Associate Professor Mitchell Stark
Associate Professor

Mitchell Stark

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 38027

Background

Associate Professor Mitchell Stark is a molecular biologist and Group Leader (Principal Research Fellow) from the Dermatology Research Centre (DRC) based at the Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland (UQ; Brisbane, Australia). He leads the pre-melanoma genomics program at the Frazer Institute and his group has extensive experience in the use of next-generation sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and functional analysis for a variety of applications. The Stark Lab’s major research streams include: miRNA biomarkers for melanoma progression and the development a Genomics Atlas of pre-skin cancer lesions, which aim to provide to greater understand melanoma progression from naevi and early invasive melanoma, with a goal to discover novel predictive biomarkers that offer increased precision to the clinical management of patients.

He has been engaged in melanoma and nevus research for 25+ years (with 9-years post PhD) and over this time he has been working towards understanding the aetiology of melanoma, studying gene dysregulation during tumor progression along with predisposition to melanoma in families with high risk for melanoma development. Dr Stark has a total of 97 career publications including 1 book chapter, 83 journal articles, 12 reviews/perspectives and 1 patent (WO/2016/029260) which have been cited a total of 7,053/10,208 times (Scopus/Google; h-index: 38/42) and has published in respected journals such as Nature, Nature Genetics, Cancer Research, and Journal of Investigative Dermatology. He has been awarded a career total of ~$10M as an Investigator (PI/co-PI/co-Investigator) including a prestigious NHMRC Peter Doherty Early Career Research Fellowship (2016-2019) and a recent NHMRC Investigator award (2025-2029), along with several research grants as Principal Investigator (e.g., Advance QLD Innovation Partnership, Department of Defence CDMRP – Melanoma Research Program).

Availability

Associate Professor Mitchell Stark is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biological Sciences Genetics

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Applied Science, Queensland University of Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Queensland University of Technology

Research interests

  • MicroRNA Biomarkers

    Current projects relate to melanoma progression microRNA biomarkers to aid in increased diagnostic precision of “ambiguous” melanocytic lesions as well as “real-time” monitoring of melanoma disease progression using a “liquid biopsy.”

  • Genomics Atlas of pre-skin cancer lesions

    Current projects involve using overlapping genomics datasets (e.g. exome, mRNA and miRNA transcriptome, methylation) as well as Spatial Profiling to greater understand the early hallmarks of pre-skin cancer development.

Search Professor Mitchell Stark’s works on UQ eSpace

113 works between 2001 and 2025
All (113) Journal Article (95) Book Chapter (1) Conference Publication (16) Other Outputs (1)

61 - 80 of 113 works

2016

Conference Publication

Can melanoma treatment be guided by a panel of predictive and prognostic microRNA biomarkers?

Stark, M., Gray, E., Ziman, M., Soyer, H. P. and Schaider, H. (2016). Can melanoma treatment be guided by a panel of predictive and prognostic microRNA biomarkers?. 16th World Congress on Cancers of the Skin , Vienna, Austria, 31 August - 3 September 2016. Philadelphia, PA United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Can melanoma treatment be guided by a panel of predictive and prognostic microRNA biomarkers?

2015

Journal Article

miR-514a regulates the tumour suppressor NF1 and modulates BRAFi sensitivity in melanoma

Stark, Mitchell S., Bonazzi, Vanessa F., Boyle, Glen M., Palmer, Jane M., Symmons, Judith, Lanagan, Catherine M., Schmidt, Christopher W., Herington, Adrian C., Ballotti, Robert, Pollock, Pamela M. and Hayward, Nicholas K. (2015). miR-514a regulates the tumour suppressor NF1 and modulates BRAFi sensitivity in melanoma. Oncotarget, 6 (19), 17753-17763. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.3924

miR-514a regulates the tumour suppressor NF1 and modulates BRAFi sensitivity in melanoma

2015

Journal Article

MicroRNA and mRNA expression profiling in metastatic melanoma reveal associations with BRAF mutation and patient prognosis

Tembe, Varsha, Schramm, Sarah-Jane, Stark, Mitchell, Patrick, Ellis, Jayaswal, Vivek, Tang, Yue Hang, Barbour, Andrew, Hayward, Nicholas K., Thompson, John F., Scolyer, Richard A., Yang, Yee Hwa and Mann, Graham J. (2015). MicroRNA and mRNA expression profiling in metastatic melanoma reveal associations with BRAF mutation and patient prognosis. Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research, 28 (3), 254-266. doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12343

