Cancer research gets transformation in NSW

A major development in cancer research will see the opening of a new unit at the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney. 

The Cell Transformation Unit will study the function of a tumour suppressor protein, p53, which is one of the body’s natural protectors against cancer.

The launch was attended by the Assistant Health Minister (Cancer), the Hon. Frank Sartor, as the new unit will receive generous funding through the Cancer Institute NSW Research Leaders Program Grant, an initiative of the NSW state government.

Prof Jim Bishop, Lord Mayor Cr David Borger, Nathan Rees, Minister Sartor, Prof Braithwaite and Ms Tanya Gadiel declare the Cell Transformation Unit officially open.

To head up the team is Professor Antony Braithwaite, a well-known scientist in the field of cancer research, who was recruited from overseas. He will not only create a new lab group but also, perhaps more importantly, lend support to other research groups around New South Wales.

His team will study how p53* functions to prevent cancers. This will be done using animal models and using studies with cells in the laboratory. The team will also look for natural variants in p53 and in other components of its regulatory pathway which may make some people more susceptible than others to developing conditions that speed up ageing and cancer onset. They will study a large number of volunteers for this purpose about whom much medical information is known.

“Doing both laboratory studies and working with people may enable us to understand why some people are more susceptible than others to the ageing process and to cancer”, says Professor Antony Braithwaite.

Minister Sartor is keen to have this new team, particularly Prof. Braithwaite, play a key role in furthering the work of other cancer research groups in New South Wales through a Research Leaders Program. This would aim to strengthen current cancer research activities, perhaps link research teams across the state and offer advice to other cancer research groups.  It would position New South Wales as a key player in cancer research.

The CMRI is able to fund this unit thanks to the support of the Cancer Institute NSW Research Leaders Program Grant, which has pledged $3.25 million over five years.

* The P53 gene is recognised by cancer researchers as having a major role in signalling cell death.