Role Of Snail Proteins In Mediating Intestinal Stem Cell Identity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,698.00
Summary
The lining of the intestine is constantly renewed by stem cells which also contribute to replenishment of this layer following damage caused by trauma, infection or treatments such as chemotherapy. We are studying how a family of gene regulators called Snail proteins act to maintain stem cells in the gut. Snail proteins have also been found to be present at high levels in bowel tumours so we are examining their role in the genesis of tumours and resistance to common treatments.
Manipulating Oncogenic-signalling Pathways In The Genesis And Treatment Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,484.00
Summary
Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new therapi ....Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new therapies.Read moreRead less
Manipulating The B-RAF/MEK Pathway In The Genesis And Treatment Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,815.00
Summary
Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry that is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new th ....Melanoma is a major Australian health problem. It is the third most common cancer in men and women and has a disproportionately heavy impact on productive years of life. The use of small molecule inhibitors is the most promising strategy for treating melanoma. In this project, we will examine the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs and define new drug targets by examining the molecular-circuitry that is damaged in melanomas. This work will greatly accelerate the development of new therapies.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of Cooperation Between Cell Polarity Regulators And Oncogenes In Tumourigenesis Using Drosophila
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$304,773.00
Summary
Cancers affect 1-3 people at some stage during their lifetime and therefore is of major importance to medical science. Cancers arise through the accumulation of mutations that alter normal cell proliferation control, differentiation, cell death or cell movement. In addition, recent studies have shown that the tumour environment (the interaction between cells) can be a major factor in the development of the cancer. However, this is difficult to study in mammalian models. In this proposal we use t ....Cancers affect 1-3 people at some stage during their lifetime and therefore is of major importance to medical science. Cancers arise through the accumulation of mutations that alter normal cell proliferation control, differentiation, cell death or cell movement. In addition, recent studies have shown that the tumour environment (the interaction between cells) can be a major factor in the development of the cancer. However, this is difficult to study in mammalian models. In this proposal we use the genetically amenable, model system, the vinegar fly Drosophila, to investigate the development of tumours using defined mutations. To explore mechanisms of tumourigenesis in Drosophila, we are using a system where we can make patches (clones) of mutant tissue within the context of normal tissue, a system that more faithfully mimics the development of mammalian cancer. We have observed that certain genes required for cell shape, (cell polarity genes, such as scrib) are important in limiting the action of oncogenes (tumour- causing genes, such as activated alleles of Ras) in the development of tumours in Drosophila. Thus, mutants in cell polarity genes cooperate with oncogenic mutations to result in the generation of invasive tumours. In a genetic screen, we have identified further genes that act in a similar manner to cooperate with mutants in scrib or activated Ras. In this proposal we seek to characterise these genes in tumourigenesis and to explore their mechanism of action. The expected outcome of this project is to elucidate novel genes and mechanisms of tumourigenesis in the context of a whole organism. Due to the conservation of cell proliferation and signalling proteins, this proposal is relevant to understanding human cancer.Read moreRead less