Dr Michelle Henderson of the Garvan Cancer Research Program has been awarded the Macquarie Bank Cure Cancer Research Fellowship for her work on the role of the EDD gene in cancer development. A key feature of cancer is the loss of the normal tight controls over cell proliferation. Thus mistakes in the genes involved with these processes may trigger cancer. In 1997 scientists at Garvan discovered the EDD gene and found that it seemed to play a role in the development of a range of cancers including breast, ovarian and prostate.

Exciting new evidence indicates the EDD gene may be involved in the proper response of cells to DNA damage through interaction with the CHK2 tumour suppressor gene. CHK2 stops cells dividing and repairs damaged DNA, and is therefore important in preventing mutations that promote the unrestrained cell growth of cancer. This study of the role of EDD in the activation of CHK2 will provide important clues to understanding cancer development and may reveal important new therapeutic avenues or indicators for treatment and prognosis.