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
Gastrokine 2: A Novel Stomach-specific Tumour Suppressor Gene
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,735.00
Summary
We will evaluate how a natural protein called gastrokine 2 acts to prevent cancer from developing in the stomach. We will show how gastrokine 2 interacts with another stomach protein TFF1, to block the effects of the inflammatory and cancer causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and the way that this bacterium circumvents this by turning off the production of gastrokine 2. Finally a drug which inhibits stomach tumour growth by turning on gastrokine 2 will be tested.
The Role Of The M6P-IGF-II Receptor In Regulating Cellular Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$276,598.00
Summary
We will investigate if a cell surface protein that suppresses the growth of breast cancer cells is also able to reduce the cancer spreading to other organs. The part of the molecule required for this effect will be identified so that smaller forms of the protein can be tested to inhibit tumour spread. Genes and proteins altered by the presence of this protein in breast cancer cells will be examined to determine how the protein suppresses tumours and to identify novel tumour markers.
How Does The Tumour Suppressor: Nerfin-1 Prevent Dietary Dependent Tumour Growth?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,942.00
Summary
The influence of diet has been linked to tumour growth for decades, however, there is little scientific evidence to support or disprove this. In this study, we will assess the effect of diet on tumours in fruit flies. The metabolic genes which regulate the growth of fly tumours will then be studied in human brain tumours. Our studies will ultimately shed light on how tissue growth is controlled by dietary intake, and have the potential to inform the way that we treat and manage human cancers.
Colon Cancer: Receptors, Signalling And Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,115,542.00
Summary
This program aims to understand the biochemical and biological basis of colorectal cancer, a major cause of cancer deaths in Australia. The Chief Investigators have extensive experience in the analysis of the molecular defects in colorectal cancer cells and have already developed new drugs to treat successfully experimental colon tumours in animals. During this research program, we will explore these systems further, concentrating on the identification of novel inhibitors of colon cancer cell gr ....This program aims to understand the biochemical and biological basis of colorectal cancer, a major cause of cancer deaths in Australia. The Chief Investigators have extensive experience in the analysis of the molecular defects in colorectal cancer cells and have already developed new drugs to treat successfully experimental colon tumours in animals. During this research program, we will explore these systems further, concentrating on the identification of novel inhibitors of colon cancer cell growth, survival and movement. Newly developed instruments and techniques will allow us to identify and detect the critical steps during the development of colorectal cancer and to design potent drugs to fight the disease. We have experience in conducting novel clinical trials in colon cancer and have developed imaging techniques for monitoring the effectiveness and safety of new anti-cancer drugs. Our collective scientific experience and ability to work in the clinic provides a unique opportunity for developing more effective treatments for colorectal cancer patients.Read moreRead less
Genetic Models Of Cancer Development And Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,250.00
Summary
We are taking advantage of the powerful genetic tools in fruit flies to study the genetics of cancer. 72% of cancer genes are conserved between humans and fruit flies, making it a particularly suitable system. This project has two main aims: 1- to build tumours in fruit flies in an effort to understand better the individual genetic lesions that contribute to cancer It takes on average 4-7 mutations for a tumour to develop. While many genes associated with cancer have been identified, there are m ....We are taking advantage of the powerful genetic tools in fruit flies to study the genetics of cancer. 72% of cancer genes are conserved between humans and fruit flies, making it a particularly suitable system. This project has two main aims: 1- to build tumours in fruit flies in an effort to understand better the individual genetic lesions that contribute to cancer It takes on average 4-7 mutations for a tumour to develop. While many genes associated with cancer have been identified, there are many more that have not. What is more, it is still not clear precisely what mutations are responsible for a given tumour as tumours contain many genetic lesions most of which are incidental. We have a collection of fruit flies strains that represent various stages of the progress toward cancer development, and we intend to test different genetic combinations of these to determine which combinations result in cancer. 2- to identify a class of genes we have called 'oncogene suppressor genes' which may have the ability to prevent tumours from forming. Recently, it has been discovered that oncogenes may be required for both the INITIATION of tumours and the MAINTENANCE of tumours. This means that suppressing oncogene function may not only prevent tumour formation, but also tumour maintenance - in other words, it may make tumours go away. Thus, oncogene suppressor genes may represent exciting therapeutic targets for the treatment and possibly also prevention of cancer. At this time it is not clear whether oncogenes are generally required for tumour maintenance, or whether this is a property of only one or a few oncogenes. As these experiments are difficult and expensive to conduct in mammalian systems, we have devised simple, rapid tests in fruit flies instead. We plan to use these tests to investigate the effect of 'oncogene suppressor genes' on tumour initiation and maintenance in fruit flies. Ultimately, we believe these genes may represent therapeutic targets.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of PML By E6AP: Implications For Tumour Development.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$537,829.00
Summary
PML is a vital tumour suppressor, but little is known about its regulation. We established that PML levels are affected by another cellular protein E6AP. This study will define the mechanism by which E6AP influences PML. Human cancers will be screened for the involvement of these proteins, to gain new insights into cancer onset. The intended practical outcome of these studies is to aid cancer diagnosis and provide new anti-cancer drugs.