Research into cancer, cell biology & development

Theme Leader: Des Richardson

Investigators in this theme are using cell biological and other methods to investigate the mechanisms that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. This general approach is applied to understanding basic cell physiology, cancer biology, developmental biology and the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.

There are a number of areas of particular research strengths within the Research Theme. These include: (i) hormonal control of cell function, including the role of hormones in promoting the growth of breast and prostate cancers, (ii) the regulation of gene expression and its importance in determining embryonic development, tumour progression and tissue differentiation, (iii) intracellular signalling systems, and (iv) the diagnosis and treatment of malignancies. There is considerable interaction between individual laboratories in those areas. For example, Murphy and O'Neill collaborate on increasing fertility. The laboratories of Cook and Day recently have been co-localised so as to further their joint work on the roles of ion channels in epithelia and in mammalian development.

Over the next triennium it is planned to increase interactions of all the members of this Research Theme. In particular, closer links between the basic and clinical leukaemia and cancer researchers are proposed. Coordinated use of existing technologies and major equipment facilities will underpin greatly improved translational research outputs. The special expertise of the Cook laboratory in signal transduction and siRNA technology will be disseminated within the Research Theme during the next three years, initially through collaborations with Grau and Hunt.

There are many existing and potential interactions between the members of the Cancer, Cell Biology and Development Theme and the other Research Themes. The groups studying hormonal regulation of cell function, for example, share many common interests and techniques with Dr Stephen Twigg, who is interested in the actions of insulin and Nick Hunt who is interested in the actions of cytokines. Similarly, Cook's work on the role of ion channels in cell function and on intracellular signalling mechanisms has already led to collaborative studies with Hunt and Grau on the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and of the pulmonary oedema observed in malaria. This activity will be expanded during the triennium through an NHMRC Program Grant application in collaboration with Professor Warwick Britton of the Centenary Institute; tuberculosis, malaria and respiratory viruses will be the core of that collaboration.

Stem cell biology is an area that will be developed within the "Organ & tissue replacement" Research Theme over the triennium, linked with existing interests in the "Cancer, cell biology & development" Research Theme.

• Basic Sciences: To develop a detailed understanding of (i) the causation, initiating factors and mechanisms of malignant transformation, (ii) control of development and reproduction, and (iii) epithelial function in health and disease.
• Innovation: To facilitate invention of innovative research techniques by scientifically "cross-cultural" collaboration, enabled by (1) links generated within the Research Theme and (2) links generated with members of other Research Themes.
• Translation: To enable (1) an informed approach to the clinical abrogation, treatment or palliation of cancer and some infectious diseases, (2) new diagnostic methods for earlier reliable detection of disease and its associated pathology, (3) new methods of ensuring normal, uncomplicated reproduction, based on our findings in this Research Theme.