Researcher

Dr Sj Shen

My Expertise

My expertise is in examining the role of diet and the gut microbiota in liver inflammation and cancer.

Being part of Australia's first Microbiome Research Centre, my project utilises advanced techniques in sequencing to assess the gut microbiota composition in both human clinical samples and in animal models. Under the direction of A/Prof Amany Zekry, our group utilises advanced techniques to modify the gut microbiota of animals through faecal microbiota transplantation to assess how changes in the gut environment modulate the liver immune response and initiation/progression of liver cancer. Combined with clinical aspects headed by clinician-scientist of our lab, Dr Jason Behary (MD, PhD), we hope to better understand the mechanisms of hepatic carcinogenesis, and develop better and more effective treatments for patients with liver cancer.

Keywords

microbiota

mouse model

liver cancer

intestinal microbiota

hepatocellular cancer

immune inflammation

non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Fields of Research (FoR)

Gastroenterology and hepatology, Tumour immunology, Immunology

Biography

I am a postdoctoral fellow in A/Prof Amany Zekry's group, based at Microbiome Research Centre, St George Clinical School, Kogarah NSW. My research investigates the intricate interactions between host immunity and gut microbiota, and how alterations in the gut contributes and modulates inflammation in the liver. By better understanding the mechanisms that underlie how this "gut-liver axis" impacts liver inflammation and disease, I hope to find...view more

I am a postdoctoral fellow in A/Prof Amany Zekry's group, based at Microbiome Research Centre, St George Clinical School, Kogarah NSW. My research investigates the intricate interactions between host immunity and gut microbiota, and how alterations in the gut contributes and modulates inflammation in the liver. By better understanding the mechanisms that underlie how this "gut-liver axis" impacts liver inflammation and disease, I hope to find how modifying the gut microbiota can prevent or halt the progression of liver cancer.

I am a researcher in respiratory and gastrointestinal tract diseases, with a major focus on the interaction between host immunity and microbiota. I have a special interest in the role that diet plays in immune responses and disease progression and modification. Prior to my current role, I trained as a postdoctoral fellow at UTS / Centenary Institute investigating the importance of microbiota in respiratory diseases.

I completed my PhD at Monash University (2019) examining the interplay between the gut microbiota and neutrophils in a mouse model of colitis. My research topic during his 3rd year research project and Honours (Monash University) was examining the role of dietary fibre and short-chain fatty acids in a mouse models of lung inflammation (allergic airways disease and aspergillosis) and oesophagitis.

My Qualifications

2019 - Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine). Monash University / Monash Medical Centre

2014 - Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Honours). Monash University / Immunology

My Research Activities

I am currently investigating the role of the gut microbiota and the gut-liver axis in the pathogenesis of liver cancer. By utilising mouse models, immune phenotyping techniques, molecular analysis and advanced imaging techniques, in addition to in vitro and ex vivo assays, I hope to elucidate the mechanisms of how changes in the gut microbiota affects the progression of liver cancer.