MicroRNA and mRNA expression profiling in metastatic melanoma reveal associations with BRAF mutation and patient prognosis

2015

Journal Article

The Prognostic and Predictive Value of Melanoma-related MicroRNAs Using Tissue and Serum: A MicroRNA Expression Analysis

Stark, Mitchell S., Klein, Kerenaftali, Weide, Benjamin, Haydu, Lauren E., Pflugfelder, Annette, Tang, Yue Hang, Palmer, Jane M., Whiteman, David C., Scolyer, Richard A., Mann, Graham J., Thompson, John F., Long, Georgina V., Barbour, Andrew P., Soyer, H. Peter, Garbe, Claus, Herington, Adrian, Pollock, Pamela M. and Hayward, Nicholas K. (2015). The Prognostic and Predictive Value of Melanoma-related MicroRNAs Using Tissue and Serum: A MicroRNA Expression Analysis. EBioMedicine, 2 (7), 671-680. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.05.011

The Prognostic and Predictive Value of Melanoma-related MicroRNAs Using Tissue and Serum: A MicroRNA Expression Analysis

2015

Journal Article

Nonsense mutations in the shelterin complex genes ACD and TERF2IP in familial melanoma

Aoude, Lauren G., Pritchard, Antonia L., Robles-Espinoza, Carla Daniela, Wadt, Karin, Harland, Mark, Choi, Jiyeon, Gartside, Michael, Quesada, Victor, Johansson, Peter, Palmer, Jane M., Ramsay, Andrew J., Zhang, Xijun, Jones, Kristine, Symmons, Judith, Holland, Elizabeth A., Schmid, Helen, Bonazzi, Vanessa, Woods, Susan, Dutton-Regester, Ken, Stark, Mitchell S., Snowden, Helen, van Doom, Remco, Montgomery, Grant W., Martin, Nicholas G., Keane, Thomas M., Lopez-Otin, Carlos, Gerdes, Anne-Marie, Olsson, Hakan, Ingvar, Christian ... Hayward, Nicholas K. (2015). Nonsense mutations in the shelterin complex genes ACD and TERF2IP in familial melanoma. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 107 (2) dju408, 1-7. doi: 10.1093/jnci/dju408

Nonsense mutations in the shelterin complex genes ACD and TERF2IP in familial melanoma

2014

Journal Article

miRNAs: back seat drivers no more

Stark, Mitchell S. (2014). miRNAs: back seat drivers no more. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 27 (4), 510-511. doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12247

miRNAs: back seat drivers no more

2014

Journal Article

POT1 loss-of-function variants predispose to familial melanoma

Robles-Espinoza, Carla Daniela, Harland, Mark, Ramsay, Andrew J, Aoude, Lauren G, Quesada, Víctor, Ding, Zhihao, Pooley, Karen A, Pritchard, Antonia L, Tiffen, Jessamy C, Petljak, Mia, Palmer, Jane M, Symmons, Judith, Johansson, Peter, Stark, Mitchell S., Gartside, Michael G, Snowden, Helen, Montgomery, Grant W, Martin, Nicholas G, Liu, Jimmy Z, Choi, Jiyeon, Makowski, Matthew, Brown, Kevin M, Dunning, Alison M, Keane, Thomas M, Lopez-Otin, Carlos, Gruis, Nelleke A, Hayward, Nicholas K, Bishop, D Timothy, Newton-Bishop, Julia A and Adams, David J (2014). POT1 loss-of-function variants predispose to familial melanoma. Nature Genetics, 46 (5), 478-481. doi: 10.1038/ng.2947

POT1 loss-of-function variants predispose to familial melanoma

2013

Journal Article

Melanomas of unknown primary have a mutation profile consistent with cutaneous sun-exposed melanoma

Dutton-Regester, K., Kakavand, H., Aoude, L.G., Stark, M.S., Gartside, M.G., Johansson, P., O'Connor, L., Lanagan, C., Tembe, V., Pupo, G.M., Haydu, L.E., Schmidt, C.W., Mann, G.J., Thompson, J.F., Scolyer, R.A. and Hayward, N.K. (2013). Melanomas of unknown primary have a mutation profile consistent with cutaneous sun-exposed melanoma. Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research, 26 (6), 852-860. doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12153

