Epigenetics
Cancer cells deactivate large regions of DNA by a biochemical process called methylation. Our research focuses on understanding the process that triggers abnormal methylation and demethylation between normal and cancer cells. We have developed different methods to detect methylation changes during development and have noticed that these ‘epigenetic’ changes can take place across very large regions of DNA during cancer development. We are trying to work out the sequence of events so that we can try to reverse the process, as we believe these regions may contain genes that normally prevent the development of tumours.
Staff
 Senior Research OfficerDr Clare Stirzaker |
 Senior Science WriterDr Kate Patterson |
 Senior Bioinformatics OfficerDr Nicola Armstrong |
 Senior Research OfficerDr Phillippa Taberlay |
 Research OfficerDr Stephen Bradford |
 Research OfficerDr Shalima Nair (co-appointment with ACRF) |
 Research OfficerDr Elena Zotenko |
 Senior Research OfficerDr Fatima Valdes Mora |
 Research OfficerDr Danni Battle |
 Research OfficerDr Amita Limaye |
 Research OfficerDr Helen Lutgers |
 Research OfficerDr Ruth Pidsley |
 Senior Research AssistantJenny Song |
 Research AssistantQian Du |
 Research AssistantWenjia Qu |
 Research AssistantDario Strbenac |
 Research AssistantMichelle Parenac |
 Research AssistantMadhavi Maddugoda |
 PhD StudentZena Kassir |
 Research AssistantHugh French |
 PhD StudentAaron Statham |
 PhD StudentWarwick Locke |
 PhD StudentHilal Varinli |
 PhD StudentSaul Bert |
| Research Assistant Alexei Ilinykh |
News
Cancer study overturns current thinking about gene activation
MEDIA RELEASE:
14 Dec 2012
Garvan scientists show that large regions, or 'domains' of the genome – amounting to roughly 2% – are epigenetically activated in prostate cancer. Regions activated contain many prostate cancer-specific genes, including PSA (prostate specific antigen), the most common prostate cancer marker. The findings have extensive ramifications for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including epigenetic-based gene therapies, as they require the targeting of domains of genes, as opposed to single genes.
Enhancing prostate cancer prognosis at the micro level
MEDIA RELEASE:
07 Aug 2012
It is now widely acknowledged that ‘non-coding’ genes known as microRNAs play a big role in cancer, through their mechanical regulation of other genes. In a three-year study, Garvan researchers have identified one microRNA, in particular, that is strongly associated with prostate cancer prognosis.
Rotary awards Garvan epigeneticist in 2012
28 Mar 2012
Garvan’s Professor Susan Clark has received a Rotary Award for Vocational Excellence in recognition of her major contributions to the field of ‘epigenetics’. Epigenetics is a branch of research that seeks to understand changes that occur in the function of genes without a change in the genome sequence.
