Analysis Of The Role Of Polycomb Genes In Normal And Diseased Breast Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,810.00
Summary
In Australia, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Many will receive chemotherapy that will apparently eliminate the cancer. However, in approximately 1 in 3 of these women, cancer will recur. This is thought to be due to the presence of chemotherapy-resistant breast cancer stem cells. This project will study the parallels between the role of Polycomb genes in normal mammary stem cell maintenance and their role in breast cancer, in order to improve treatment and cure rates.
Using Next-generation Sequencing Technology To Explore The Genetic Basis Of Human Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$278,463.00
Summary
This project will use powerful new DNA sequencing technologies to analyse the genes that underlie common diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and cancer in a large and diverse set of human DNA samples, and to find mutations in Australian patients suffering from rare genetic muscle disorders. This approach will provide novel information about the evolutionary origins and genetic basis of common disease and identify new genes that cause inherited muscle diseases.
Identification Of Cancer Initiating Cells In Small-cell Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$364,420.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Recently a unique mouse model of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been generated that closely mimics the human disease. We will use this model to identify the cells that give rise to SCLC upon genetic alteration. Results obtained will assist in designing more effective intervention strategies aimed at overcoming initial and acquired resistance of these tumours against cytotoxic and targeted drugs.