A Functional In Vivo ShRNA Screen For Regulators Of Breast Cancer Metastasis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,417.00
Summary
Breast cancer is generally incurable if detected after the tumour has spread to other organs. The genes driving the tumour cells to other sites have not been clearly resolved. This project aims to accelerate the discovery process by using a genome wide functional screen to identify genes that control the spread of breast cancer. If successful, this project could lead very quickly to identification of genes that might be good targets for new therapy against advanced breast cancer.
The Transcription Factor ZNF652: Deciphering Its Role In Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,996.00
Summary
From our continuing research we have shown a protein called ZNF652 is involved in cancer. This proposal focuses on the role of this gene in the spread of cancer within the breast and to other organs. We will determine its role in a process where a cancer cell changes its characteristics to make it more likely to spread to other tissues. Our preliminary results suggest ZNF652 could be a marker that will predict poor prognosis. This proposal will further investigate this finding.
Contribution Of MDSC-derived Cysteine Cathepsins In Breast Cancer Metastasis To Bone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
Cathepsins are enzymes called proteases that function to cleave specific proteins, a process that is important for many normal cellular functions. Aberrant cathepsin activity can result in a number of pathologies, including cancer and inflammation. We are developing tools called activity-based probes to study the function of cathepsins in disease. Specifically, we will investigate their activity within cells of the immune system with the goal of developing novel therapeutic approaches.
Using Mouse Models To Identify Better Therapies For Acute Leukemia And Myelodysplasia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Despite great advances in the understanding of the genes that cause cancers of the blood, cure rates for patients with acute leukemia, or a more indolent form called myelodyspslaia, has not improved significantly over the last 20 years, with the majority of patients dying from resistant or recurrent disease within 5 years. Our research will use mouse models of acute leukemia and myelodysplasia to identify the critical genetic pathways that drive these diseases and to design and test new therapie ....Despite great advances in the understanding of the genes that cause cancers of the blood, cure rates for patients with acute leukemia, or a more indolent form called myelodyspslaia, has not improved significantly over the last 20 years, with the majority of patients dying from resistant or recurrent disease within 5 years. Our research will use mouse models of acute leukemia and myelodysplasia to identify the critical genetic pathways that drive these diseases and to design and test new therapies that can be taken into clinical trials.Read moreRead less
Role Of Lamin A-C In Osteoblastogenesis And Age-related Bone Loss
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,515.00
Summary
Osteoporosis prevalence in Australia has increased, especially in the older population. Patients with accelerated aging (Hutchinson Gilford) suffer from severe osteoporosis. A mutation in lamin A-C was identified as the cause of this disease. Therefore it could be the link between aging and bone loss. We will identify the role of lamin in bone biology. We will generate a new understanding of the connection between aging and bone loss and a new potential therapeutic target for senile osteoporosis
Inhibiting Tumour Growth By Targeting EphA3 And Disrupting Tumour Stromal And Vascular Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,136.00
Summary
Tumours consist of cancer cells, tumour blood vessels and connective tissue, all of which are different to normal tissues. Many of the cells making up tumour vessels and connective tissue are recruited, during initial growth and subsequent spreading of tumours, from the bone marrow. Our research will examine the presence and function of the EphA3 receptor on these cells during tumour development and assess how our anti-EphA3 antibody inhibits tumour growth by targeting stroma and vasculature.