Targeting MicroRNA-driven Mesenchymal To Epithelial Transition To Suppress Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$741,831.00
Summary
Prostate cancer kills ~3,000 men per year in Australia. The development of metastasis is the major cause of prostate cancer-associated death and has limited treatment options. In this study, we will characterise the role of a group of molecules, termed microRNAs, in prostate cancer metastasis. We will also test whether targeting microRNAs using novel drugs termed antagomiRs is an effective strategy to inhibit metastasis and thereby improve prostate cancer mortality.
Understanding The Role Of The Atypical Cadherin Fat4 In Lymphatic Vascular Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,006,248.00
Summary
This application will define the role of a large cell adhesion molecule, FAT4, in lymphatic vascular development. By understanding how FAT4 functions in lymphatic vessels, we will gain insight to the mechanisms by which mutations in the gene that encodes this protein cause a human lymphoedema syndrome.
How IsomiRs Expand The MicroRNA Functional Repertoire In Affecting Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,570.00
Summary
MicroRNAs function as regulators of gene expression. It is becoming appreciated that microRNAs are frequently expressed as variants with subtly different sequences. We find here that variation in one important cancer-associated microRNA, miR-222, promotes differences in the behaviour of cells expressing them. This work seeks to understand how microRNA variation confers such properties to cells, to identify the genes miR-222 variants regulate, and to examine how widespread it is that microRNA var ....MicroRNAs function as regulators of gene expression. It is becoming appreciated that microRNAs are frequently expressed as variants with subtly different sequences. We find here that variation in one important cancer-associated microRNA, miR-222, promotes differences in the behaviour of cells expressing them. This work seeks to understand how microRNA variation confers such properties to cells, to identify the genes miR-222 variants regulate, and to examine how widespread it is that microRNA variation contributes to cancer.Read moreRead less
Targeting Sphingosine Kinase 1 To Sensitise Acute Myeloid Leukaemia To BH3 Mimetic Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,005.00
Summary
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) patients are currently treated with chemotherapeutics and despite their success at achieving disease remission these responses are often short lived, resulting in relapse and death. We have identified sphingosine kinase 1 as a new drug target in AML. This proposal aims to examine the role of targeting sphingosine kinase 1 in combination with new targeted therapies in patient samples and preclinical mouse models of AML.