To study the genetic alterations that give rise to cancer. In particular, exploring how too little death of cells can lead to a tumour. If too few cells in a tissue die, a tumour may develop there. The team is exploring how the cell death process is normally controlled. They plan to characterise the molecules inside cells that determine whether a cell lives or dies and hope that better understanding of those molecules will help to explain how tumours arise. It could also lead to new drugs that c ....To study the genetic alterations that give rise to cancer. In particular, exploring how too little death of cells can lead to a tumour. If too few cells in a tissue die, a tumour may develop there. The team is exploring how the cell death process is normally controlled. They plan to characterise the molecules inside cells that determine whether a cell lives or dies and hope that better understanding of those molecules will help to explain how tumours arise. It could also lead to new drugs that can kill tumour cells more effectively by directly triggering the normal death switch of the cell.Read moreRead less
Elucidation Of Mechanisms By Which Fibre Promotes Or Protects From Colorectal Tumorigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
In a carefully controlled animal model of colon cancer development, dietary fibre can increase or decrease the likelihood of colon cancer development. It depends upon the type of fibre being fed to the animal. The mechanisms by which fibres can increase or decrease the likelihood of colon cancer developing are, however, poorly understood. In this proposal, we will attempt to elucidate at least some of the mechanisms. We plan to define whether animals consuming fibres that increase cancer develop ....In a carefully controlled animal model of colon cancer development, dietary fibre can increase or decrease the likelihood of colon cancer development. It depends upon the type of fibre being fed to the animal. The mechanisms by which fibres can increase or decrease the likelihood of colon cancer developing are, however, poorly understood. In this proposal, we will attempt to elucidate at least some of the mechanisms. We plan to define whether animals consuming fibres that increase cancer development have factors in their faeces that affect the health of the cells that line the colon (the ones that form the cancers). This will be examined in both the test tube and in healthy rats. Whether fibres influence the access of these factors to the lining cells by sequestering or hiding the factors in the jelly-like consistency some fibres produce in the colon will also be examined. The results will help identify conditions in the faeces that alter the susceptibility of colons to developing cancer. By identifying these conditions, we can then apply our knowledge to human subjects, so that we might be able to identify those at a higher or lower risk of developing colon cancer and we can advise and (subsequently prove) ways of modifying diet to reduce the risk of colon cancer.Read moreRead less
Peptides Derived From ProGRP As Growth Factors For Gastrointestinal Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,544.00
Summary
Our objective is to determine the roles of a growth factor termed bombesin. This peptide, known as GRP in the human, is a growth factor in certain lung cancers but little is known about its role in tumours of the colon. This project is based on our novel observation that the precursor of GRP (proGRP) previously thought to be inactive is in fact active in stimulating the growth of colon cancer cells. A successful outcome will result in novel treatments such as proGRP antagonists.
Further Characterisation Of The Role Of HSSB1 In DNA Repair And Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,526.00
Summary
To date, all breast cancer predisposition genes identified play an important role in the DNA damage repair pathway. We have characterised a new protein designated as hSSB1, which plays a crucial role in the maintenance of genomic stability by protecting us from DNA damage. Significantly, evidence strongly suggests an interaction of hSSB1 with the breast cancer susceptibility protein BRCA2. This project will investigate the role of hSSB1 in breast cancer predisposition and DNA damage repair.