Honorary Professor John Hooper
Honorary Professor

John Hooper

Email: 

Background

1991-94 BSc Honours I (Chemistry) University of Queensland, University Medal

1995-99 PhD (Cancer Pathology) University of Queensland

1999-00 Post-Doctoral Fellow, Queensland University of Technology

2001-03 NHMRC CJ Martin/RG Menzies Fellow, Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA

2003-05 NHMRC CJ Martin/RG Menzies Fellow, Queensland University of Technology

2005-09 NHMRC RD Wright Fellow, Queensland University of Technology

2010-15 Associate Professor, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland

2012-16 ARC Future Fellow, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland

2016- Professor of Cancer Biology, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland

Availability

Honorary Professor John Hooper is:
Available for supervision

Research interests

  • Cancers of the reproductive system and gastrointestinal tract

    Our focus is on the identification and evaluation of molecular targets and biomarkers of cancer. As much as possible our research employs disease relevant models that incorporate patient tumours. We have developed a successful R&D pipeline to identify cell surface receptors that are enriched in cancer for the purpose of targeting them for delivery of radiation and cytotoxins for cancer detection and treatment. This has culminated in a PET-CT imaging clinical trial evaluating a new radio-imaging agent to guide targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. My team is expert in generating and employing in vitro, ex vivo and mouse models of cancer, using patient specimens for much of this work. We have extensive experience in cell and molecular biology, protein analysis, including generation, purification and characterisation of recombinant proteins from insect and mammalian cells, enzymology, wide field fluorescent and confocal microscopy of live and fixed specimens, flow cytometry analysis and fluorescent activated cell sorting, bioluminescent and PET/CT imaging of mouse models of cancer, and histological and immunohistochemical analysis of mouse xenografts and patient tumours. We also have expertise in radio- and cytotoxin-labelling of biomolecules using these for detection and treatment of cancer in preclinical models. Our discovery and translational research activities are supported by close collaborations with medical specialists involved in treatment and diagnosis of cancer at Mater, Royal Brisbane and Women’s, Wesley, and Princess Alexandra Hospitals.

Research impacts

My major research contributions are in the identification and evaluation of molecular targets and biomarkers for cancers of the ovary, pancreas, prostate and bowel. At a molecular level my focus is on cell surface receptors, proteolytic enzymes, intracellular signal transducers, mediators of metabolism and protein post-translational modifications. Most recently we have developed a successful R&D pipeline to identify cell surface receptors that are enriched in cancer for the purpose of targeting them for delivery of radiation and cytotoxins for cancer detection and treatment. This has culminated in a PET-CT imaging clinical trial evaluating a new radio-imaging agent to guide targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. My team is expert in generating and employing in vitro, ex vivo and mouse models of cancer, using patient specimens for much of this work. We have extensive experience in cell and molecular biology, protein analysis, including generation, purification and characterisation of recombinant proteins from insect and mammalian cells, enzymology, wide field fluorescent and confocal microscopy of live and fixed specimens, flow cytometry analysis and fluorescent activated cell sorting, bioluminescent and PET/CT imaging of mouse models of cancer, and histological and immunohistochemical analysis of mouse xenografts and patient tumours. We also have expertise in radio- and cytotoxin-labelling of biomolecules using these for detection and treatment of cancer in preclinical models. Our discovery and translational research activities are supported by close collaborations with medical specialists involved in treatment and diagnosis of cancer at Mater, Royal Brisbane and Women’s, Wesley, and Princess Alexandra Hospitals. To date my research has attracted ~$11M in funding, producing 4 patents and 95 papers.

