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.