A Novel Molecular Target Capable Of Abrogating Neuroblastoma Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$802,499.00
Summary
Although modern chemotherapy has significantly improved survival rates for many childhood cancers, the outlook remains dismal for children with advanced staged neuroblastoma. These patients frequently have alterations in the cancer-causing gene called MYCN. Using pre-clinical models of MYCN-driven neuroblastoma and genome sequencing we have discovered a gene that can completely block the action of MYCN and prevent neuroblastoma growth. This work will characterize the function of this novel gene.
Targeted Inhibition Of Multidrug Resistance-associated Protein 4 (MRP4) As A Therapeutic Strategy For Childhood Neuroblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,503.00
Summary
We have shown that a high tumour level of the gene, MRP4, confers a particularly poor outcome in children with the aggressive cancer neuroblastoma. Our results suggest that MRP4 can drive the growth of neuroblastoma cells, and that it does so by removing from the cancer cell a compound that normally regulates key cellular responses including survival and differentiation. We will explore this, and will also test promising inhibitors of MRP4 with therapeutic potential, that we have developed.