Gene Regulation Laboratory
Gene Regulation Laboratory - Research at Peter Mac
| The Gene Regulation laboratory performs basic and pre-clinical research aimed at defining the molecular processes required for anti-cancer drug action and drug resistance, and the mechanisms of interferon signal transduction. |
| Research focus |
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| Research overview |
| A major focus of The Gene Regulation Laboratory is to determine the molecular events necessary for the apoptotic and therapeutic activities of novel small molecule and antibody-based anti-cancer agents. These agents target various molecular pathways and processes and we aim to determine exactly how these agents kill tumor cells and how the tumors can circumvent or prevent their activities. In most instances, we use genetically engineered, immunocompetent mouse models of cancer that reflect the genetics, biology and pathology of human disease. We have evidence demonstrating the combined approach of inducing tumor cell apoptosis and augmenting host immune responses greatly enhances anti-tumor efficacy. We are therefore testing this therapeutic regimen in various mouse models of haematological malignancies and solid cancers to identify the molecular mechanisms of these combination strategies. We have recently initiated a series of “discovery-based” projects using functional genomics to identify novel genes involved in tumor onset and progression, and genes that are necessary for the induction of HDACi-mediated apoptosis. Another important aspect of the laboratory has been the study of interferon-induced signal transduction pathways and we have recently identified a novel mechanism of crosstalk between type I and II interferons that we predict will result in a shift in paradigm regarding the molecular events that are necessary for a full and robust interferon-mediated anti-tumor immune response. We have also demonstrated that loss of type I interferon-induced cell signaling alters immune-mediated tumor surveillance and we are identifying the molecular and biological processes that underpin this effect. |
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| Contact Details | |||||||
| +61 (0)3 9656 1238 | |||||||
| ricky.johnstone@petermac.org | |||||||
| Research Personnel | |||||||
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| Group Leader | |||||||
| Professor Ricky Johnstone | |||||||
| Postdoctoral Fellows | |||||||
| Dr Amber Alsop Dr Mara Galli Dr Nicole Haynes Dr Geoff Matthews Dr Jessica Salmon Dr Vanessa Solomon Dr Inge Verbrugge Dr Michaela Waibel | |||||||
| Research Assistants | |||||||
| Kellie Banks Leonie Cluse Ben Martin Christina Neff Rachael Ralli Kym Stanley Eva Vidacs | |||||||
| PhD Students | |||||||
| Adele Baker Dr Mark Bishton Katrina Falkenberg Mick Medon Nicole Messina Andrea Newbold Kim Sang-Kyu Dr Jake Shortt Alison West | |||||||
| Laboratory Manager | |||||||
| Jason Brady | |||||||
| Executive Assistant | |||||||
| Linda Stevens | |||||||
| Administrative Assistant | |||||||
| Belinda Kelly |



