PRECISION: Personalised Risk Evaluation In DCIS, International
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,392,930.00
Summary
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is a common diagnosis with problematic clinical management. This study brings together an international consortium to identify and validate clinical biomarkers of recurrence.
Dissecting A Serial Killer: Investigating The Degranulation Pathways In Cytotoxic Lymphocytes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,459.00
Summary
When cells of the human body become cancerous or infected with virus, the body's immune system engages cytotoxic lymphocytes, known as "killer cells", that secrete an auxiliary of toxic proteins to eliminate these cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms by which these critical immune cells accomplish this task. Importantly, humans who are genetically lacking in critical constituents of the cytotoxic lymphocyte are less able to fight off a viral infection and may be at a hig ....When cells of the human body become cancerous or infected with virus, the body's immune system engages cytotoxic lymphocytes, known as "killer cells", that secrete an auxiliary of toxic proteins to eliminate these cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms by which these critical immune cells accomplish this task. Importantly, humans who are genetically lacking in critical constituents of the cytotoxic lymphocyte are less able to fight off a viral infection and may be at a higher risk of developing cancer.Read moreRead less
Detection Of Somatic Mutations In Sporadic Epilepsies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,256,166.00
Summary
Finding genetic causes of epilepsies is essential for refining treatments and genetic counseling. Genetic mutations may occur after fertilization (somatic mutations). These can be difficult to detect by routine genetic tests. We aim to identify somatic mutations by: very deep sequencing of blood to find low concentrations of mutations, analysing DNA from the cerebrospinal fluid, and analysing DNA obtained from the back of the nose which is closely related to brain tissue.
Somatic Retrotransposition Drives Neoplastic Mutagenesis In Glioblastoma Multiforme
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$667,342.00
Summary
Retrotransposons are mobile genes that copy-and-paste themselves in our genome. Previously thought to represent “junk DNA”, retrotransposons are increasingly found to play major roles in biology. In a recent landmark publication in Nature, we demonstrated that retrotransposons move in the healthy human brain. In the current study, we will use cutting-edge technologies to determine whether brain cancer can occur as a result. This will provide new perspectives of the genetic basis for cancer.