Role Of LncRNA IDH1-AS1 In Regulating C-Myc Driven-glycolysis And Tumorigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$685,043.00
Summary
It is thought that understanding cancer metabolism will reveal vulnerabilities that can be exploited in the clinic. Indeed, compared to most normal cells, cancer cells utilise different fuels to sustain proliferation and to adapt to their environment. Herein we have discovered a molecular switch that regulates the key metabolic enzyme IDH1 and show this controls tumour growth. Given this switch may be active in 50% of cancers we anticipate our work will have significance to many cancer types.
Investigating Signalling Pathways That Mediate Suppression Of Anoikis By Chemokine Receptors In Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,349.00
Summary
This research aims at understanding the "nuts and bolts" of the main killer in cancer patients - tumour metastasis. We will look for molecules that are specific to metastatic tumour cells that transmit signals from the cell surface to the cell "suicide" machinery and prevent metastatic cancer cell death.
Mechanisms Of Hedgehog Signaling In Small Cell Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,564.00
Summary
Some types of lung are very sensitive to chemotherapy, however they frequently relapse, at which time they become resistant to this form of treatment. This project investigates how embryonic signaling pathways, that normally function to regulate organ formation in development, are activated and promote tumor regrowth following chemotherapy for lung cancer.
A Single Nucleotide Resolution Map Of A Cancer Associated Neochromosome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,350.00
Summary
Neochromosomes (NCs) are large chromosomes which are not usually found in a normal cell. Well differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) is a tumour which is almost universally associated with the presence of NCs. We are using the approach of purifying the NC from a series of WDLPS cell lines, and using new techniques to derive the DNA sequence of the neochromosome. We will use this information to identify the genetic factors on the NC which are involved in the initiation or progression of WDLPS.
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.
Determinants Of Response To Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,021,487.00
Summary
Until recently, patients with melanoma were treated with single agent drugs that produced no improvement in overall survival. Today, almost 80% of patients will respond to new therapies and the 2-year survival is greater than 50%. Attention has turned to the combination of immunotherapies in order to improve patient responses. This research investigates the mechanisms of response and resistance to these therapies, in order to enhance the duration and rate of patient responses.
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
The Role Of DNA Sensing In The Pathogenesis Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,704.00
Summary
Colorectal (bowel) cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia and worldwide. The ability of the body to detect DNA from damaged or dying cells in the gut is an important part of the healing process. This response also provides protection against colorectal cancer. In this project, we investigate how a DNA sensor prevents the development of intestinal tumours. This project will lead to new ways to fight cancer in humans.
Clinical And Molecular Analyses Of Nodular Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,904.00
Summary
There have been very recent advances in our understanding of the biology of melanoma that are now poised to have major impacts in the outcome of patients with this disease. The nodular subtype of melanoma contributes disproportionately to mortality from melanoma. By using the latest molecular techniques to study these melanomas I will identify causative factors, diagnostic features and molecular profiles associated with these poor-prognosis melanomas leading to new approaches in the prevention, ....There have been very recent advances in our understanding of the biology of melanoma that are now poised to have major impacts in the outcome of patients with this disease. The nodular subtype of melanoma contributes disproportionately to mortality from melanoma. By using the latest molecular techniques to study these melanomas I will identify causative factors, diagnostic features and molecular profiles associated with these poor-prognosis melanomas leading to new approaches in the prevention, early detection and treatment of these melanomas.Read moreRead less
Studies On The Tumour-associated PIK3CA(H1047R) Mutation Using In Vitro And In Vivo Models Of Breast And Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,312.00
Summary
PIK3CA mutations are frequently found in breast and ovarian cancers but how they cause cancer is not clear. We will exploit a unique mouse model to investigate the functional effects of PIK3CA mutations in cells and their role in cancer development. Understanding the mechanisms by which PIK3CA mutations regulate cell function and drive tumour growth will allow the rationale design of novel anti-cancer agents that specifically target this important cancer pathway.