Breast cancer is a common disease that is generally incurable if detected after it has spread to other organs. There is a lack of understanding of molecular events that drive the process. Cancers contain several types of host cells that contribute to the growth of the tumour, which can be regarded as wounds that never heal. Host cells are co-opted to promote continued growth of the cancer cells. It is the aim of this project to understand how these host cells promote the spread of breast cancer
Defining Steps In The Molecular Pathogenesis Of Lung Cancer Using Immortalized Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,344.00
Summary
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is caused by abnormalities in DNA. This project aims to further our understanding of this disease by altering known cancer-related genes and studying their effect on lung cancer development. This project also aims to identify novel genes in lung cancer as well as tumour expression profiles which can predict response to chemotherapy agents. In summary, this research will identify new gene targets for therapeutic agents.
I am a molecular biologist and my research is focussed on the importance of epigenetics in early development and disease, especially in cancer. My research to date has resulted in many ground-breaking discoveries relating to DNA methylation patterns, that
Integrated Analysis And Functional Characterisation Of Gene Amplicons In Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$453,068.00
Summary
In Australia in 2001 there were ~1300 new cases of ovarian cancer. Survival of ovarian cancer is very poor and current treatments inadequate. To develop more effective treatments we need to understand the molecular events that cause ovarian cancer. Some genes have multiple copies in ovarian cancer cells and these may be good targets for therapy. We aim to find these genes and determine which ones have a functional effect in the tumour.
Epigenetic Silencing Of Large Chromosomal Regions In Prostate Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$745,356.00
Summary
Epigenetics is a term that desribes modification of gene expression without a change to the DNA sequence through processes that involve chemical change to the DNA such as methylation. In this grant we will further characterise and understand the mechanism involved in long range epigenetic silencing and determine its prevalence in prostate cancer. This study will provide potential novel targets for prostate cancer detection, prognosis and therapy.
Identification And Functional Evaluation Of MicroRNAs And Their Target Genes That Regulate Breast Cancer Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,773.00
Summary
Breast cancer is the major cause of cancer-associated death in Australian women. Once the disease has spread to other organs, as occurs in about 20% of cases, our ability to treat the disease is limited and mortality is high, leading to an enormous social and economic cost New therapies for advanced disease are needed urgently. To facilitate this, we need to understand the molecular regulation of metastasis to distant organs and use this knowledge to develop new molecular targeted therapies.