Targeting Breast Cancer Metastasis With Heparan Sulfate Mimetics
This research team combines leading expertise in synthetic and medicinal chemistry and cancer biology. They will evaluate the expression of heparanase, an enzyme that degrades the extracellular matrix that surrounds cells. It facilitates the escape of tumour cells and their entry into circulation, leading to the formation of secondary tumours (metastasis). They will test this highly druggable target with a compound with low toxicity to retard the spread of cancer cells for breast cancer therapy in triple-negative, metastatic human breast cancer cell lines in culture and animal models. Preliminary trials in mice have shown its effectiveness.
Keep reading
View all
From Evidence to Action: Expanding the ‘Not a One-Size-Fits-All’ Breast Cancer Screening Model for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Problem:Breast cancer screening in Aotearoa New Zealand does not benefit all women equally. Many cancers are still found outside the national screening programme, and Māori and Pacific women can fa...
Using Deep Learning And Digital Pathology To Intrinsically Subtype Breast Cancer
Problem:Traditional pathology uses microscopes to examine tissue slides, but this method can be slow and inconsistent, and not all patients can afford advanced molecular testing. Project:Digital pa...
“Shielding” Macrophages: Uncovering Immune-Mediated Chemoresistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
ProblemTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the hardest types to treat and affects Māori and Pacific women more than others. Many patients with TNBC don’t fully respond to chemotherapy, a...
