Hepatitis|Research

• 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.

  • Projects
  • Lab Team

  Other work areas include:Viral Infectious Diseases, Bacterial and Parasitic Infections, Emerging Infections

  

  Professor Elizabeth Vincan
  Medical Scientist / Laboratory Head

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Current Projects

• 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.

• 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.

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Lab Team

• Professor Elizabeth Vincan

  Medical Scientist / Laboratory Head
• Dr Bang Tran

  Research Fellow
• Dr Hoanh Tran

  Joint Laboratory Head, Senior Research Fellow
• Jean Moselen

  Research Fellow
• Dr Sarah Harbach

  Research Fellow
• Dr George Kastrappis

  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.

  • Projects
  • Lab Team

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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. 

  • Projects
  • Lab Team

  Other work areas include:Public Health

  

  Professor Benjamin Cowie
  Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis

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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.

  • Projects
  • Lab Team

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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.

  • Projects
  • Lab Team

  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 

  • Projects
  • Lab Team

  

  Professor Peter Revill
  Head of Regional and Global Health, VIDRL | Head of International Research Partnerships, Doherty Institute

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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. 

  • Projects
  • Lab Team

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