A Novel Protease And Growth Factor Regulated Signalling System In Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$856,743.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynaecologic cancer death. Our project focuses on the role in ovarian cancer of a cellular receptor called CDCP1. We have previously shown that CDCP1 promotes growth and spread of ovarian tumours. Recently we have generated new data indicating that CDCP1’s activity is markedly increased by other proteins called proteases and growth factors. In this project we will define how these new pathways function, and if their blockade impedes ovarian cancer.
Targeting Homeobox Genes In Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,739.00
Summary
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a common blood cancer with dire clinical prognosis due to a lack of targeted molecular therapies. In this proposal we will identify new ways of targeting transcription factor proteins that are overexpressed in AML and promote leukaemia by repressing normal cellular growth controls. This may lead to novel methods to target leukaemic stem cells to specifically eliminate myeloid leukemia
Inhibiting Mutant FGFR2 In Endometrial Cancer By Extracellular Blockade
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,859.00
Summary
Endometrial cancer is a common gynecological cancer in women and new therapies are required to improve survival rates. We have identified mutations in a key cell membrane protein (FGFR2) and shown that endometrial cancer cells with these mutations have altered growth factor dependence. Inhibiting these mutant proteins can result in cell death. By characterizing these mutations and their cellular effects we will be able to develop specific blocking agents for use as potential novel treatments
The Pez-TGFbeta-miR200-ZEB1-2 Axis In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$533,541.00
Summary
A feature of late-stage cancer is metastasis - the dissemination of cancer cells to other tissues. Despite advances in treatment of primary cancers, metastatic disease remains the major cause of death in cancer patients. In metastatic cancers, the cells undergo a change that enables them to initially invade the surrounding tissues. We have discovered a novel regulator of the invasive process in tissue culture and this study aims to substantiate its role in breast cancer.
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.
Transcriptional Effectors Of Oncogenic ERK Signaling In Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$820,776.00
Summary
This project aims to unravel how one of the most frequently deregulated molecular pathways in colorectal cancer controls the expression of genes required for these tumours to grow and spread. We expect this work to uncover novel therapeutic targets to effectively inactivate this pathway and biomarkers to select patients most likely to benefit from existing therapies.
Breast cancers have diverse characteristics such as their response to treatment and their propensity to relapse. We know that the individual suit of oncogenic lesions probably influences diversity but the characteristics of the cell type from which the cancer arose probably also plays a part. This Application addresses this question and investigates a major new discovery made by the applicant that the ets transcription factor Elf5 plays a key role in specifying the diversity in breast cancer.
Thyroid cancer is the commonest endocrine malignancy, and typically affects younger adults. Despite low mortality rates, local recurrence is not uncommon and re-operative surgery can cause significant morbidity. We are studying genetic variants in thyroid transcription factors associated with thyroid cancer predisposition. Our work will determine the mechanism of this association, and provide new strategies for early diagnosis and prevention of thyroid cancer.