c-Kit signalling and cellular responses in haemopoietic cells

Funding Activity

Website
http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/104855

Funding Status
Closed

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Funded Activity Summary

Growth factors acting on cell surface receptors activate multiple intracellular signalling pathways that regulate cellular growth and function. Mutations in the genes that code for these receptors or their downstream signalling pathways contribute to many human cancers. The contributions of different signalling pathways linked to these receptors to the various cellular responses (growth, maturation, functional activation) are not understood. In this project we aim to use cell and molecular biology approaches to determine the role of different signalling pathways in cellular responses mediated by the growth factor receptor c-Kit. The c-Kit receptor has essential functions in blood cell development, skin and hair pigmentation, gut function and the reproductive system. It is also essential for the development and function of mast cells which trigger allergic responses such as asthma and eczema. Mutant forms of the receptor have been identified in certain leukaemias and colon cancers. Many new drugs that target specific intracellular signalling pathways have recently been developed and are beginning to be evaluated in clinical trials. Better understanding of how individual pathways contribute to the function of c-Kit and other receptors is essential for optimal use of these new drugs. For example, it may enable the choice of drugs to block c-Kit dependent cancer cell growth or allergic reactions without affecting the growth of normal blood cells.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2000

End Date: 01-01-2004

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $731,115.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Protein Targeting And Signal Transduction

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Protein tyrosine kinase | Proto-oncogene proteins c-kit | Stem Cell Factor | asthma and other allergy | cancer | cell transformation, neoplastic | ex vivo haemopoietic stem cell expansion | leukaemia | signal transduction

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