
Keywords
Fields of Research (FoR)
Biochemistry and cell biology, Oncology and carcinogenesisSEO tags
Biography
Qualifications
PhD, Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney
Bachelor of Biotechnology (Hons), Flinders University, South Australia
Research Focus
My laboratory focuses on cancer cell metabolism. We are developing small molecules that disrupt the metabolism of and kill cancer cells. This includes novel derivatives of BH10, a molecule that causes mitochondrial oxidative stress (Byrne et al. 2020, Redox Biology), and the...view more
Qualifications
PhD, Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney
Bachelor of Biotechnology (Hons), Flinders University, South Australia
Research Focus
My laboratory focuses on cancer cell metabolism. We are developing small molecules that disrupt the metabolism of and kill cancer cells. This includes novel derivatives of BH10, a molecule that causes mitochondrial oxidative stress (Byrne et al. 2020, Redox Biology), and the mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15 (Kenwood et al. 2014 Molecular Metab). We are also investigating how obesity and dietary factors influence the development of liver and endometrial cancers.
Research area 1: Developing new anti-cancer molecules that target metabolism
In collaboration with Prof Kyle Hoehn (School of BABS, UNSW) we are investigating the therapeutic potential of novel mitochondrial uncoupler molecules in obesity and cancer. In collaboration with Prof Naresh Kumar (School of Chemistry, UNSW) we are developing novel BH10-like molecules that cause oxidative stress and inhibit glucose metabolism in cancer cells.
Research area 2: Unravelling the links between obesity and cancer
My team have identified 'cancer-specific signatures' in obesity-related endometrial cancer including changes in endometrial microbiota (Kaakoush et al. 2022, Cancers), the transcriptome (Tanaka et al. 2022, Int J Mol Sci), circular RNAs (Tanaka et al. 2023, Gene) and the lipidome. We have also uncovered a novel role for bile acids in mediating the tumour growth effects of a high fructose diet in liver cancer (Hargett et al. 2024 Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis) and shown that genetic deletion of lipogenic ACC enzymes exacerbate liver tumour growth in mice (Shrestha et al. 2024, Cancer Metab).
Teaching
I am an Associate Fellow of Advance Higher Education (AFHEA) and convene the second-year course, BIOC2181 (Fundamentals of Biochemistry). I also give lectures in BABS3151 (topic: Cancer Genetics), BIOC3271/3671 (topics: Molecular Approaches to Cancer Cell Biology, Human Cytoskeleton and Disease), BIOC3261 (topic: Cancer Metabolism), and BABS2011 (topic: Natural Products in Cancer Therapy). I lead the cancer themed lectures and practicals for first and second year students in the School of Medicine (MFAC1525: Ageing and Endings). I supervise PhD, Masters, honours, and undergraduate students in the Schools of BABS, Chemistry, and Biomedical Sciences.
Engagement with community
Mr Jeff Cuff, a cancer research advocate, has been an active member of my laboratory since 2017 which led to co-authorship on our publication (Byrne et al, 2020 Redox Biology). My research highlighting the links between the endometrial microbiome and cancer has been highlighted in the book ‘Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began’.
Engagement with Industry
As a previous participant in the MTP Connect Bridge Program (2020) and prior recipient of a Bridge Industry Fellowship (2021), I now serve as the UNSW representative on the steering committee for the national drug commercialisation training program (Bridge Program).
Contribution to Profession
I review fellowship applications (Hope Funds for Cancer Research), NHMRC grants, HDR student theses, and manuscripts for Nature Communications, Cancer Research, Molecular Cancer Research, Gynecologic Oncology, Genes & Diseases, Cellular & Molecular Life Sciences, BMC, Cancers, and AJP Endocrinology & Metabolism.
I serve on the Honours Committee for the School of BABS and helps organise and chair sessions at national conferences.
My Grants
Fellowships/Scholarships/Funding
Seed funding from the Schools of Biomedical Sciences/Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences ($20K) (2023)
Tenure Track Support Award (2022)
Cancer Institute NSW Career Development Fellowship (2022-2024)
Researcher Exchange & Development within Industry (REDI) Fellowship (2021)
Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Fellowship (2018-2021)
UNSW Career Advancement Fund (2019)
Translational Cancer Research Network (TCRN) grant (2018)
Next Generation Sequencing Grant, UNSW (2018)
Conference and Professional Development Grant, TCRN (2017)
Early Career Researcher Grant, Faculty of Science, UNSW (2016)
Hope Funds for Cancer Research Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014-2017) (USA), Malcolm AS Moore Honorary Fellow
Anthony Rothe Memorial PhD Scholarship (2008-2011)
Louiza Zervos Memorial Scholarship in Paediatrics (2010)
My Awards
Paper of the Month for publication in RSC Med Chem, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW (May 2025)
Bioscience Reports Best EMCR Poster Presentation, NSW Cancer Conference, Sydney NSW (2022)
Paper of the Month for publication in Cancers, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW (May 2022)
Paper of the Month for publication in Redox Biology, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW (November 2019)
Best oral presentation at AussieMit conference, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA (2014)
Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Travel Grant, AussieMit conference, Perth, WA (2014)
Paper of the Month for publication in Cancer Research, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Australia (2014)
Sydney Catalyst Prize for best cancer-related poster, Annual Garvan Signalling Symposium, Sydney, Australia (2014)
Jefferson Cup awarded for oral presentation at the UVA Postdoctoral Research Day, University of Virginia (USA) (2014)
Poster prize at the Inaugural UVA Postdoctoral Research Day, University of Virginia (USA) (2013)
University of Sydney Medal for Best Overall Presentation, ASMR Medical Research Week NSW Scientific Meeting (2011)
My Research Supervision
Supervision keywords
Areas of supervision
Currently supervising
UNSW PhD Students (current)
Riya Shrestha (Scientia Scholarship) - School of BABS
Suri Zhang - School of BABS
Claudia Tiplady - School of BABS
Yao Cheng - School of Chemistry
UNSW PhD Students (previous)
Sing-Young Chen (Scientia Scholarship) - School of BABS
Stephanie Alexopoulos (Scientia Scholarship) - School of BABS
Location
Publications
ORCID as entered in ROS
