Molecular Pathways Mediating The Anti-tumour Activity Of WIF1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,342.00
Summary
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer. Treatment often entails aggressive surgery with intensive chemotherapy, although one third of those diagnosed will still die from this disease. We have found that the molecule WIF1 can suppress osteosarcoma growth. In this project we aim to identify genetic modifiers of WIF1, potential WIF1 interactors and define active domains of WIF1 for the development of more effective targeted therapeutics for osteosarcoma.
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.
Endosomal Reactive Oxygen Species In Tumour Angiogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,739.00
Summary
Cancer claims more lives worldwide than any other disease affecting millions of people annually. Tumours grow and spread in the body by acquiring their own blood vessels that provide them with nutrients and oxygen. We have identified a new protein called NADPH oxidase that promotes the development of these new blood vessels in tumours. We propose to test new drugs that block NADPH oxidase activity to stop the development of new blood vessels for the potential treatment of cancer
This study focuses on key endocrine pathways involved in the remodelling of the breast stromal cells into a reactive stromal environment which is more permissive for tumour growth. We have identified key pathways involved in the regulation of estrogen biosynthesis and fibrosis in tumour associated stroma. These studies will lead to the development of novel breast cancer therapies.
In melanoma we hypothesise there is a series of as yet unidentified gene fusions which provide oncogenic stimulatory signals that promote tumour growth and that these novel fusion products are excellent targets for the design of new therapies to treat melanoma. The aims of this study are to identify oncogenic fusions in melanoma, to assess which of these are recurrent, and to demonstrate that the resulting fusion proteins provide a selective growth and-or survival advantage to the tumour cell.
Colorectal Cancer Membrane Protein Interactomics [A Major Discriminator Of Clinical Outcome]
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,778.00
Summary
This project studies the molecular causes of colorectal cancer (CRC) malignancy because CRC is the 2nd most common malignancy by incidence and cause of death in the Western world. It currently results in 13.1% of Australian cancer deaths. The aim of this NHMRC project is to gain a detailed understanding of how particular cell membrane proteins interact with each to give cancer cells the ability to invade and spread.
Novel Targeting Of Therapy-resistant Prostate Cancer Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,978.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is treated by removing male hormones (androgens). Although the bulk of the tumour regresses, some cells remain and the cancer often grows back in an aggressive form. We will study new ways to eliminate therapy resistant cancer cells and thereby provide more lasting treatments for prostate cancer. Ultimately, we hope to inform the design of ground-breaking clinical trials that could re-shape the treatment paradigm of advanced prostate cancer.
Targeting Homeobox Genes In Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,739.00
Summary
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a common blood cancer with dire clinical prognosis due to a lack of targeted molecular therapies. In this proposal we will identify new ways of targeting transcription factor proteins that are overexpressed in AML and promote leukaemia by repressing normal cellular growth controls. This may lead to novel methods to target leukaemic stem cells to specifically eliminate myeloid leukemia
For 60 years, we have had only 3 effective cancer treatments: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, often used in combination.The last 5 years have produced a powerful fourth treatment: the patient's own immune system.The long standing collaborations and synergies of our multi-disciplinary teams have already underpinned many recent advances in immune-based therapies: we are now poised to develop several further immunotherapies and on track to test them in patients during the term of this grant.
KLK4 Is A Master Regulator Of Tumour Microenvironment Remodelling In Prostate Cancer And Bone Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,305.00
Summary
The current biomarker for prostate cancer, PSA, belongs to a large family of related proteins called KLK enzymes. We have evidence that one of these enzymes, KLK4, regulates many different pathways involved in tumour spreading especially to bones. This project will determine the specific components involved with a view to finding better biomarkers of tumour spread and bone metastasis and designing better treatments for these aspects of the disease.