Analysis Of The Apoptotic And Therapeutic Effects Of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors On Multiple Myeloma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable progressive cancer of plasma cells within blood. It is the second most common blood cancer and represents 2% of all cancer-related deaths. Statistics show increasing incidence and decreasing age of onset. The cause and progression of MM is poorly understood and current treatments are frequently followed by relapse. This project will assess exciting new therapies against the survival of MM cells leading to more effective treatments in the future.
How Does Fra-1 Regulate The Invasive Properties Of Tumour Cells?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,119.00
Summary
Most cancer deaths occur when tumours spread and destroy vital body functions. The invasion of tumour cells into surrounding tissue is a critical step during the spread of cancer. This project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms that control the ability of tumour cells to invade into surrounding tissue and subsequently spread to other sites in the body. We expect to identify potential targets to better diagnose and treat the spread of cancer.
The Role Of Snail Family Proteins In Stem Cells And Tumour Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,175.00
Summary
This project investigates the role of a family of genes in regulating stem cells in normal tissues and cancer. This family can switch other genes off and we hypothesize that keeping these genes off is required to allow stem cells to be maintained in tissues. We combine novel studies in fruit flies and mice to examine gene function in stem cells and tumour initiation. These studies will increase our knowledge of how to manipulate stem cells and may identify new targets for tumour therapy.
Regulation Of PML By E6AP: Implications For Tumour Development.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$537,829.00
Summary
PML is a vital tumour suppressor, but little is known about its regulation. We established that PML levels are affected by another cellular protein E6AP. This study will define the mechanism by which E6AP influences PML. Human cancers will be screened for the involvement of these proteins, to gain new insights into cancer onset. The intended practical outcome of these studies is to aid cancer diagnosis and provide new anti-cancer drugs.
Encapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles for the hyperthermia treatment of liver cancer. This project will provide targeted hyperthermia treatment for liver cancer. The treatment will be non systemic and therefore, unlike radiotherapy and chemotherapy, will cause minimal collateral damage to healthy tissue within the patient. Liver cancer is one of the commoner forms of cancer in humans with estimates of up to 2 million patients per year being affected worldwide. Currently 95% of these patients w ....Encapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles for the hyperthermia treatment of liver cancer. This project will provide targeted hyperthermia treatment for liver cancer. The treatment will be non systemic and therefore, unlike radiotherapy and chemotherapy, will cause minimal collateral damage to healthy tissue within the patient. Liver cancer is one of the commoner forms of cancer in humans with estimates of up to 2 million patients per year being affected worldwide. Currently 95% of these patients will die from the condition. This project will lead to improvements in health outcomes for liver cancer patients. As a consequence of the worldwide demand for this treatment, and related equipment, the project will generate foreign exchange earnings through exports and new job opportunities in the clever end of small business enterprise.Read moreRead less
Molecular Markers Of Phenotype, Therapeutic Responsiveness And Prognosis In Human Cancers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$11,762,117.00
Summary
This proposal aims to identify molecular markers that can be used to classify subtypes of particular cancers according to their prognosis and response to therapy. This will optimise selection of patients for the most appropriate treatment and lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
The majority of deaths from cancer are due to metastasis, which is the formation of secondary tumours at sites remote from the primary tumour. Metastasis involves conversion of some tumour cells to an invasive, migratory form in a process that is controlled by small genetic regulators known as microRNAs. In this project we will conduct experiments aimed to provide a proof of principle demonstration in mice that microRNAs can be used to block the formation of metastases.
Role Of A Novel Tks5-Nck Signaling Pathway In Cancer Invasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,434.00
Summary
Invasion and metastasis are major causes of death in cancer patients. Our research has uncovered a pathway that increases the invasive potential of tumour cells in vitro. We now aim to determine if the pathway is relevant in invasion and metastasis in clinically relevant models; how a drug targeting the pathway affects invasion and; the extent to which the pathway is active in human tumours. These studies may identify a new molecular target for anti-invasive drugs.
Dissecting The Function Of The Hedgehog-Patched Pathway In Breast Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,811.00
Summary
There have been significant improvements in survival from breast cancer, particularly due to specialised treatments that target faulty pathways in the growth of cancer cells. One newly described, aggressive type of breast cancer called basal-like breast cancer lacks specialised treatment. We will determine whether the 'Hedgehog' signalling pathway is a suitable target for basal breast cancer therapy.