Role of microRNAs in neuroblastoma

Role of microRNAs in neuroblastoma

Recipient: : Associate Professor Gregory Goodall and Dr Yeesim Khew-Goodall
Institute: Centre for Cancer Biology
Funding: $550,000 July 2010 to June 2016

The Centre for Cancer Biology is an alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia.

For cancer cells to metastasise, they must migrate away from the primary tumour, degrading extracellular matrix and invading adjacent tissues as they do so. These processes are propelled in large part by rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton. We have shown they are also highly dependent on the activity of several microRNAs
 
In this study, the team will delineate the molecular pathways by which microRNAs control the structure and function of the actin cytoskeleton in neuroblastoma cells and in the cells from which neuroblastomas arise. They will assess whether the microRNAs themselves and/or their molecular targets are potential diagnostic or prognostic indicators in neuroblastoma. They will further assess whether the microRNAs or their analogs, or the actin cytoskelton-regulating targets of the microRNAs, are potential therapeutic targets for intervention in metastatic disease.