Search Professor John Hooper’s works on UQ eSpace

157 works between 1999 and 2024
All (157) Journal Article (115) Book Chapter (6) Conference Publication (34) Other Outputs (2)

1 - 20 of 157 works

2024

Journal Article

Identification and characterization of TM4SF1+ tumor self-seeded cells

Yang, Haotian, Wang, Haolu, He, Yaowu, Yang, Yang, Thompson, Erik W., Xia, Di, Burke, Leslie J., Cao, Lu, Hooper, John D., Roberts, Michael S., Crawford, Darrell H.G. and Liang, Xiaowen (2024). Identification and characterization of TM4SF1+ tumor self-seeded cells. Cell Reports, 43 (7) 114512, 114512. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114512

Identification and characterization of TM4SF1+ tumor self-seeded cells

2024

Conference Publication

O47 FAP expression transforms early in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; and can be detected on FAPI-PET/CT

McGahan, William, Gough, Madeleine, Liu, Cheng, Cavallucci, David, Thomas, Paul and Hooper, John (2024). O47 FAP expression transforms early in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; and can be detected on FAPI-PET/CT. BSG LIVE'24, Birmingham, United Kingdom, 17-20 June 2024. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2024-bsg.47

O47 FAP expression transforms early in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; and can be detected on FAPI-PET/CT

2024

Journal Article

High throughput Surface Epitope Immunoaffinity Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles and Downstream Analysis

Khanabdali, Ramin, Mandrekar, Michelle, Grygiel, Rick, Vo, Phuoc-an, Palma, Carlos, Nikseresht, Sara, Barton, Siena, Shojaee, Mozhgan, Bhuiyan, Sadman, Asari, Kartini, Belzer, Susan, Ansari, Khairul, Coward, Jermaine I, Perrin, Lewis, Hooper, John, Guanzon, Dominic, Lai, Andrew, Salomon, Carlos, Kershner, Kevin, Newton, Christine, Horejsh, Douglas and Rice, Gregory (2024). High throughput Surface Epitope Immunoaffinity Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles and Downstream Analysis. Biology Methods and Protocols, 9 (1) ARTN bpae032, bpae032. doi: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae032

High throughput Surface Epitope Immunoaffinity Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles and Downstream Analysis

2024

Journal Article

Estimation of risk posed by malignant polyps amongst colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand

Zammit, Andrew P., Brown, Ian, Hooper, John D., Clark, David A. and Riddell, Andrew D. (2024). Estimation of risk posed by malignant polyps amongst colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. Annals of Coloproctology, 40 (1), 114-120. doi: 10.3393/ac.2023.00178.0025

Estimation of risk posed by malignant polyps amongst colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand

2024

Conference Publication

Changes in extracellular vesicle miRNAs from three-dimensional ovarian cancer cell models reflect physiological changes and cancer survival

Godbole, Nihar, Ravichandran, Akhilandeshwari, Guanzon, Dominic, Lai, Andrew, Carrion, Flavio, de Croft, Priyakshi Kalita, Perrin, Lewis, Hooper, John, Bray, Laura and Salomon, Carlos (2024). Changes in extracellular vesicle miRNAs from three-dimensional ovarian cancer cell models reflect physiological changes and cancer survival. American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024, San Diego, CA United States, 5-10 April 2024. Philadelphia, PA United States: American Association for Cancer Research. doi: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2024-3386

Changes in extracellular vesicle miRNAs from three-dimensional ovarian cancer cell models reflect physiological changes and cancer survival

2024

Journal Article

Inhibition of Aurora B kinase (AURKB) enhances the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy against colorectal cancer cells

Shah, Esha T., Molloy, Christopher, Gough, Madeline, Kryza, Thomas, Samuel, Selwin G., Tucker, Amos, Bhatia, Maneet, Ferguson, Genevieve, Heyman, Rebecca, Vora, Shivam, Monkman, James, Bolderson, Emma, Kulasinghe, Arutha, He, Yaowu, Gabrielli, Brian, Hooper, John D., Richard, Derek J., O’Byrne, Kenneth J. and Adams, Mark N. (2024). Inhibition of Aurora B kinase (AURKB) enhances the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy against colorectal cancer cells. British Journal of Cancer, 130 (7), 1196-1205. doi: 10.1038/s41416-024-02584-z

Inhibition of Aurora B kinase (AURKB) enhances the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy against colorectal cancer cells

2023

Journal Article

UGDH promotes tumor-initiating cells and a fibroinflammatory tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer

