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CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

Project

Onco-Fetal Reprogramming of Tumor Ecosystem

Project

Onco-Fetal Reprogramming of Tumor Ecosystem

Project Outline

Tumor cells are known to recapitulate the characteristics (such as EMT and CSCs) of early development. Moreover, some malignant cells are known to express antigens specific to fetal development, a classic example being the expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in HCC. Recently, we demonstrated the similarities between hepatocellular carcinoma and the fetal liver ecosystem. We are employing single cell genomics and machine learning approaches to understand the oncofetal reprogramming of tumor ecosystems in other human cancers.

Research area
Onco-Fetal Ecosystem

Laboratory
Onco-Fetal Ecosystem Laboratory

Contact
Dr Ankur Sharma
[email protected]

Project

Single cell genomics to understand immunotherapy response in HCC

Project

Single cell genomics to understand immunotherapy response in HCC

Project Outline

Each year ~1800 Australians succumb to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and only 10% of patients with advanced HCC survive more than 5 years. Notably, the lack of effective treatments option is one of the major causes of poor outcomes in HCC. Recently, a new combination of immunotherapies, which activates the body's immune system, has demonstrated efficacy. However, these treatments are expensive, has significant associated toxicity and does not work for all patients. We are employing single cell genomics technologies to identify which patients will benefit from this treatment and provide biomarkers of therapy response, with the overall purpose of guiding clinical decision making.

Research area
Onco-Fetal Ecosystem

Laboratory
Onco-Fetal Ecosystem

Contact
Dr Ankur Sharma
[email protected]

Project

Tumor Evolution and Ecosystem

Project

Tumor Evolution and Ecosystem

Project Outline

The red queen hypothesis suggests that ‘for an evolutionary system, continuing development is needed just in order to maintain its fitness relative to the system it is co-evolving with’ (- Leigh Van Valen, 1973).

We are employing similar principles to understand constant ‘arms race’ between tumor and its ecosystem. We are investigating co-evolution of tumor and its ecosystem under selection pressure of therapy and metastasis.

Research area
Onco-Fetal Ecosystem

Laboratory
Onco-Fetal Ecosystem Laboratory

Contact
Dr Ankur Sharma
[email protected]

Project

Tumor Associated Macrophages

Project

Tumor Associated Macrophages

Project Outline

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the key constituents of the tumor ecosystem. Importantly, TAMs display heterogeneity in their origin, function, and molecular profile. Recently we reported the importance of macrophage ontogeny in orchestrating the immunosuppressive tumor ecosystem in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Now we are employing state-of-art single cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and model systems to characterize the different TAM sub-population in breast cancer.

Research area
Onco-Fetal Ecosystem

Laboratory
Onco-Fetal Ecosystem Laboratory

Contact
Dr Ankur Sharma
[email protected]