Melanomas of unknown primary have a mutation profile consistent with cutaneous sun-exposed melanoma

2013

Journal Article

Smchd1 regulates a subset of autosomal genes subject to monoallelic expression in addition to being critical for X inactivation

Mould, Arne W., Pang, Zhenyi, Pakusch, Miha, Tonks, Ian D., Stark, Mitchell, Carrie, Dianne, Mukhopadhyay, Pamela, Seidel, Annica, Ellis, Jonathan J., Deakin, Janine, Wakefield, Matthew J., Krause, Lutz, Blewitt, Marnie E. and Kay, Graham F. (2013). Smchd1 regulates a subset of autosomal genes subject to monoallelic expression in addition to being critical for X inactivation. Epigenetics and Chromatin, 6 (19) 19, 1-16. doi: 10.1186/1756-8935-6-19

Smchd1 regulates a subset of autosomal genes subject to monoallelic expression in addition to being critical for X inactivation

2013

Journal Article

Defective decatenation checkpoint function is a common feature of melanoma

Brooks, Kelly, Chia, Kee Ming, Spoerri, Loredana, Mukhopadhyay, Pamela, Wigan, Matthew, Stark, Mitchell, Pavey, Sandra and Gabrielli, Brian (2013). Defective decatenation checkpoint function is a common feature of melanoma. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 134 (1), 150-158. doi: 10.1038/jid.2013.264

Defective decatenation checkpoint function is a common feature of melanoma

2013

Conference Publication

Distinct profiles for lung cancer and its major subtypes

Wright, C. M., Francis, S. M. Savarimuthu, Sriram, K. B., Stark, M. S., Hayward, N. K., Yang, I. A., Bowman, R. V. and Fong, K. M. (2013). Distinct profiles for lung cancer and its major subtypes. Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand and the Australian & New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science 2013 Annual Scientific Meetings, Darwin, NT, Australia, 22-27 March 2013. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/resp.12045

Distinct profiles for lung cancer and its major subtypes

2012

Journal Article

Identification of TFG (TRK-fused gene) as a putative metastatic melanoma tumor suppressor gene

Dutton-Regester, Ken, Aoude, Lauren G., Nancarrow, Derek J., Stark, Mitchell S., O'Connor, Linda, Lanagan, Cathy, Pupo, Gulietta M., Tembe, Varsha, Carter, Candace D., O'Rourke, Michael, Scolyer, Richard A., Mann, Graham J., Schmidt, Christopher W., Herington, Adrian and Hayward, Nicholas K. (2012). Identification of TFG (TRK-fused gene) as a putative metastatic melanoma tumor suppressor gene. Genes Chromosomes and Cancer, 51 (5), 452-461. doi: 10.1002/gcc.21932

Identification of TFG (TRK-fused gene) as a putative metastatic melanoma tumor suppressor gene

2012

Journal Article

MicroRNA regulation of melanoma progression

Bonazzi, Vanessa F., Stark, Mitchell S. and Hayward, Nicholas K. (2012). MicroRNA regulation of melanoma progression. Melanoma Research, 22 (2), 101-113. doi: 10.1097/CMR.0b013e32834f6fbb

MicroRNA regulation of melanoma progression

2012

Journal Article

Frequent somatic mutations in MAP3K5 and MAP3K9 in metastatic melanoma identified by exome sequencing

Stark, Mitchell S., Woods, Susan L., Gartside, Michael G., Bonazzi, Vanessa F., Dutton-Regester, Ken, Aoude, Lauren G., Chow, Donald, Sereduk, Chris, Niemi, Natalie M., Tang, Nanyun, Ellis, Jonathan J., Reid, Jeffrey, Zismann, Victoria, Tyagi, Sonika, Muzny, Donna, Newsham, Irene, Wu, YuanQing, Palmer, Jane M., Pollak, Thomas, Youngkin, David, Brooks, Bradford R., Lanagan, Catherine, Schmidt, Christopher W., Kobe, Bostjan, MacKeigan, Jeffrey P., Yin, Hongwei, Brown, Kevin M., Gibbs, Richard, Trent, Jeffrey and Hayward, Nicholas K. (2012). Frequent somatic mutations in MAP3K5 and MAP3K9 in metastatic melanoma identified by exome sequencing. Nature Genetics, 44 (2), 165-169. doi: 10.1038/ng.1041