Harrington, Brittney S., Kamdar, Rahul, Ning, Franklin, Korrapati, Soumya, Caminear, Michael W., Hernandez, Lidia F., Butcher, Donna, Edmondson, Elijah F., Traficante, Nadia, Hendley, Joy, Gough, Madeline, Rogers, Rebecca, Lourie, Rohan, Shetty, Jyoti, Tran, Bao, Elloumi, Fathi, Abdelmaksoud, Abdalla, Nag, Madhu Lal, Mazan-Mamczarz, Krystyna, House, Carrie D., Hooper, John D. and Annunziata, Christina M. (2023). UGDH promotes tumor-initiating cells and a fibroinflammatory tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer. Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research, 42 (1) 270, 270. doi: 10.1186/s13046-023-02820-z

UGDH promotes tumor-initiating cells and a fibroinflammatory tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer

2023

Journal Article

Improved concordance of challenging human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 dual in-situ hybridisation cases with the use of a digital image analysis algorithm in breast cancer

Gough, Madeline, Liu, Cheng, Srinivasan, Bhuvana, Wilkinson, Lisa, Dunk, Louisa, Yang, Yuanhao, Schreiber, Veronika, Tuffaha, Haitham, Kryza, Thomas, Hooper, John D., Lakhani, Sunil R. and Snell, Cameron E. (2023). Improved concordance of challenging human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 dual in-situ hybridisation cases with the use of a digital image analysis algorithm in breast cancer. Histopathology, 83 (4), 647-656. doi: 10.1111/his.15000

Improved concordance of challenging human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 dual in-situ hybridisation cases with the use of a digital image analysis algorithm in breast cancer

2023

Journal Article

MUC13 cell surface mucin limits Salmonella Typhimurium infection by protecting the mucosal epithelial barrier

McGuckin, Michael A., Davies, Julie M., Felgner, Pascal, Wong, Kuan Yau, Giri, Rabina, He, Yaowu, Moniruzzaman, Md., Kryza, Thomas, Sajiir, Haressh, Hooper, John D., Florin, Timothy H., Begun, Jakob, Oussalah, Abderrahim, Hasnain, Sumaira Z., Hensel, Michael and Sheng, Yong H. (2023). MUC13 cell surface mucin limits Salmonella Typhimurium infection by protecting the mucosal epithelial barrier. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 16 (6), 985-1009. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.08.011

MUC13 cell surface mucin limits Salmonella Typhimurium infection by protecting the mucosal epithelial barrier

2023

Conference Publication

Structural basis of an anti-cancer biological warhead bound to its target CDCP1 for the diagnosis and treatment of epithelial cancers

Kwah, Kayden, Gu, Weixi, Arachchige, Kasun S. A., He, Yaowu, Landsberg, Michael, Kobe, Bostjan and Hooper, John (2023). Structural basis of an anti-cancer biological warhead bound to its target CDCP1 for the diagnosis and treatment of epithelial cancers. XXVI IUCr Congress, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 22-29 August 2023. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1107/s2053273323084449

Structural basis of an anti-cancer biological warhead bound to its target CDCP1 for the diagnosis and treatment of epithelial cancers

2023

Conference Publication

HER2 in situ hybridization testing in breast cancer: applying algorithm-assisted assessment to reduce interobserver variability in difficult cases

Gough, Madeline, Liu, Cheng, Srinivasan, Bhuvana, Wilkinson, Lisa, Dunk, Louisa, Yang, Yuanhao, Tuffaha, Haitham, Kryza, Thomas, Hooper, John D., Lakhani, Sunil R. and Snell, Cameron Edward (2023). HER2 in situ hybridization testing in breast cancer: applying algorithm-assisted assessment to reduce interobserver variability in difficult cases. 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL United States, 2-6 June 2023. Alexandria, VA United States: American Society of Clinical Oncology. doi: 10.1200/jco.2023.41.16_suppl.e13561

HER2 in situ hybridization testing in breast cancer: applying algorithm-assisted assessment to reduce interobserver variability in difficult cases

2023

Conference Publication

Development of a CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate for triple-negative and metastatic breast cancer

