Tumour B-cells from lymphomas are resistant to ATP-mediated apoptosis due to non-functional P2X7 receptors [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof James Wiley (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Ronald Sluyter ,  Julian Barden

Brief description Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an important constituent normally present inside cells. When added to normal lymphocytes (or released by cells lining the vessel wall or in lymph nodes), ATP acts from outside these cells to open a pore as well as activate an enzyme which digests the lipid envelope of the cell. This loss of lipid covering of the cell produces a leakiness to various constituents of the cell which gradually leads to death of normal lymphocytes. However in the malignant lymphocytes of human lymphomas this mechanism of cell death does not operate. The loss of function of this 'death receptor' explains why in the lymphomas there is a progressive accumulation of malignant lymphocytes which give enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen and leads to death of the patient. Knowledge of the defect in this pathway of cell death will enable new strategies to be introduced to control this malignant disease.

Funding Amount $AUD 226,320.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant