Organisms of the gut-invasive genus Helicobacter, such as H. felis shown, have long been a hallmark of BABS research and are the present focus of Professor Hazel Mitchell.
Development of More Effective Anti-cancer Drugs Based on Cisplatin
In collaboration with researchers at Melbourne and Auckland Universities, we are developing more effective cancer chemotherapeutic agents based on Cisplatin. The biological target for Cisplatin is DNA, however Cisplatin has no intrinsic affinity for DNA. By attaching a DNA binding group, it is hoped to specifically target Cisplatin to DNA.
Human telomeric sequences consist of the repeated sequence TTAGGG. The integrity of telomeres is believed to be very important in the development of tumour cells. Because telomeres contain a GGG repeat sequence, they are expected to be a major target site for Cisplatin.
The main aim of this project is to examine the interaction of newly synthesised Cisplatin analogues with telomeric DNA inside cells. The techniques involved include human tissue culture, DNA sequencing, PCR, and other molecular biology techniques.
Selected References (available on request)
- Interaction of cisplatin and DNA-targeted 9-aminoacridine platinum complexes with DNA Biochemistry 39 5593-5599 (2000)
BABS personnel that are responsible for this project