Frequent somatic mutations in MAP3K5 and MAP3K9 in metastatic melanoma identified by exome sequencing

2011

Journal Article

A novel recurrent mutation in MITF predisposes to familial and sporadic melanoma

Yokoyama, Satoru, Woods, Susan L., Boyle, Glen M., Aoude, Lauren G., MacGregor, Stuart, Zismann, Victoria, Gartside, Michael, Cust, Anne E., Haq, Rizwan, Harland, Mark, Taylor, John C., Duffy, David L., Holohan, Kelly, Dutton-Regester, Ken, Palmer, Jane M., Bonazzi, Vanessa, Stark, Mitchell S., Symmons, Judith, Law, Matthew H., Schmidt, Christopher, Lanagan, Cathy, O'Connor, Linda, Holland, Elizabeth A., Schmid, Helen, Maskiell, Judith A., Jetann, Jodie, Ferguson, Megan, Jenkins, Mark A., Kefford, Richard F. ... Brown, Kevin M. (2011). A novel recurrent mutation in MITF predisposes to familial and sporadic melanoma. Nature, 480 (7375), 99-103. doi: 10.1038/nature10630

A novel recurrent mutation in MITF predisposes to familial and sporadic melanoma

2011

Journal Article

Genome-wide association study identifies a new melanoma susceptibility locus at 1q21.3

MacGregor, Stuart, Montgomery, Grant W., Liu, Jimmy Z., Zhao, Zhen Zhen, Henders, Anjali K., Stark, Mitchell, Schmid, Helen, Holland, Elizabeth A., Duffy, David L., Zhang, Mingfeng, Painter, Jodie N., Nyholt, Dale R., Maskiell, Judith A., Jetann, Jodie, Ferguson, Megan, Cust, Anne E., Jenkins, Mark A., Whiteman, David C., Olsson, Hakan, Puig, Susana, Bianchi-Scarra, Giovanna, Hansson, Johan, Demenais, Florence, Landi, Maria Teresa, Debniak, Tadeusz, Mackie, Rona, Azizi, Esther, Bressac-de Paillerets, Brigitte, Goldstein, Alisa M. ... Hayward, Nicholas K. (2011). Genome-wide association study identifies a new melanoma susceptibility locus at 1q21.3. Nature Genetics, 43 (11), 1114-1118. doi: 10.1038/ng.958

Genome-wide association study identifies a new melanoma susceptibility locus at 1q21.3

2011

Journal Article

Cross-platform array screening identifies COL1A2, THBS1, TNFRSF10D and UCHL1 as genes frequently silenced by methylation in melanoma

Bonazzi, Vanessa F., Nancarrow, Derek J., Stark, Mitchell S., Moser, Ralf J., Boyle, Glen M., Aoude, Lauren G., Schmidt, Christopher and Hayward, Nicholas K. (2011). Cross-platform array screening identifies COL1A2, THBS1, TNFRSF10D and UCHL1 as genes frequently silenced by methylation in melanoma. PLoS One, 6 (10) e26121, 1-9. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026121

Cross-platform array screening identifies COL1A2, THBS1, TNFRSF10D and UCHL1 as genes frequently silenced by methylation in melanoma

2011

Journal Article

Melanoma cell invasiveness is regulated by miR-211 suppression of the BRN2 transcription factor

Boyle, Glen M., Woods, Susan L., Bonazzi, Vanessa F., Stark, Mitchell S., Hacker, Elke, Aoude, Lauren G., Dutton-Regester, Ken, Cook, Anthony L., Sturm, Richard A. and Hayward, Nicholas K. (2011). Melanoma cell invasiveness is regulated by miR-211 suppression of the BRN2 transcription factor. Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research, 24 (3), 525-537. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-148X.2011.00849.x

Melanoma cell invasiveness is regulated by miR-211 suppression of the BRN2 transcription factor

2011

Conference Publication

Mapping the lung cancer methylome

Wright, C. M., Francis, S. M. S., Sriram, K. B., Quinn, K. R., Stark, M. S., Hayward, N. K., Yang, I. A., Bowman, R. V. and Fong, K. M. (2011). Mapping the lung cancer methylome. 3rd Australian Lung Cancer Conference (ALCC), Melbourne VIC, Australia, 6-9 October 2010. Philadelphia PA, United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Mapping the lung cancer methylome

