Using genomic technology to understand the origins of lung cancer.

Abstract

The Cancer Developmental Biology Lab aims to understand how aberrant activation of embryonic signalling pathways contributes to the initiation, growth and self-renewal of cancer. We use a diverse range of model systems in several different tumour types to create a preclinical research program that has made significant discoveries in cancer biology. These include genetically modified mouse models, and patient-derived xenografts. Key aspects of our research have generated direct translational outcomes in cancer therapy. Most notably, the use of Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitors for the treatment of medulloblastoma is based directly on the work of our laboratory, and that of our international collaborators. By combining data generated from human tissue samples, cell lines and genetic mouse models, we hope to facilitate pathway discovery, and to identify new therapeutic opportunities. More recently, we have begun to dissect the mechanisms behind tumour regeneration, and the genomic origins of acquired resistance to chemotherapy. We undertake research on lung and breast cancers, sarcomas and cancers of childhood.