Tumour Progression
The large majority of breast cancers arise through sporadic genetic
and epigenetic alterations during a woman's life. By identifying these
alterations, we will greatly improve our ability to predict the
behaviour of breast cancer and treat patients.
By integrating cutting edge in vitro and in vivo models
with studies of clinical specimens, the Tumour Progression Group is
taking two approaches to identifying cancer-causing alterations.
1) The most lethal breast cancers metastasise to the lymph nodes, lung
and bone, causing the majority of suffering and mortality associated
with breast cancer. We have convincing evidence that the ID family of
transcription factors play an important role in breast cancer
metastasis. We are currently investigating their mechanism of
action.
2) microRNAs are recently identified non-protein-coding RNA molecules
that play a key role in regulation of gene expression in normal
development. New evidence from our lab and others points to a role for
microRNAs in cancer. We are studying the regulation of tumour
suppressors and proto-oncogenes by microRNAs.
Staff
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Dr Radhika Nair |
