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The Role of Cannabinoids as Anticancer Agents in Pediatric OncologyCannabinoids are a group of chemicals that bind to receptors in the human body and, in turn, modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They can be endogenously produced, synthetic, or derived from the plant Cannabis sativa L. Research over the past several decades has shown that the ECS is a cellular communication network essential to maintain multiple biological functions and the homeostasis of the body. Indeed, cannabinoids have been shown to influence a wide variety of biological effects, including memory, pain, reproduction, bone remodeling or immunity, to name a few. Unsurprisingly, given these broad physiological effects, alterations of the ECS have been found in different diseases, including cancer.
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DYRK1A regulates B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia through phosphorylation of FOXO1 and STAT3DYRK1A is a serine/threonine kinase encoded on human chromosome 21 (HSA21) that has been implicated in several pathologies of Down syndrome (DS), including cognitive deficits and Alzheimer's disease. Although children with DS are predisposed to developing leukemia, especially B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the HSA21 genes that contribute to malignancies remain largely undefined. Here, we report that DYRK1A is overexpressed and required for B-ALL. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of DYRK1A decreased leukemic cell expansion and suppressed B-ALL development in vitro and in vivo.
Research
Immunogenicity of the inactivated influenza vaccine in children who have undergone allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantThis study provides evidence to support annual inactivated influenza vaccine administration to children following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant
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Homeward bound: The Kids Research Institute Australia researcher taking on scientific leadership challengeThe Kids Research Institute Australia researcher, Dr Anya Jones, will join some of the world’s brightest female scientists after being selected to take part in a global project to amplify the voices of women in science leadership.
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Child health research set to benefit from national grantsResearchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia have been awarded $4.6 million in national funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to help support child health research.
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New childhood brain tumour drugs to be testedIt is the kids he treats in his role as a paediatric oncologist that motivate Dr Nick Gottardo in his work as a The Kids Research Institute Australia cancer researcher.
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Research sheds new light on childhood Leukaemia treatmentA The Kids study examining drug resistance in leukaemia patients has shed new light on why some treatments may be more effective than others.
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Immunotherapy drug dramatically improves survival for babies with rare leukaemiaA pilot clinical study, led in Australia by a The Kids Research Institute Australia and Perth Children's Hospital researcher, has found an immunotherapy drug can dramatically increase survival rates for babies with a rare form of leukaemia, paving the way for a major international clinical trial.
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Childhood cancer story: How Rennae's child's cancer diagnosis affected her familyRennae's son Samuel was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma 13 years ago, and was originally given a 20% chance of survival. She bravely shares their story.
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Childhood cancer research is getting a $1.05 million boost thanks to Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research FoundationAustralian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation has announced it will provide $1.05 million of funding to The Kids Research Institute Australia.