Gough, Madeline, Kwah, Kayden, He, Yaowu, Snell, Cameron Edward, Hooper, John D. and Kryza, Thomas (2023). Development of a CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate for triple-negative and metastatic breast cancer. 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL United States, 2-6 June 2023. Alexandria, VA United States: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). doi: 10.1200/jco.2023.41.16_suppl.e15012

Development of a CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate for triple-negative and metastatic breast cancer

2023

Journal Article

The roles of proteases in prostate cancer

Koistinen, Hannu, Kovanen, Ruusu‐Maaria, Hollenberg, Morley D., Dufour, Antoine, Radisky, Evette S., Stenman, Ulf‐Håkan, Batra, Jyotsna, Clements, Judith, Hooper, John D., Diamandis, Eleftherios, Schilling, Oliver, Rannikko, Antti and Mirtti, Tuomas (2023). The roles of proteases in prostate cancer. IUBMB Life, 75 (6), 493-513. doi: 10.1002/iub.2700

The roles of proteases in prostate cancer

2023

Journal Article

Discovery and validation of serum glycoprotein biomarkers for high grade serous ovarian cancer

Dutt, Mriga, Hartel, Gunter, Richards, Renee S., Shah, Alok K., Mohamed, Ahmed, Apostolidou, Sophia, Gentry‐Maharaj, Aleksandra, Hooper, John D., Perrin, Lewis C., Menon, Usha, Hill, Michelle M. and Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group (2023). Discovery and validation of serum glycoprotein biomarkers for high grade serous ovarian cancer. Proteomics - Clinical Applications, 17 (4) 2200114, 1-16. doi: 10.1002/prca.202200114

Discovery and validation of serum glycoprotein biomarkers for high grade serous ovarian cancer

2023

Journal Article

Combined thioredoxin reductase and glutaminase inhibition exerts synergistic anti-tumor activity in MYC-high high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma

Raninga, Prahlad V., He, Yaowu, Datta, Keshava K., Lu, Xue, Maheshwari, Uma R., Venkat, Pooja, Mayoh, Chelsea, Gowda, Harsha, Kalimutho, Murugan, Hooper, John D. and Khanna, Kum Kum (2023). Combined thioredoxin reductase and glutaminase inhibition exerts synergistic anti-tumor activity in MYC-high high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Molecular Therapy, 31 (3) ARTN 212011, 729-743. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.12.011

Combined thioredoxin reductase and glutaminase inhibition exerts synergistic anti-tumor activity in MYC-high high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma

2023

Conference Publication

Abstract P4-07-26: Development of CDCP1-targeting antibody-drug conjugate for Triple negative and metastatic breast cancer

Gough, Madeline, Khan, Tashbib, Kwah, Kayden, He, Yaowu, Ratnayake, Gishan, Pyke, Christopher, Snell, Cameron, Hooper, John and Kryza, Thomas (2023). Abstract P4-07-26: Development of CDCP1-targeting antibody-drug conjugate for Triple negative and metastatic breast cancer. 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, San Antonio, TX United States, 6-10 December 2022. Philadelphia, PA United States: American Association for Cancer Research. doi: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs22-p4-07-26

Abstract P4-07-26: Development of CDCP1-targeting antibody-drug conjugate for Triple negative and metastatic breast cancer

2023

Journal Article

Reactive oxygen species as mediators of disease progression and therapeutic response in colorectal cancer

Lyons, Nicholas, Giri, Rabina, Begun, Jakob, Clark, David A, Proud, David, He, Yaowu, Hooper, John and Kryza, Thomas (2023). Reactive oxygen species as mediators of disease progression and therapeutic response in colorectal cancer. Antioxidants and Redox Signaling, 39 (1-3), 186-205. doi: 10.1089/ars.2022.0127

Reactive oxygen species as mediators of disease progression and therapeutic response in colorectal cancer

2023

Journal Article

In comparison with polypectomy, colorectal resection is associated with improved survival for patients diagnosed with malignant polyps

Zammit, Andrew P., Hooper, John D., Brown, Ian, Clark, David A. and Riddell, Andrew D. (2023). In comparison with polypectomy, colorectal resection is associated with improved survival for patients diagnosed with malignant polyps. Colorectal Disease, 25 (2), 261-271. doi: 10.1111/codi.16369

In comparison with polypectomy, colorectal resection is associated with improved survival for patients diagnosed with malignant polyps

2023

Journal Article

Missing parameters in malignant polyp histology reports: can appropriate decisions be made?

