DNA methylation is a mechanism used by many organisms, including humans, to keep certain regions of DNA inactive, i.e. in a state where they will not be read. Errors in this process may result in inappropriate inactivation of a gene, termed epimutation; this may occur even when no DNA sequence changes (i.e. mutations) are present. Some individuals are born with high levels of an epimutation that predisposes them to developing multiple cancers. Little is known about whether low levels of epimutat ....DNA methylation is a mechanism used by many organisms, including humans, to keep certain regions of DNA inactive, i.e. in a state where they will not be read. Errors in this process may result in inappropriate inactivation of a gene, termed epimutation; this may occur even when no DNA sequence changes (i.e. mutations) are present. Some individuals are born with high levels of an epimutation that predisposes them to developing multiple cancers. Little is known about whether low levels of epimutations (only a portion of the body's cells affected) are important in development of sporadic (common) cancer. The aim of this project is to determine the levels of epimutations in the normal tissues of healthy individuals, and compare these with the levels in normal tissues of people who have had certain types of cancers. In doing this we hope to find out if low level epimutations contribute to the risk of developing sporadic cancer.Read moreRead less
MC1R Polymorphisms Associated With Skin Cancer Risk Phenotypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,715.00
Summary
Sunsmart campaigns are a unifying element in the lives of many Australians who wish to ensure protection against the damaging effects of UV rays in sunlight. Although it is evident that lighter skin colours are more susceptible to sun damage, the relationship between sun exposure, skin type and melanoma formation is less clear. It is essential to understand the complex interactions that give rise to melanoma and to identify the genes in individuals that are responsible for this increased risk.
Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours, arising in the brain and spinal cord, are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children less than 15 years of age. Medulloblastomas and other primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs) are the most common form of primary childhood brain tumours, accounting for 25-30% of cases. Despite notable recent advances in our understanding of the molecular genetic basis of malignancies, the pathogenesis of CNS PNETs remains obscure. To address this prob ....Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours, arising in the brain and spinal cord, are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children less than 15 years of age. Medulloblastomas and other primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs) are the most common form of primary childhood brain tumours, accounting for 25-30% of cases. Despite notable recent advances in our understanding of the molecular genetic basis of malignancies, the pathogenesis of CNS PNETs remains obscure. To address this problem, we propose to apply a novel combinatorial approach for the identification of PNET tumour suppressor genes utilising both representational difference analysis (RDA) and microarray expression profiling. Data from this study will help to elucidate the molecular pathways that are compromised in the initiation and growth of PNETs. This information will have direct implications for the development of improved diagnostic and prognostic indicators necessary for the design of more effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PNET patients.Read moreRead less