Molecular Characterisation Of Serous Ovarian Cancer With Poor Clinical Outcome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,136.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cancer in women, and most lethal gynaecologic malignancy. Despite aggressive surgery and multi-drug chemotherapy the majority of women experience recurrence and ~70% will succumb to the disease. This project will investigate two molecular subtypes of ovarian cancer previously identified by our laboratory to better understand mechanisms associated with poor treatment response.
Determination of cellular mechanisms underpinning cancer cell metastasis through integrated in vivo imaging approaches. Understanding key steps that drive the spread of cancer is critical to improve current treatment strategies. Using cutting-edge imaging technology and in vivo model systems that mimic the disease, this project will pinpoint key events that are susceptible to drug intervention and identify new therapeutic targets.
The Nature And Significance Of Clonal Evolution In Human Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$665,420.00
Summary
Cancers can progress in patients by developing genetic changes that favor the growth, survival and spread of cancer cells. However, the rate at which genetic changes occur in human cancer is not known. This project will determine the degree and biological significance of genetic change in human melanoma by using a novel method of growing tumors from single cells and comparing genetic differences between them.
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.
Single molecule intracellular intravital imaging of actin dynamics. The project intends to develop imaging technology to visualise fundamental processes in cells within a living animal. The focus will be on the actin cytoskeleton, a dynamic macromolecular machine involved in key cellular processes including cell structure, mobility and division. It is exquisitely sensitive to environmental perturbations, requiring it to be studied in cells in living tissue. The project aims to extend the resolut ....Single molecule intracellular intravital imaging of actin dynamics. The project intends to develop imaging technology to visualise fundamental processes in cells within a living animal. The focus will be on the actin cytoskeleton, a dynamic macromolecular machine involved in key cellular processes including cell structure, mobility and division. It is exquisitely sensitive to environmental perturbations, requiring it to be studied in cells in living tissue. The project aims to extend the resolution of live imaging to the single molecule to understand the dynamics of actin assembly with implications for cellular processes that are hijacked in diseases. It also aims to provide a novel assay that may enable testing of the impact of drugs on cellular processes in real time.Read moreRead less
Understanding endocrine tumorigenesis - opportunities for new diagnostics and therapies. This project will generate new knowledge significant for improving cancer diagnosis and designing new therapies for cancer patients as we embrace the personalised medicine era. Specific focus is on endocrine tumours. This research has as its aim improved survival for people diagnosed with cancer.
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
Identifying Castrate-resistant Tumour Cells In Localised Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,047.00
Summary
This proposal addresses one of the most important challenges in cancer: what cell population ‘drives’ tumour progression, and how can it be effectively targeted? We will define the prostate cancer cells that survive androgen withdrawal therapy and investigate new ways to target them. Eliminating these important cells earlier in disease progression will lead to increased survival for men with prostate cancer.
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.
ALT-associated PML Bodies: Keys To The Biology And Treatment Of An Important Subset Of Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$813,614.00
Summary
Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) is a molecular mechanism used by ~10% of cancers to sustain their relentless growth. ALT is common in sarcomas and brain tumours which are difficult to treat. ALT cancers contain nuclear structures called ALT-associated PML nuclear bodies (APBs) which may be part of the ALT machinery. This research will investigate characteristics of APBs and how they are formed, and will use this information to identify drugs to treat ALT tumours.