Lead researcher
Dr Urmi Dhagat, Dr Sophie Broughton, Prof Michael Parker, A/Prof Louise Purton
Institution
The University of Melbourne (2018-2019); St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (2017-2018)
Tumour type:
Leukaemia
Years funded
2017-2019
What is the project?
This project studies the mechanism by which a protein hormone (interleukin-3) activates abnormal signalling in leukaemic cells. Our findings will allow the development of new approaches to target and disrupt leukaemic cell survival.
What are you trying to achieve?
We want to find out more about what causes leukaemia and develop a new treatment. This research will have implications for all people diagnosed with this type of cancer. Interleukin 3 (IL-3) plays an important role in promoting leukaemic cell growth and survival and is often involved in leukaemia relapse. Despite the central role played by IL-3 in blood cancer biology, little is known about how it contributes to cell growth and disease. Our study will use 3D structures of IL-3 to assess how the hormone controls signalling outcomes within the cell.
Funding Body
Cancer Council Victoria Research Grant