n.whitaker@unsw.edu.au

My three main research are include: 1) The potential role of viruses in Breast and Prostate cancer, 2) Range of HPV types in Vietnamese normal and cervical patient populations, and 2) The role of the Human Papillomavirus E6 oncogene in the tumourigenic transformation of normal human cells. There is the opportunity for one or more honours research projects in Program 1.

Program 1: The potential role of viruses in Breast and Prostate cancer

It has long been accepted that Mouse Mammary Tumour Virus (MMTV) is a cause of breast cancer in mice (1, 2) but the role of MMTV-like virus in humans (HMTV) in human breast cancer is very controversial. We, and other labs, have identified HMTV in breast cancer specimens and breast cancer cell lines (3, 4, 5). In addition, we have discovered the presence of EBV and HPV in breast cancer specimens (6), often in the same specimens (4) as those harbouring HMTV. Such identification, however, has not been consistent and no causal link between these viruses and breast cancer has been established (reviewed in 7, 8). In order to confirm the presence of the viruses, and to establish if the insertion of viruses has disrupted genes important for tumour development, we will be identifying the site of insertion of these viruses by various molecular techniques. In order to establish a role for these viruses in tumourigenic transformation, we will be carrying out in vitro studies (including PCR, LM-PCR, in situ PCR, Reverse Line Blot Assay) to see if these viruses are capable of transforming normal human cells. Similar studies will also be carried out on Breast and Prostate cancer specimens and cell lines.

Selected References (Available on request)

• Bittner, J. J. Possible relationship of the oestrogenic hormones, genetic susceptibility and milk influence in the production of mammary cancer in mice. Cancer Research, 2: 710-721, 1943.

• Callahan, R. and Smith, G. H. MMTV-induced mammary tumorigenesis: gene discovery, progression to malignancy and cellular pathways. Oncogene, 19: 992-1001, 2000.

• Ford, C. E., Tran, D., Deng, Y., Ta, V. T., Rawlinson, W. D., and Lawson, J. S. Mouse mammary tumor virus-like gene sequences in breast tumors of Australian and Vietnamese women. Clin Cancer Res, 9: 1118-1120, 2003

• Lawson,J.S., Tran, D.D., Carpenter,E., Ford,c.E., Rawlinson, W.D., Whitaker, N.W., Delprado, W. Presence of mouse mammary tumour virus-like (MMTV-like) env gene sequences in some human breast tumours may be associated with histological characteristics typical of mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV) associated mouse mammary tumours in experimental mice. 2006. J. Clin Pathol: doi: 10.1136

• Glenn W.K., Whitaker N.J., Lawson J.S. Presence of mouse mammary tumour-like virus (MMTV) gene sequences may be associated with specific breast cancer morphology. 2006 J Clin Pathol.

• Iacopetta, B.J.,  Lawson, J.S. and Whitaker, N.J.  Identification of human papillomavirus DNA gene sequences in human breast cancer. Br J Cancer, 2005, 93, 946 – 948.

• Lawson, J.S., Guenzburg,W., Whitaker, N.J.  Viruses and human breast cancer. 2006. Future Microbiol, 1, 33-51

• Lawson,  J.S., Kan C.Y., Iacopetta B.J., Whitaker N.J. Are some breast cancers sexually transmitted? Br J Cancer. 2006 Dec 18;95(12):1708.