A Tumour Suppressor Pathway That Removes DNA-RNA Hybrids
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$935,780.00
Summary
DNA:RNA hybrids are found normally in our chromosomes. But, the regions where DNA:RNA hybrids form are linked to chromosome changes that occur during breast and blood cancer development. We have uncovered why these chromosome changes occur, and have linked it to the important function of a cancer-associated gene called FANCM. Our study is exploring this important finding that has implications for both the cause and treatment of cancer.
Towards Alternative Therapeutic Agents To Antibiotics For The Treatment Of Helicobacter Pylori Infections.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$787,286.00
Summary
The bacterium H. pylori, is the leading cause of gastric ulcers, infecting over half of the world population. Furthermore, patients infected with the bacteria exhibit an increased risk of developing gastric cancer, with 900,000 new cases diagnosed yearly. The current proposal will study an enzyme which allows the bacterium to evade the host's immune system. The work aims to develop inhibitors of the enzyme as therapeutic agents to treat peptic ulcers.
Biochemical Reconstitution Of The Ubiquitin Ligase Pathway Defective In Fanconi Anaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,742.00
Summary
Fanconi Anemia (FA) is characterised by loss of vital blood cells but also 700x risk of developing leukaemia and other cancers. FA is caused by an inherited defect in one of 15 different genes that provide a signal and repair mechanism protecting cells from cancer causing mutations. By reconstructing this signaling mechanism in the test tube we will determine how it contributes to cancer protection, and highlight potential strategies for treatment of FA and leukaemia in the general population.