The Regulation Of 14-3-3 Protein Function By Post-translational Modification
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,036.00
Summary
The cells of our body have control mechanisms that prevent them from growing abnormally. However, when cells become cancerous they escape the normal checks and controls and are able to survive, divide and grow uncontrollably. In the last decade the molecular basis of several of the control mechanisms involved in preventing cancerous growth have been uncovered. However, our understanding is far from complete and recent research reports suggest that we have thus far overlooked a whole level of reg ....The cells of our body have control mechanisms that prevent them from growing abnormally. However, when cells become cancerous they escape the normal checks and controls and are able to survive, divide and grow uncontrollably. In the last decade the molecular basis of several of the control mechanisms involved in preventing cancerous growth have been uncovered. However, our understanding is far from complete and recent research reports suggest that we have thus far overlooked a whole level of regulation of cell growth control. Signals that instruct a normal cell to divide are propogated by pathways of interacting molecules within the cell. These pathways are regulated by switch mechanisms that either modify the interacting molecules, thereby inactivating their activity or by controlling when and where the molecules are allowed to interact. This spatial and temporal control mechanism is mediated by a family of specialised molecules, called 14-3-3 proteins. Recent research indicates that the function of these 14-3-3 proteins is also tightly controlled, although as yet we don't understand how. This research proposal attempts to discover the molecular mechanism of regulation of 14-3-3 function. An understanding of this process may provide new molecular targets for the development of therapeutics against cancer.Read moreRead less
Escape From BRAF-induced Human Melanocyte Senescence In The Genesis Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,776.00
Summary
Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer and activation of the MAPK growth pathway is a crucial step in the initiation of this cancer, but alone is insufficient, as most melanocytes with active MAPK exist in a growth arrested state. The mechanisms responsible for arresting melanocytes in the presence of active MAPK will be investigated. This project will discover why some melanocytes develop into melanomas whereas most do not.
Analysis Of APC And APC Protein Complexes In Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,786.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is one of the foremost causes of death in Australia. A defective form of a protein called APC has been shown to be present in more than 80% of colon tumours. How APC contributes to colon cancer is still not known. We aim to determine the function of the APC protein by studying the APC protein and proteins that interact with APC in normal and cancerous colon epithelial cells. We will use cells derived from normal colon epithelium as well as from colon carcinomas. Once we have id ....Colorectal cancer is one of the foremost causes of death in Australia. A defective form of a protein called APC has been shown to be present in more than 80% of colon tumours. How APC contributes to colon cancer is still not known. We aim to determine the function of the APC protein by studying the APC protein and proteins that interact with APC in normal and cancerous colon epithelial cells. We will use cells derived from normal colon epithelium as well as from colon carcinomas. Once we have identified proteins that interact with APC in normal colonic cells, we will have a more complete understanding of the function of APC and its role in the development of colonic tumours.Read moreRead less