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Research Groups
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Vincan Group
Elizabeth’s group investigates novel ways to block cancer growth with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract – stomach, bowel and liver. A cell-cell communication pathway called Wnt is hyperactive in these cancers. Their research shows inhibiting Wnt has potent anti-cancer effects.
Other work areas include:Viral Infectious Diseases, Bacterial and Parasitic Infections, Emerging Infections
Current Projects
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Elizabeth Vincan Project A
Adult stem cells are the cell-of-origin of cancer. Stem cells are absolutely dependent on tightly controlled Wnt signalling, however, these cells initiate cancer if the Wnt pathway is abnormally switched on. Elizabeth’s research shows that the level of Wnt activity in the cancer cells is critical to cancer growth and that this level is modulated by additional signalling from the Wnt receptor complex. Using mini-gut, -liver and -stomach organoid technology developed by her collaborators, Professors Hans Clevers and Nick Barker, her group demonstrated potent anti-tumour effects by blocking Wnt receptors. This is being developed as targeted therapy for gastrointestinal cancers.
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Elizabeth Vincan Project B
Some human viruses are exquisitely selective and only infect human cells. This has hampered studies to prevent and control infection. To fill this gap in knowledge, Elizabeth’s team has established patient-derived organoid models that faithfully recapitulate the key features of natural infection. Established from resected and biopsy tissue pieces, organoids contain stem cells that are coerced to generate tiny replicas that faithfully recapitulate the essential architecture and function of their tissue of origin. This enables anti-viral testing, toxicology and vaccine development using adult human tissue. We are establishing diverse human organoid models to combat emerging infections of public health importance.
Lab Team
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Medical Scientist / Laboratory Head
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Research Fellow
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Joint Laboratory Head, Senior Research Fellow
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Jean MoselenResearch Fellow
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Research Fellow
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Research Fellow
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Bowden Group
Scott’s laboratory is the State Reference Laboratory for molecular testing of the hepatitis viruses and has been involved in outbreak investigation of hepatitis A, B, C and E for the Victorian Department of Health, as well as for other Australian states.
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Cowie Group
Ben’s group focuses on viral hepatitis epidemiological research. The team undertakes a broad range of activities supporting local, national and global control of viral hepatitis, through surveillance, treatment and prevention initiatives, and training and regional capacity building.
Other work areas include:Public Health
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Locarnini Group
The current major research interests of Stephen’s group includes viral hepatitis and antiviral chemotherapy with an emphasis on the basic virology of hepatitis B virus, the molecular pathogenesis of hepatitis, as well as prevention and public health control measures.
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Nicholson Group
Suellen's group fulfills a dual mission of providing a technically first class, reliable diagnostic, reference and public health service to the healthcare system, and being an innovative, adaptable, forward-looking component of the scientific community and a valued collaborator in research projects, not just in Victoria, but nationally and in the region.
Other work areas include:HIV
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Revill Group
The Revill Group is focusing on developing novel mechanisms to cure chronic hepatitis B disease, targeting multiple aspects of the virus replication cycle and stimulating antiviral host immune responses
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Walsh Group
Renae’s group studies key HBV proteins to predict clinical response during chronic disease towards understanding the interaction with/recognition by the host antibody response to clear infection, and how the antibody response might be enhanced to promote viral clearance and cure.
Now recruiting volunteers
There are currently no Now recruiting volunteers
Current projects
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Hepatitis HIV
A surveillance program for the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance to tenofovir (TDF) in HIV-HBV co-infected patient
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Hepatitis
Characterising Hepatitis B in northern Australia through Molecular epidemiology - longitudinal cohort study
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Hepatitis
Liver Cancer Prevention: linking viral hepatitis diagnosis, treatment and outcomes
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Hepatitis HIV
Long-term persistence of HIV in the liver and the clinical impact on HIV-HBV co-infection (CHHANEL)
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Hepatitis HIV
Towards a Functional cure for HBV: exploiting lessons from HBV-HIV co-infection
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Over
400 million
people are chronically infected with hepatitis B or C globally
450,000
Australians
are living with chronic viral hepatitis