Dynamic In Vivo Imaging Of Molecular And Cellular Events Shaping The Immune Response In Mouse Models And Human Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
We plan to develop the instruments and associated technologies required to directly visualise biological processes as the occur in real-time deep inside living organisms. Thus we will use two-photon microscopy to provide deep tissue imaging of immune cell interactions in mouse models and confocal endomicroscopy to provide molecular imaging of cancer biomarkers in patients with colorectal cancer.
A Novel Non-invasive Diagnostic Imaging Technique Of Metastatic Cancer Using Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 2.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$187,750.00
Summary
This project aims to develop a non-invasive tumour diagnostic imaging agent based on a non-toxic protein (PAI2) that we know specifically identifies a critical marker of malignancy. PAI2 will be labelled with commonly used imaging radioisotopes. This novel imaging technique has important potential clinical uses including, determination of the most appropriate treatment for individual patients, assessing the success of such treatments, and a novel non-invasive prognostic indicator of malignancy.
Characterisation And Therapeutic Targeting Of Molecular Pathways That Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis To Bone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,573.00
Summary
Breast cancer that has spread to bone cannot be cured. Using the most clinically relevant model of breast cancer available we have identified that tumour cells growing in bone need to suppress immune elimination (by suppressing the Type I interferons) and invade through the bone tissue (by activation of cysteine cathepsins). Studying the functional role of these pathways will provide novel insight into the mechanisms of breast cancer spread to bone that can be augmented therapeutically.
Targeting The Complement Cascade: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy For Metastatic Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,496.00
Summary
The incidence of melanoma is increasing world-wide, and Queensland has the highest rate of melanoma in the world. Despite advances in treatment, the 3-year survival rate for metastatic melanoma remains extremely low. This project builds on our recent research demonstrating a role for a key component of the innate immune system (complement C3a) in melanoma growth. Specifically we seek to investigate the potential of C3a as a therapeutic target for metastatic melanoma.
The Western Australia Malignant Pleural Effusions Management Study- What Factors Can Guide Management And Do Indwelling Pleural Catheters Represent The Best Treatment Option?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$74,395.00
Summary
This randomised clinical trial will determine whether indwelling tunnelled pleural catheters are the best treatment strategy for patients with malignant pleural effusions. It will also look for ways in which the speed of fluid recurrence can be predicted. It will save public money by finding the most cost effective treatment strategies.
New Role For The E3 Ligase E6AP In The Control Of Cell Motility And Invasion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,162.00
Summary
Cell motility and invasion are fundamental process in normal cellular functions, however, when deregulated they can lead to metastatic cancer, a leading cause of cancer mortality and morbidity worldwide. Detailed understanding of the mechanisms governing these processes is essential for the development of new targets to prevent metastatic cancer. We discovered a protein that control these processes, which renders it an important target to investigate.
Identifying And Characterizing Genes That Regulate Breast Tumorigenesis And Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
I am a breast cancer biologist. My research focuses on identifying the changes in normal cells that allow cancer to form, and identifying the changes in cancer cells that allows them to spread. To accomplish this, I have developed new methods using mouse models of breast cancer. My goal is to use these methods to further our understanding of the causes of breast cancer development and progression.
The Molecular Function And Role Of The New Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1 In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,425.00
Summary
With cancer now a leading cause of death in Australia, finding new ways to treat this disease is crucial. Iron is critical for cancer cell growth and metastasis, thus agents that bind iron (called iron chelators) can be used to treat cancer. These drugs up-regulate the gene NDRG1, which has been shown to prevent tumour spread. The role of NDRG1 in tumour growth and spread of cancer cells will be examined as this may lead to novel therapies against cancer (e.g. the use of novel iron chelators).
Identification And Functional Evaluation Of MicroRNAs And Their Target Genes That Regulate Breast Cancer Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,773.00
Summary
Breast cancer is the major cause of cancer-associated death in Australian women. Once the disease has spread to other organs, as occurs in about 20% of cases, our ability to treat the disease is limited and mortality is high, leading to an enormous social and economic cost New therapies for advanced disease are needed urgently. To facilitate this, we need to understand the molecular regulation of metastasis to distant organs and use this knowledge to develop new molecular targeted therapies.