Defining The Role Of The PSA-related Kallikrein Serine Proteases In Hormone Dependent Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$880,454.00
Summary
Kallikreins are a family of 15 proteins, related to the prostate cancer biomarker PSA, that have potential as biomarkers for hormone dependent cancers such as prostate and ovarian cancer. Prof Judith Clements and her team discovered that kallikreins induce resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer and are found in prostate cancer bone disease. Her research will determine the underlying mechanisms of kallikrein action and their potential as new biomarkers or treatment targets for these disease ....Kallikreins are a family of 15 proteins, related to the prostate cancer biomarker PSA, that have potential as biomarkers for hormone dependent cancers such as prostate and ovarian cancer. Prof Judith Clements and her team discovered that kallikreins induce resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer and are found in prostate cancer bone disease. Her research will determine the underlying mechanisms of kallikrein action and their potential as new biomarkers or treatment targets for these diseases.Read moreRead less
Deciphering Breast Cancer Heterogeneity To Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
Breast cancer is a very heterogeneous disease. Patients are often treated in a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but response to therapy remains quite disparate. To better personalise therapy, there is a pressing need to define the precise cell types and initiating genetic events that give rise to breast cancer. This application is focussed on understanding the molecular and cellular origins of breast cancer, with the potential of identifying new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Prof Lindeman's laboratory, co-headed with Dr Visvader, has played an influential role in the identification of mammary stem and progenitor cells, elucidation of the mammary epithelial cell hierarchy and gaining insights into how female hormones regulate mammary gland development and cancer. In parallel, I have established translational research platforms such as patient-derived tumour xenograft (PDX) models, which offer powerful preclinical models to test new drugs.
I am a cancer biologist determining the mechanisms controlling growth and proliferation of cancer cells and use transgenic models of malignancy and genetic approaches to identify new therapies for targeting growth control in the treatment of cancer.