Green Tea Polyphenols And Cancer Prevention: Use Of Population Controls And Biomarkers To Elicit Causal Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$956,189.00
Summary
There is laboratory evidence that chemicals in green tea (poloyphenols) protect against cancer. Epidemiologic studies in humans have generally supported these findings, especially for breast cancer. This project is a crucial stepping stone towards future prospects of a large-scale trial using green tea extract. It will see if the protection extends to leukaemia and bowel cancer, and will identify the genetic makeup of people who are able to benefit the most from green tea polyphenols.
The mechanisms controlling cell growth are often disrupted in cancers. Here we will investigate a fundamental mechanism that ensures that every daughter cells receives identical copies of DNA. This control mechanism also appears to have a key role in protecting the cells that continuously repopulate the epidermal layer ofthe skin that are target for ultraviolet radiation induced mutation that lead to skin cancers. This mechanism is inoperative in cells derived from skin cancers, indicating that ....The mechanisms controlling cell growth are often disrupted in cancers. Here we will investigate a fundamental mechanism that ensures that every daughter cells receives identical copies of DNA. This control mechanism also appears to have a key role in protecting the cells that continuously repopulate the epidermal layer ofthe skin that are target for ultraviolet radiation induced mutation that lead to skin cancers. This mechanism is inoperative in cells derived from skin cancers, indicating that mutation of components of this mechanism must have occurred. These mutations, and the loss of this normally protective control mechanism are likely to contribute to either an increased risk of skin cancer, or to the increased malignant spread of the diseases.Read moreRead less
A Case Control Study Of Risk Factors For Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,592,353.00
Summary
Although most prostate cancers are not fatal, some develop into an aggressive form that is likely to progress and kill. How this happens and how to prevent these cancers, is not well understood. The study will examine the lives of men with aggressive prostate cancer, from the time of conception to adulthood, their family history and genetic characteristics to identify the role of life patterns and genes in the development of these cancers, seeking a basis for their prevention .
Regulation Of Cell Proliferation By The Actin Cytoskeleton
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,795.00
Summary
The architecture of cells defines both their shape and function. It has been known for a long time that cell architecture controls the growth of cells and in particular their capacity to proliferate. We have identified part of the architectural system which controls this process. In this project we will establish how this works and its role in the body. This research will test whether this part of the cell�s architecture is a suitable drug target for the treatment of disorders in cell growth.
Endometrial cancer (uterine or womb cancer) is the most common invasive gynaecological cancer in Australia. Each year more than 1400 women are affected by the condition, and death is common amongst a subset with more aggressive disease. We plan to conduct a national study of endometrial cancer to identify options for prevention of the disease. No previous studies have looked at risk factors for endometrial cancer in Australian women. In particular, we hope to identify modifiable risk factors for ....Endometrial cancer (uterine or womb cancer) is the most common invasive gynaecological cancer in Australia. Each year more than 1400 women are affected by the condition, and death is common amongst a subset with more aggressive disease. We plan to conduct a national study of endometrial cancer to identify options for prevention of the disease. No previous studies have looked at risk factors for endometrial cancer in Australian women. In particular, we hope to identify modifiable risk factors for endometrial cancer, and identify genes that make some women particularly susceptible to the disease. There are at least two main types of endometrial cancer and limited evidence suggests that they may have different causes. Few studies have examined the two different types separately, and there is virtually no information regarding risk factors for the more aggressive forms. In addition, little is known about genetic factors that predispose women to endometrial cancer. In the present study, we will investigate which genes cause endometrial cancer in women who have a strong family history of the disease. We will also identify genes that are related to endometrial cancer in women with no obvious family history of cancer, and investigate how these genes interact with environmental factors (such as hormone replacement therapy and obesity) to cause disease. National epidemiological studies of other cancers are currently being conducted by our research groups within QIMR. In the present proposal, we will use our experience to build on the infrastructure and procedures already in place to conduct a new study on endometrial cancer. As one of the largest population-based studies of endometrial cancer ever conducted, it will be able to answer many of the questions that are currently unresolved. Moreover, answers will be relevant to Australian women and clinicians as well as to inform prevention strategies.Read moreRead less
Dissecting The Function Of The Hedgehog-Patched Pathway In Breast Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,811.00
Summary
There have been significant improvements in survival from breast cancer, particularly due to specialised treatments that target faulty pathways in the growth of cancer cells. One newly described, aggressive type of breast cancer called basal-like breast cancer lacks specialised treatment. We will determine whether the 'Hedgehog' signalling pathway is a suitable target for basal breast cancer therapy.
Methylation As A Risk And Prognostic Factor For Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,913.00
Summary
DNA methylation is a process playing critical roles throughout life by altering the expression of genes. This study aims to investigate the potential use of methylation as marker of risk and early diagnosis of breast cancer in women with no clinical evidence of disease and marker of prognosis and response to treatment in breast cancer cases.
Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors For Colorectal Cancer: Anatomic Site Specificity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,000.00
Summary
Cancer of the large bowel (colorectal cancer) is the second most common cancer in Australians and is becoming more common. Despite this, there is still much uncertainty about what causes some people to develop this cancer. We believe that some of this uncertainty arises because there are actually different causes of cancer for different sections of the colon and rectum. This study aims to collect information from 1000 people with colorectal cancer and 1000 people without colorectal cancer, and c ....Cancer of the large bowel (colorectal cancer) is the second most common cancer in Australians and is becoming more common. Despite this, there is still much uncertainty about what causes some people to develop this cancer. We believe that some of this uncertainty arises because there are actually different causes of cancer for different sections of the colon and rectum. This study aims to collect information from 1000 people with colorectal cancer and 1000 people without colorectal cancer, and compare various factors such as their genetic makeup, diet, AND lifestyle. We expect to find that some factors are more common in people with cancer in the upper parts of the bowel, while other factors are more common in people with cancer in the lower parts of the bowel. This kind of information can be used to design programs to prevent colorectal cancer. For example, we might advise people to exercise more or eat more fish in order to decrease their chances of developing this cancer.Read moreRead less