Role Of Proline-rich Tyrosine Kinase 2 (Pyk2) In Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,254.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynaecological cancers in the developed world. Elevated levels of gonadotropin hormones and cell protein Pyk2 have been implicated in ovarian cancer. Our aim is to determine the role of Pyk2 in growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer when stimulated with gonadotropins. In addition, we aim to identify protein changes which occur in ovarian cancer when stimulated by gonadotropins in order to identify new biomarkers for the disease.
SFRP4 As A Novel Diagnostic And Therapeutic Target For Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,700.00
Summary
Gastric cancer is a common cancer with poor survival, but is and potentially curable when diagnosed at an early stage. However currently there are no non-invasive markers for the early detection of gastric cancer, and treatments for advanced cancer are limited. Secreted frizzled related protein 4 (SFRP4) is a protein that is thought to play a role in invasion of gastric cancer. This study will investigate the utility SFRP4 as a diagnostic test and possible therapeutic for gastric cancer.
Novel Inhibition Of Cancer Cell Growth In Gastrointestinal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$47,474.00
Summary
This research project will focus on new treatment targets for gastrointestinal malignancies, focusing on the mTOR pathway which is important in driving cancer cell growth. The mTOR inhibitor drug Everolimus will be used in colon and biliary tract cancers to look for novel biomarkers of response and resistance to treatment, using cancer cell lines and correlative analysis with data obtained from patients' tumour samples and clinical assessment in current trials.
Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein (PTHrP), Common Genetic Variants In The PTHrP Gene (PTHLH), And Breast Cancer Risk And Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
In a partnership between Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, and The University of Melbourne, we are investigating the role of PTHrP, a peptide integral to the growth and spread of Cancer. Initially thought to facilitate cancer spread, recent studies suggest it may actually be protective. In a new approach, we will analyse new DNA databases and patient data from around the world. We hope to extend our understanding of PTHrP, and perhaps find novel drug and therapeutic targets.
Effects Of A Novel Hotspot Mutation Of Brm In Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. SWI/SNF, a yeast nucleosome remodeling complex, is known destabilise interactions in DNA. It is made up of 8-10 proteins, including a novel tumour suppressor Brm. There is some evidence that Brm acts as a tumour suppressor in skin cancer, but relevance of a recently found mutation in Brm is yet to be characterised. This project aims to identify the effect of this mutation, on cellular sensitivity to UV radiation and examine transfo ....Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. SWI/SNF, a yeast nucleosome remodeling complex, is known destabilise interactions in DNA. It is made up of 8-10 proteins, including a novel tumour suppressor Brm. There is some evidence that Brm acts as a tumour suppressor in skin cancer, but relevance of a recently found mutation in Brm is yet to be characterised. This project aims to identify the effect of this mutation, on cellular sensitivity to UV radiation and examine transformation to malignancy.Read moreRead less
Despite the clear epidemiological evidence that physical activity can reduce breast cancer recurrence and risk, little is know about the mechanisms. The aim of this project is determine the metabolic pathways and immunological effects of exercise in preclinical breast cancer models and in breast cancer patients, and to determine if there are synergistic effects with current systemic therapies.
The Role Of Redox Regulation In Controlling The Oncogenic Function Of Eph Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$71,766.00
Summary
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in cancers activate cell surface receptor signalling pathways that drive cancer progression. I will study links between ROS and receptor signalling in cancer cells, and inhibit signalling with ROS scavengers delivered in nanoparticles, targeted to receptor complexes with specific antibodies. These will include antibodies we raised against ADAM10, a protease associated with multiple receptor signalling pathways, to simultaneously inhibit these pathways.
Cell Survival Pathways As Potential Targets In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$142,914.00
Summary
Cancer cells are characterised by their capacity for relentless growth, survival and evasion of cell death. This proposal will use patient derived xenograft models of primary breast cancer to test the hypothesis that addition of BH3-mimetics could improve response to anti-HER2 therapy. This technique involves transplantation of patient tumours into immune-compromised mice. This represents a useful method for testing new agents.
Use Of Circulating Tumour DNA To Characterise The Mutational Landscape Of Marginal Zone Lymphoma, Monitor Treatment Response And Detect Emergence Of Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma for which the molecular drivers of disease are poorly understood. We hypothesise that circulating tumour DNA may be ideal for characterising the genetic mutations that underpin MZL, monitoring treatment response and detecting emergence of resistance. This non-invasive method of disease monitoring has the potential to transform management of cancers such as MZL, identify new treatment options and improve survival outcomes.