The role of MIC-1 in the promotion and progression of skin squamous cell carcinoma. [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Peter Parsons (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Geoff Strutton ,  Dr Glen Boyle

Brief description Skin cancers are the most common human tumours and the incidence is increasing. Ultra-violet (UV) light is the main factor in the formation of skin cancer. This project will find how a gene product (MIC-1) induced by solar UV affects the skin, and why we see it in skin cancers. This protein has other interesting properties that could bear directly on measuring sun exposure and understanding skin cancer. A processed form is released into the blood, where it could carry UV signals and be used in population studies as a measure of sun exposure. It's also induced by certain cancer-promoting chemicals which resemble UV light in their immediate effects. A lot could therefore be learnt from this protein, and if we find that MIC-1 promotes the growth of normal and tumour cells in the skin after UV exposure, we can look for ways to stop this happening.

Funding Amount $AUD 237,258.80

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant