Translation Of PALB2 Genetic Information Into Breast Cancer Clinical Genetic Services
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,081.00
Summary
Today in Australia women attending clinical genetics services and receiving genetic counselling due to a personal and/or family history of breast cancer are not considered for testing of PALB2 despite mounting evidence that the risk of breast cancer in mutation carriers is at least as high as the risk for BRCA2 mutation carriers. This project will provide the evidence base to support the incorporation of PALB2 gene testing into routine clinical genetics services both in Australia and around the ....Today in Australia women attending clinical genetics services and receiving genetic counselling due to a personal and/or family history of breast cancer are not considered for testing of PALB2 despite mounting evidence that the risk of breast cancer in mutation carriers is at least as high as the risk for BRCA2 mutation carriers. This project will provide the evidence base to support the incorporation of PALB2 gene testing into routine clinical genetics services both in Australia and around the world.Read moreRead less
Identification And Characterisation Of A Novel Genetic Signature At The 5p15 Region Associated With Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,974.00
Summary
We have recently replicated the genetic association of a region (5p15) with the risk of prostate cancer in Australian men. We now seek to identify the precise genetic variant behind this association, and the functional role of these novel gene/s and variants in disease pathology. Our results will provide a foundation for the development of sensitive and readily applicable lab-based screening tools to be used clinically and will also provide impetus for drug-targeted research by furthering our un ....We have recently replicated the genetic association of a region (5p15) with the risk of prostate cancer in Australian men. We now seek to identify the precise genetic variant behind this association, and the functional role of these novel gene/s and variants in disease pathology. Our results will provide a foundation for the development of sensitive and readily applicable lab-based screening tools to be used clinically and will also provide impetus for drug-targeted research by furthering our understanding on this multifactorial disease.Read moreRead less
Characterising The Mutations, Signatures, Potential New Therapeutic Targets And Biomarkers In Malignant Mesothelioma Using Whole Genome Analysis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,219,288.00
Summary
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumour that occurs principally in the pleura as a consequence of inhaling asbestos fibres. Currently there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma. Thus new therapeutic approaches are desperately needed. Such new approaches will require a detailed understanding of the genetic lesions of malignant mesothelioma. Therefore we will perform whole genome sequencing of a large cohort of malignant mesothelioma patients to identify mesothelioma-related alterations.
Identification Of Novel Genes Predisposing To Male Breast Cancer, Their Prevalence And Associated Cancer Risks.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$210,284.00
Summary
Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare and understudied. Using the latest technology, this study will identify new genes which cause familial MBC to aid in the genetic counselling and risk assessment of an affected man and his family. The frequency of these novel genes, and all known breast cancer genes will be assessed in a second group of affected men as well as families with an increased female breast cancer risk. By better understanding the cause of MBC, we can improve its management.
Interaction Between Moz And PRC1 In Defining Epigenetic States And Gene Expression Patterns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,271.00
Summary
Regulation of gene expression is implicated in all disease processes. Aberrant gene expression is particularly associated with tumour formation. In this project we determine the relationship between an oncogene MOZ and another oncogene BMI1. Together these proteins regulate one of the most important systems controlling gene expression at the level of chromatin structure.
Identifying The Missing Heritability Of Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,104.00
Summary
One of the strongest risk factors for the development of breast cancer is having a close relative with the disease. Some advances have been made in understanding the specific genetic factors that underlie this susceptibility but these known genetic factors only explain about a third of the overall familial effects. This research will utilise our prior research, international research resources, new technology and supercomputing to identify the majority of genetic factors associated with breast c ....One of the strongest risk factors for the development of breast cancer is having a close relative with the disease. Some advances have been made in understanding the specific genetic factors that underlie this susceptibility but these known genetic factors only explain about a third of the overall familial effects. This research will utilise our prior research, international research resources, new technology and supercomputing to identify the majority of genetic factors associated with breast cancer susceptibility.Read moreRead less
Tracking The Origins And Drivers Of Metastasis In Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,022,600.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer but only 10% of men with it, will die from it. Our current ability to discriminate between cancers with an indolent course and those that are lethal is poor. This project will examine the mixture of tumour clones (subclones) that are present in prostate cancers and define and track those cancer subclones that break away from the prostate and lodge in distant sites, causing death.
In-depth Association And Functional Studies Assessing The Role Of Novel Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In PSA And Other Kallikrein Genes In Prostate Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,336.00
Summary
The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer varies substantially between races, indicating a role of genetics in prostate cancer development. Recently, we demonstrated that the genetic variations in the PSA gene are related to prostate cancer risk. We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this correlation and to systematically investigate the association of novel genetic variations in other PSA related genes with prostate cancer risk in a search of sensitive clinical biomarkers for pr ....The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer varies substantially between races, indicating a role of genetics in prostate cancer development. Recently, we demonstrated that the genetic variations in the PSA gene are related to prostate cancer risk. We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this correlation and to systematically investigate the association of novel genetic variations in other PSA related genes with prostate cancer risk in a search of sensitive clinical biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis.Read moreRead less
Novel Therapeutic Approaches To Ovarian Clear Cell Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,920.00
Summary
Our study aims to develop novel therapies for clear cell ovarian cancer, a disease that is generally resistant to conventional therapies. We have found unexpected parallels between kidney cancer and ovarian clear cell cancer, and this has been used to better treat patients. This study investigates the underlying molecular changes the control ovarian clear cell cancer growth.
HEREDITARY ENDOCRINE CANCER: A MODEL BASED ON PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA- PARAGANGLIOMA SYNDROMES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$875,894.00
Summary
Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas are tumours remarkable for their very high heritability. They have a high burden of disease themselves, and their associated hereditary syndromes include risks for other malignancies. Our study will rationalize the pathological approach to diagnosing these hereditary syndromes, find new therapeutic targets for metastatic disease, and provide a template for other cancers with high heritable component.