Cancer genomics is the study of the genetic changes that contribute to the development and progression of cancer. By understanding cancer genomics, specific genes and pathways can be identified which can lead to the development of targeted therapies. The Cancer Genomics Research Program encompasses a comprehensive exploration of multiple omics technologies, dissecting the intricate interplay among various cancer types including prostate, breast, lung, ovarian, liver and endometrial cancer. Using genomics this research aims to identify underlying molecular mechanisms using well defined cancer models, and develop robust biomarkers, as well as personalised treatments and interventions based on individual molecular profiles.
Program Leader: Dr Mark Adams
Dr Mark Adams is currently a Senior Research Fellow (Competitive Grant Researcher Agreement) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He completed his PhD at the Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland in 2012 and with the support of an NHMRC Early Career Fellowship, he commenced postdoctoral work at the Translational Research Institute (TRI) on the Princess Alexandra Hospital campus with QUT. Dr Adams is now based at Kelvin Grove, QUT where his team’s research focus is seeking to exploit cellular programs that regulate genome instability, cell cycle and cell growth to identify novel therapeutic avenues and improve therapy response for lung cancers. Dr Adams’ work is published in leading journals including Journal of Thoracic Oncology, Nature Communications and Nucleic Acids Research and has received funding support from the Queensland Government, NHMRC, the International Lung Cancer Foundation and Cancer Australia. His research excellence has enabled filing of patents (one at national phase) and been recognised with >10 conference or institutional awards including Runner-up Cure Cancer Researcher of the Year (2023, Admiralty House Sydney), OneTRI Awards (promoting inclusion & culture), 2022 Young Tall Poppy and 1st place Australian Society of Medical Research Qld postdoctoral award. View Mark's academic profile here.
Deputy Program Leader: Professor Jyotsna Batra
I have more than 10 years of research experience analysing genetic variations for their association with complex human health disorders and dissecting their functional roles with a view to identifying new diagnostic, prognostic and/or therapeutic modalities. During my PhD (awarded 2010, Human Genetics), I published extensively demonstrating positive association of alleles of several genetic variations with complex genetic disorders (27 publications and 2 patent applications at the time of my PhD graduation). In addition, I contributed to large-scale genetic studies including the Indian Genome Variation Consortium, which led to my authorship on an additional 20 publications in esteemed journals, including Science and PNAS. I won three best poster prizes, three travel awards and a Young Investigator Award from the highly prestigious Society of Biochemists of India. This high productivity from my PhD reflects my focused and highly industrious approach to my PhD, and laid the foundation for my future performance and recognition in this exciting and important field. My current research activity reflects an interdisciplinary perspective on understanding the genetic complexity of prostate cancer. View Professor Jyotsna Batra's academic profile.Deputy Program Leader: Dr Emma Bolderson
Dr Emma Bolderson is the leader of the Molecular Biology of Ageing group at QUT. Dr Bolderson gained her PhD in cancer cell biology from the University of Sheffield, UK in 2005. Dr Bolderson’s team strives to identify the cellular mechanisms that drive the ageing process and ageing-related diseases, such as cancer. The teams expertise are diverse, encompassing the mechanisms by which our cells detect and repair DNA damage, DNA structure, cell metabolism, drug design and development. The team collaborates with Australian and international researchers to increase our knowledge and understanding of how our cells degenerate as we get older, enabling us to identify pathways that can be targeted to prevent or alleviate the diseases that are prevalent in ageing humans to increase our health lifespan.
View Dr Emma Bolderson’s staff profile