Lead researcher
Prof Arthur Shulkes, Prof Graham Baldwin
Institution
The University of Melbourne
Years funded
2013-2014
Our objective is to determine the roles of a growth factor termed bombesin in the development of colon cancers.
This peptide, known as GRP in the human, is a growth factor in certain lung cancers but little is
known about its role in tumours of the colon. The project is based on our novel observation that the precursor of GRP (proGRP), previously thought to be inactive, is in fact active in stimulating the growth of colon cancer cells and is present in colon tumours.
A successful outcome will result in novel treatments such as proGRP antagonists.
Lay Report - Final
Inhibiting the growth factor proGRP to treat gastrointestinal cancers (PDF 100KB)
Funding Body
Cancer Council Victoria Research Grant
Funding
$98,551 pa for two years