Zammit, Andrew P., Brown, Ian, Hooper, John D., Clark, David A. and Riddell, Andrew D. (2023). Missing parameters in malignant polyp histology reports: can appropriate decisions be made?. Pathology, 55 (1), 58-63. doi: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.06.007

Missing parameters in malignant polyp histology reports: can appropriate decisions be made?

2023

Journal Article

Malignant polyps in the COVID ‐19 era: a population‐based analysis

Zammit, Andrew P., Brown, Ian, Hooper, John D., Clark, David A. and Riddell, Andrew D. (2023). Malignant polyps in the COVID ‐19 era: a population‐based analysis. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 93 (4), 932-938. doi: 10.1111/ans.18253

Malignant polyps in the COVID ‐19 era: a population‐based analysis

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2025
    It glows, it goes - a targeted contrast agent for fluorescence guided ovarian cancer surgery
    TdC Senior Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2026
    A new radio-imaging agent to guide targeted therapy for epithelial ovarian cancer
    NHMRC MRFF EPCDR - Ovarian Cancer Research
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2023
    ACRF Facility for Targeted Radiometals in Cancer (AFTRiC)
    Australian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Theranostic agents for improved detection and treatment of advanced breast cancer
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Targeting MUC13 to Sensitise Colorectal Cancer to Therapy (NHMRC Project Grant led by the University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Validation of a Novel Exosomal Biomarker Panel for the Detection of Ovarian Cancer - Liquid Biopsies to Monitor the Oncogenic Transformation of The Ovary
    Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Investigating the efficacy of intratumoral delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors in epithelial ovarian cancer
    AstraZeneca Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Nuclear medicine suite for animals
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    A novel theranostic for pancreatic cancer
    Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation Limited
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Tumour-derived exosomes as a signature of ovarian cancer - liquid biopsies as indicators of tumour progression
    Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    A novel protease and growth factor regulated signalling system in ovarian cancer
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Micro CT Scanner
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Macrophages facilitate prostate cancer bone metastasis.
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Targeting CDCP1 to reduce tumour burden and ascites in clear cell ovarian cancer
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2015
    The role of the cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer metastasis
    UQ-Ochsner Seed Fund for Collaborative Research - DVCR funds
    Open grant
  • 2013
    A novel molecular pathway in cancer
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    A novel Src regulated protease activated signalling pathway in hematogenous metastasis
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant

Availability

Honorary Professor John Hooper is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Novel theranostic targets for metastatic colorectal cancer

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor David Clark

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Cancer-associated post-translational modifications of the receptor CDCP1 Background:

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Factors impacting receptor processing in response to peptide and antibody ligands

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jodi Saunus

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Molecular and cellular determinants of CDCP1 targeted, payload-delivery antibodies.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Michael Landsberg

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding the function of CDCP1 and its potential as a theranostic target for cholangiocarcinoma

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Kristofer Thurecht

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigations into genetic aberrations underlying recurrent ovarian cancer

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Geoff Faulkner

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing novel strategies to overcome immune suppression in cancer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Sherry Wu

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Enhancing immune responses to cancer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jazmina Gonzalez Cruz, Professor Brian Gabrielli

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biomarker driven diagnostic and therapeutic innovations in breast cancer

    Associate Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Genomic and epigenomic correlates of prostate cancer therapy

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Adam Ewing

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Characterisation of EV-associated lipids in the progression of ovarian cancer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Dominic Guanzon, Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo, Dr Andrew Lai

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing new strategies to overcome immune suppression in cancer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Sherry Wu

Completed supervision

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