72: Silencing the AML1/ETO Fusion Gene

Silencing the AML1/ETO Fusion Gene as a Treatment Strategy for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia ($8,474)

Associate Professor Greg Woods was awarded a grant for laboratory studies on a cancer causing gene.

Acute myeloid leukaemia is a cancer of white blood cells. One cause is an alteration in the cell’s DNA to produce a new gene called AML1/ETO. This gene alters the cell’s regulatory mechanisms, resulting in uncontrolled growth. In this study the researchers will look at a therapy that targets leukaemic cells by exploring ways to inactivate this particular gene (AML1/ETO) that casues cancer.