Projects
The lab has an active research program for Honors, Masters and PhD projects. Typically the Honors program is full-time research for 12 months and a PhD varies from 3-4 years. Listed are some of the projects on offer
The study of long ncRNAs in prostate cancer exosomes
​Project Summary:
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australian men, with approximately 20,000 new cases each year and nearly 3,300 associated deaths. Despite its prevalence, early detection remains a major clinical challenge due to the lack of reliable and specific biomarkers.
Recent work in our laboratory has identified a set of novel long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) greater than 1 kilobase in length, which are highly enriched in secreted extracellular vesicles, such as microparticles and exosomes. These lncRNAs are distinct from traditional coding genes and may represent a new class of molecular markers with diagnostic or prognostic value. However, their biological role in prostate cancer and their potential utility as biomarkers remain largely unexplored.
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This project will focus on two key objectives:
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Validate the presence and differential expression of the candidate lncRNAs in extracellular vesicles derived from prostate cancer cell lines and patient-derived samples.
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Investigate the functional role of these lncRNAs in prostate cancer progression through in vitro and in vivo models, examining their influence on cellular proliferation, migration, and tumour development.
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The outcomes of this research will provide critical insights into the biomarker potential and biological significance of lncRNAs in prostate cancer, paving the way for improved early detection and therapeutic strategies.
​To understand the role of worm RNA in a mammalian immune response
Supervisors:
Dr. Nham Tran (nham.tran@uts.edu.au)
Dr. Sheila Donnelly (sheila.donnelly@uts.edu.au)
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Project Summary:
Helminth parasites have co-evolved with humans over millennia, exerting profound selective pressure on the human immune system. These parasites have developed sophisticated strategies to modulate host immune responses, promoting their survival by reducing inflammation, minimising tissue damage, and preventing immune-mediated expulsion during chronic infection.
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This long-standing host–parasite interaction has likely driven compensatory adaptations in human immune regulatory pathways, including alterations in immune-related gene expression.
Our laboratory has identified several novel RNA molecules potentially of helminth origin or induced by infection that may play a role in this immune modulation. However, the functional roles of these RNAs in altering immune cell phenotypes remain unclear.
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This project aims to:
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Characterise the expression and molecular features of the candidate RNA molecules associated with helminth infection.
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Investigate how these RNAs influence the function and phenotype of key immune cell subsets (e.g., macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells) using in vitro and ex vivo models.
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Elucidate the potential pathways and gene networks modulated by these RNAs during helminth-host interaction.
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This research will provide critical insights into the molecular mechanisms of parasite-induced immune modulation and may reveal novel targets for therapeutic intervention in immune-mediated diseases.
The expression of non-coding RNAs in HPV16 positive oral cancers
Project Summary:
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has traditionally been associated with older individuals and lifestyle risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. However, a global epidemiological shift has emerged in recent years, with Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) now recognised as a major causative factor in up to 50% of OSCC cases.
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This shift is particularly evident in the increasing incidence of HPV16-positive oral cancers among young adults, especially women aged 20–24, who are often non-smokers. These tumours are typically localised in the oropharyngeal region, including the tonsils and base of the tongue.
Similar rising trends in HPV16-associated cancers have been reported in the UK and other high-income countries, prompting growing public health concern.
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Emerging evidence indicates that HPV16 may disrupt host gene regulation by altering non-coding RNA (ncRNA) networks both small and long ncRNAs potentially driving oncogenic transformation and progression in OSCC.
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This project aims to:
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Characterise the expression profiles of small and long non-coding RNAs in HPV16-positive vs HPV-negative oral cancer tissues.​
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Investigate the potential regulatory roles of these ncRNAs in HPV16-mediated tumourigenesis.
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The findings from this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of HPV16-driven molecular mechanisms in OSCC and may identify novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets relevant to this emerging high-risk patient group.​​
Methodology and Skills
These projects cover a range of skills from cell biology to molecular techniques. The candidates will be fully trained in all aspects of the work. The projects are offered as honours or PhD by research.
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Tissue culture: Growing mammalian cells line using sterile techniques.
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Isolation of non coding RNAs from in vitro cells and mice samples.
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RNA sequencing, if needed.
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Molecular biology skills such as Real Time PCR, cloning and bacterial work.
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Regulation of genes using siRNAs and LNA antisense.
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Detection of proteins using western blotting.
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Presentation of results at weekly lab meetings.