Overview
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
- Media expert
Fields of research
Research interests
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Cancers of the urological system, gynaecological 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 and bladder 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 phase 1 PET-CT imaging clinical trials evaluating the safety and tumour/normal biodistribution of a new radio-imaging agent to guide targeted therapy for ovarian and bladder 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 ~$17M in funding, producing 4 patents and 128 papers.
Works
Search Professor John Hooper’s works on UQ eSpace
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) bpae032, bpae032. doi: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae032
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
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
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
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
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
2023
Journal Article
Design live loads for office gathering spaces
Corotis, Ross B., Hooper, John D. and Klemencic, Ronald (2023). Design live loads for office gathering spaces. Journal of Structural Engineering, 149 (12) 04023170, 1-11. doi: 10.1061/JSENDH.STENG-12518
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
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
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. Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Clinical-Oncology (ASCO), Chicago Il, Jun 02-06, 2023. PHILADELPHIA: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS.
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
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
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
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
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) 212011, 729-743. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.12.011
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
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
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
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
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
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Honorary Professor John Hooper is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Cellular targets for cancer detection and treatment
The project involves the use of state-of-the-art in silico and omics approaches to identify antigens that are suitable targets for delivery of radioactive and cytotoxic payloads to cancers. Candidates will be validated by analysis of patient tumours and normal organs.
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Agents for targeted delivery of cytotoxins to cancer
A range of screening approaches will be employed to identify organic compounds, peptides and antibodies that bind with high affinity and specificity to antigens enriched on the surface of cancer cells. The efficacy of these agents for delivery of payloads to cancer will be evaluated using cellular and mouse models of cancer.
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Disrupting metabolsim to improve cancer treatment efficacy
The project will employ disease-relevant in vitro mouse models to test metabolism modulating approaches to improve the efficacy of current anti-cancer treatments.
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Targeting cell division to significatly improve the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatments
The project will employ nanoparticle formulations of cell division disrupting drugs against patient-derived in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models of high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Factors impacting receptor processing in response to peptide and antibody ligands
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Justin Goh
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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
Cancer-associated post-translational modifications of the receptor CDCP1 Background:
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluation of the ability of Trac-Immune Platformgenerated receptor targeting antibodies to bind in trans, induce receptor super-clustering and effect cancer cell killing when formatted as antibody-drug conjugates
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing immune responses to cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Brian Gabrielli
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the role of Extracellular Vesicles in chemoresistance to ovarian cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dominic Guanzon, Professor Andrew Martin, Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing new strategies to overcome immune suppression in cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sherry Wu
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Doctor Philosophy
Genomic and epigenomic correlates of prostate cancer therapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Hon Assoc Professor Adam Ewing
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of antibody-drug conjugates against hard-to-cure solid cancers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Brett Paterson, Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the therapeutic potential of circular RNAs in ovarian cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Jason Lee
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing novel strategies to overcome immune suppression in cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sherry Wu
Completed supervision
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Novel Theranostic Targets for Colorectal Cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Clark
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Dual antibody targeting of CDCP1 for Breast and Ovarian cancers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Michael Landsberg
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Profiling of Immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM and IgA Isotype Immune Responses and Development of Autoantibody Biomarkers for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Theranostics: Molecular Imaging and Molecularly-Directed Radionuclide Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating New Therapeutic Targets for Clear Cell Cancers
Principal Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Thesis Title: Investigation into the role of the cell surface glycoprotein CDCP1 in high-grade serous ovarian cancer progression
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Brian Gabrielli
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Characterization of extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated lipids in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Andrew Lai, Dr Dominic Guanzon, Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Biomarker driven diagnostic and therapeutic innovations in breast cancer
Associate Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Opportunities for epigenetic therapies in ovarian cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Jason Lee
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Regulation of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Initiation and Progression by Exosomal Proteins and miRNAs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
New Strategies for Identification of Therapeutic Target of Ovarian Cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Dysregulation of EGF-trafficking in squamous cell carcinoma and cetuximab resistance
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Simpson
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2018
Master Philosophy
The effects of Rab13 derived from lymph node stromal cell extracellular vesicles on the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Li Li
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Targeting Apoptosis as A Novel Therapy for Medulloblastoma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brandon Wainwright
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
Androgen receptor, caveolin-1 and androgen self-sufficiency in prostate cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Johnson
Media
Enquiries
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