Further Characterisation Of The Role Of HSSB1 In DNA Repair And Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,526.00
Summary
To date, all breast cancer predisposition genes identified play an important role in the DNA damage repair pathway. We have characterised a new protein designated as hSSB1, which plays a crucial role in the maintenance of genomic stability by protecting us from DNA damage. Significantly, evidence strongly suggests an interaction of hSSB1 with the breast cancer susceptibility protein BRCA2. This project will investigate the role of hSSB1 in breast cancer predisposition and DNA damage repair.
Defining The Genetic And Epigenetic Targets Involved In Serrated Neoplasia Of The Colorectum
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,122.00
Summary
We believe that some colon cancers develop from a type of polyp called a hyperplastic polyp and that many of these polyps contain a specific mutation in a gene called BRAF. We are conducting tumour studies using mouse models that carry different mutated genes to understand their role and importance in the pathway by which these cancer evolve. Understanding this will allows us to develop better treatments for pateints suffering from colon cancer.
Our objective is to understand the biological significance of the interaction between iron and the hormone gastrin. The project's significance to human health lies in the fact that gastrins stimulate growth of the lining of the stomach and colon, accelerate the development of gastrointestinal cancers, and may be involved in iron homeostasis. Recognition that iron is essential for the biological activity of gastrins may allow the development of novel therapies for colon cancer and iron overload.