Research Interests
The primary research focus of the Cell Cycle Control Team is the discovery and development of novel molecular targeted agents for the treatment of cancer. Our research and drug discovery activities are focussed on the cell division cycle and cellular pathways that regulate this process, through growth factor mediated signalling or activation of cell cycle checkpoints in response to DNA damage . We are also using the small molecules identified on our drug discovery projects as chemical probes to facilitate further research on our drug targets, with the potential for new target identification.
PKB(AKT) Kinase
Protein kinase B is a serine/threonine kinase which regulates some of the key cellular activities often found deregulated in cancer. Currently we are using inhibitors of PKB to investigate how growth factor dependant cell signalling pathways may reculate cell cycle checkpoints.
Cell Cycle Checkpoint Kinases CHK1 and CHK2
Both CHK1 and CHK2 are key components of the DNA damage signalling network. We are investigating the therapeutic value of the inhibition of CHK1 and CHK2.
Protein Kinase B
Protein Kinase B (PKB) regulates proliferation, angiogenesis and programmed cell death, and plays an important role in tumourigenesis.
Cell Cycle Checkpoint Kinases
CHK1 and CHK2 are proteins that play a key role in the DNA damage signalling network. They have different cellular activities, but both are being investigated by Michelle Garrett and her team for potential therapeutic approaches.
