Breast Cancer has a particular preference to form cancer metastases in bone where its presence is associated with bone destruction that frequently results in significant pain and disability. Bone seems to provide a fertile soil for breast cancer cells that have moved into the blood vessels from the original cancer site in the breast. Once tumour cells have invade bone marrow spaces from the blood vessels they are able to grow and induce the normal cells of the bone marrow to destroy the surround ....Breast Cancer has a particular preference to form cancer metastases in bone where its presence is associated with bone destruction that frequently results in significant pain and disability. Bone seems to provide a fertile soil for breast cancer cells that have moved into the blood vessels from the original cancer site in the breast. Once tumour cells have invade bone marrow spaces from the blood vessels they are able to grow and induce the normal cells of the bone marrow to destroy the surrounding hard bone. This allows the tumour to grow faster. Together these processed create a vicious cycle that contributes to the serious consequences of bone metastases. In this project we will be studying mice with breast cancer to understand what makes the bone marrow such a fertile and receptive site for breast cancer metastasis. In particular, we are looking at how the normal processes of bone renewal and repair contribute to the establishment of cancer in bone. We will use the body's own bone protecting protein, called osteoprotegerin, to test how blocking bone destruction will affect the ability of cancer cells to invade and grow in bone. This study has the potential to change the way bone metastases are treated. Treatment of breast cancer could be significantly improved if the fertile soil of bone could be modified to either block the targeting of breast cancer to bone, or to inhibit its growth there.Read moreRead less
The socioeconomic determinants and dynamics of mental health and disorders in Australia and the United Kingdom: evidence from childhood to the elderly years. Poor mental health and specific mental disorders are prevalent in Australia, and have severe consequences for the social and economic functioning of individuals, families and communities. This project will shed new light on the long-term socio-economic determinants and dynamics of mental health, using data that tracks individuals over time.
A Comprehensive Analysis Of Myb Target Genes Involved In Myelopoiesis And Myeloid Transformation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,294.00
Summary
The MYB gene is essential for both normal blood cell formation and the growth of leukaemia cells. It acts by switching other genes (target genes) on and off. This project aims to advance our understanding of how MYB functions, by carrying out a comprehensive search for MYB target genes. In particular it will focus on target genes that help explain MYB's ability to control cellular growth and maturation. Some of these target genes may provide leads for future anti-cancer drug development.
Development And Validation Of A Finite Element Model For Orthopaedic Screw Insertion Into Trabecular Bone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,454.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that results in reduced bone strength and susceptibility to fragility fractures. Due to the spongy nature of osteoporotic bone, surgeons face major difficulties in obtaining secure fixation of bone screws. Our aim is to develop and validate a computer model of orthopaedic screw insertion into trabecular bone based on micro-computed tomography image data. This will allow an assessment of the most appropriate screw designs for stable fixation of implants.
New Perspectives on the Socioeconomic Determinants and Dynamics of Mental Health and Wellbeing using Panel, Cohort and Internet Search Data. This project will provide new evidence on the determinants and dynamics of mental health and wellbeing using a range of survey data that tracks individuals for up to 50 years, as well as real-time information from internet search data. Mental health problems often start early in life and reoccur throughout adulthood, which makes a better understanding of th ....New Perspectives on the Socioeconomic Determinants and Dynamics of Mental Health and Wellbeing using Panel, Cohort and Internet Search Data. This project will provide new evidence on the determinants and dynamics of mental health and wellbeing using a range of survey data that tracks individuals for up to 50 years, as well as real-time information from internet search data. Mental health problems often start early in life and reoccur throughout adulthood, which makes a better understanding of the relationship between childhood socioeconomic conditions and mental health outcomes throughout the life-course important for designing policies aimed at early prevention, and therefore reducing socioeconomic inequalities.Read moreRead less