2010

Journal Article

WebFOG: A web tool to map genomic features onto genes

Tyagi, Sonika, Stark, Mitchell S., Hayward, Nicholas K., Whiteman, David C. and Nancarrow, Derek J. (2010). WebFOG: A web tool to map genomic features onto genes. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 401 (3), 447-450. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.09.077

WebFOG: A web tool to map genomic features onto genes

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2029
    Exploration of the skin molecular ecosystem and early melanoma development
    NHMRC Investigator Grants
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Terahertz Quantum Technology for Melanoma Detection and Progression
    Critical Technologies Challenge Program: Round 1 - Stage 1 Feasibility
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    PREDICT: PREcision DIagnostiCs for early melanoma detection using spaTial biology and AI-guided image analysis
    United States Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Melanoma Research Program
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Laser capture microdissection to empower cancer discoveries, improve diagnosis, treatment and outcomes in amyloidosis patients
    IPF Healthy - Medical Research
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Whole exome and transcriptome profiling of patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma exposed to immunotherapy: C-Seq STUDY (Research Support Scheme Project Grant led by Metro South HHS)
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Advanced technological approach to predicting survival in patients diagnosed with locally invasive cutaneous melanoma
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Improving outcomes for patients with melanoma brain metastases using novel personalised and response-adapted treatment strategies (PARF Translation Research Innovation Award administered by MSHHS)
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Assessment of precision melanoma diagnostics
    Queensland Government Advance Queensland Innovation Partnerships
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    MicroRNA expression profiling of SCCs and precursor lesions: The identification of a distinct microRNA expression signature from actinic keratosis, intraepidermal carcinoma, and invasive squamous...
    Australasian College of Dermatologists Scientific Research Fund
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Identification of the molecular hallmarks of naevi progressing to melanoma
    NHMRC Early Career Fellowships
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Mitchell Stark is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • PhD projects available

    Australian domestic or on-shore International student applicants only.

    The Stark Lab is seeking talented and highly motivated PhD student(s) to join their team at The Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute. Various projects are available relating to 2 major research streams: microRNA biomarkers for melanoma progression and the development a Genomics Atlas of pre-skin cancer lesions.

    If you are interested to hear more about the projects, please send your current CV, Academic Transcript, and Cover Letter to m.stark@uq.edu.au

    Living stipend scholarships and Tuition Scholarships are available for application from the UQ Graduate School which are currently a Base Stipend of $28,854 per annum tax free (2022 rate), indexed annually, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Top-up Scholarships (tax-free) may also be available.

    Applications for scholarships close 17 July 2022 (International) and 25 September (Domestic) for commencement in RQ1 and RQ2 2023.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Spatial molecular profiling of melanoma and correlation with dermoscopic patterns

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Harald Oey, Professor Peter Soyer

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The genomic architecture of suspicious lesions and skin in photodamaged and non-photodamaged areas (PhotoMelanoma)

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Quan Nguyen, Professor Peter Soyer

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Predictive and prognostic biomarkers for melanoma progression (BioMEL)

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Kiarash Khosrotehrani

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Precision diagnostics for early melanoma detection

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Quan Nguyen, Professor Peter Soyer, Dr Snehlata Kumari

  • Doctor Philosophy

    A nano-map of cytokines in skin: Personalising treatment of skin inflammation by a digital nanotechnology

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau, Dr Alain Wuethrich

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Harnessing nanotechnology to unravel the phenotypic heterogeneity of extracellular vesicles

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau, Dr Abu Sina, Dr Alain Wuethrich

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Deep learning analysis of spatial-omics and histopathological images to predict prognosis in gastrointestinal cancer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Quan Nguyen

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Deep learning analysis of spatial-omics and histopathological images to predict prognosis in gastrointestinal cancer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Quan Nguyen

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Deep learning analysis of spatial-omics and histopathological images to predict prognosis in gastrointestinal cancer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Quan Nguyen

  • Doctor Philosophy

    A nano-map of cytokines in skin: Personalising treatment of skin inflammation by a digital nanotechnology

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau, Dr Alain Wuethrich

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Harnessing Epigenetic Plasticity to Develop Effective Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Recurrent Melanoma

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Jason Lee

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Mitchell Stark directly for media enquiries about:

  • Cancer Biomarker
  • Early melanoma detection
  • Genomics
  • Melanoma
  • microRNA
  • Naevi

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