recognition, and activation of proteases to promote invasion and blood vessel growth. Using unique models and cell ....Crosstalk between breast cancer cells and the microenvironment to promote metastasis. Breast cancer spread (metastasis) to distant tissues is usually fatal. It is now clear that cross-talk between cancer cells and other normal cells is essential for metastasis and previous studies have discovered two key mechanisms: tumour cell suppression of immune defence pathways to escape immune recognition, and activation of proteases to promote invasion and blood vessel growth. Using unique models and cellular imaging, this project aims to investigate the cell specific functions of these pathways and the therapeutic potential of altering their expression and function. This project may lead to the development of novel predictors of metastasis in patients and new targeted therapeutics to prevent breast cancer spread.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100091
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
A five laser multichannel flow cytometry cell sorter for the University of New South Wales as part of an advanced flow cytometry network. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. This project will establish such advanced cell sorting instrumentation at the University of New South Wales, providing this capability to a wide range of re ....A five laser multichannel flow cytometry cell sorter for the University of New South Wales as part of an advanced flow cytometry network. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. This project will establish such advanced cell sorting instrumentation at the University of New South Wales, providing this capability to a wide range of researchers in diverse fields. The project will also provide a basis for establishing a flow cytometry network with partner institutes University of Sydney and the University of Technology, Sydney.Read moreRead less