The exposure of infants to adverse events both before and after birth can cause death or permanent disability (eg cerebral palsy) for the infant. Our primary research objective is to minimize the impact and improve outcomes for infants exposed to adverse events before and/or after birth. We will use a multi-disciplinary approach that aims to understand the science and to develop new treatments, thereby representing true “bench to bedside” research.
Apoptosis And Stem Cells In Cancer Development And Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$22,852,198.00
Summary
To improve cancer therapy, we are studying two cancer hallmarks: enhanced cell survival and stem cell-like behaviour. As we discovered, cell death is often blocked in cancer cells. Hence, we are attempting to develop drugs that flip the natural ‘cell death switch’. Stem cells are rare cells that generate entire tissues, as we showed for the breast. Certain cancers may be driven by ‘rogue’ stem cells. If so, eradication of these rare cells within the bulk tumour may require novel therapies.