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
2016
Conference Publication
The role of cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer metastasis
Kemp, M. C., Pummer, J., He, Y., Hooper, J., Reuter, B., Borgovan, T., Zhang, X., Sullivan, R., Maresh, G., Green, H., Del Valle, L., Margolin, D. and Li, L. (2016). The role of cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer metastasis. Southern Regional Meeting of the American Federation for Medical Research (AFMR), New Orleans, LA, United States, Feb 18-20, 2016. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/jim-2015-000035.415
2015
Journal Article
Cancer stem cell markers in prostate cancer: An immunohistochemical study of ALDH1, SOX2 and EZH2
Matsika, Admire, Srinivasan, Bhuvana, Day, Christopher, Mader, Sabina Ann, Kiernan, Deirdre Margaret, Broomfield, Amy, Fu, Jinlin, Hooper, John D., Kench, James G. and Samaratunga, Hemamali (2015). Cancer stem cell markers in prostate cancer: An immunohistochemical study of ALDH1, SOX2 and EZH2. Pathology, 47 (7), 622-628. doi: 10.1097/PAT.0000000000000325
2015
Conference Publication
Potent small agonists of protease activated receptor 2
Yau, Mei Kwan, Suen, Jacky, Xu, Weijun, Lim, Junxian, Liu, Ligong, Adams, Mark, He, Yaowu, Hooper, John, Reid, Robert and Fairlie, David (2015). Potent small agonists of protease activated receptor 2. ACS Fall 2015, Boston, MA, United States, 16 - 20 August 2015. Washington, DC, United States: American Chemical Society.
2015
Journal Article
Tissue engineered humanized bone supports human hematopoiesis in vivo
Holzapfel, Boris M., Hutmacher, Dietmar W., Nowlan, Bianca, Barbier, Valerie, Thibaudeau, Laure, Theodoropoulos, Christina, Hooper, John D., Loessner, Daniela, Clements, Judith A., Russell, Pamela J., Pettit, Allison R., Winkler, Ingrid G. and Levesque, Jean-Pierre (2015). Tissue engineered humanized bone supports human hematopoiesis in vivo. Biomaterials, 61, 103-114. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.04.057
2015
Journal Article
Functional analysis of matriptase-2 mutations and domains: Insights into the molecular basis of iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia
McDonald, Cameron J., Ostini, Lesa, Bennett, Nigel, Subramaniam, Nanthakumar, Hooper, John, Velasco, Gloria, Wallace, Daniel F. and Nathan Subramaniam, V. (2015). Functional analysis of matriptase-2 mutations and domains: Insights into the molecular basis of iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia. American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology, 308 (7), C539-C547. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00264.2014
2015
Journal Article
A critical role for murine transferrin receptor 2 in erythropoiesis during iron restriction
Wallace, Daniel F., Secondes, Eriza S., Rishi, Gautam, Ostini, Lesa, McDonald, Cameron J., Lane, Steven W., Vu, Therese, Hooper, John D., Velasco, Gloria, Ramsay, Andrew J., Lopez-Otin, Carlos and Subramaniam, V. Nathan (2015). A critical role for murine transferrin receptor 2 in erythropoiesis during iron restriction. British Journal of Haematology, 168 (6), 891-901. doi: 10.1111/bjh.13225
2015
Journal Article
Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors II: a meta-analysis of men not on androgen deprivation therapy
Lassemillante, Annie-Claude M., Doi, Suhail A. R., Hooper, John D., Prins, John B. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2015). Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors II: a meta-analysis of men not on androgen deprivation therapy. Endocrine, 50 (2), 344-354. doi: 10.1007/s12020-015-0536-7
2015
Conference Publication
EGF-induced recycling of the cancer promoting protein CDCP1
Adams, Mark N., Harrington, Brittney S., He, Yaowu, Davies, Claire M., Wallace, Sarah J., Chetty, Naven P., Crandon, Alexander J., Oliveira, Niara B., Shannon, Catherine M., Coward, Jermaine I., Lumley, John W., Perrin, Lewis C., Armes, Jane E. and Hooper, John D. (2015). EGF-induced recycling of the cancer promoting protein CDCP1. 15th International Biennial Congress of the Metastasis Research Society, Heidelberg, Germany, June 28th–July 1st, 2014. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer Netherlands. doi: 10.1007/s10585-015-9708-3
2015
Journal Article
EGF inhibits constitutive internalization and palmitoylation-dependent degradation of membrane-spanning procancer CDCP1 promoting its availability on the cell surface
Adams, M. N., Harrington, B. S., He, Y., Davies, C. M., Wallace, S. J., Chetty, N. P., Crandon, A. J., Oliveira, N. B., Shannon, C. M., Coward, J. I., Lumley, J. W., Perrin, L. C., Armes, J. E. and Hooper, J. D. (2015). EGF inhibits constitutive internalization and palmitoylation-dependent degradation of membrane-spanning procancer CDCP1 promoting its availability on the cell surface. Oncogene, 34 (11), 1375-1383. doi: 10.1038/onc.2014.88
2014
Journal Article
Activation of membrane-bound proteins and receptor systems: a link between tissue kallikrein and the KLK-related peptidases
Dong, Ying, Harrington, Brittney S., Adams, Mark N., Wortmann, Andreas, Stephenson, Sally-Anne, Lisle, Jessica, Herington, Adrian, Hooper, John D. and Clements, Judith A. (2014). Activation of membrane-bound proteins and receptor systems: a link between tissue kallikrein and the KLK-related peptidases. Biological Chemistry, 395 (9), 977-990. doi: 10.1515/hsz-2014-0147
2014
Journal Article
Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors: a meta-analysis
Lassemillante, Annie-Claude M., Doi, Suhail A. R, Hooper, John D., Prins, John B. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2014). Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors: a meta-analysis. Endocrine, 45 (3), 370-381. doi: 10.1007/s12020-013-0083-z
2014
Journal Article
Expression profiles and functional associations of endogenous androgen receptor and caveolin-1 in prostate cancer cell lines
Bennett, Nigel C., Hooper, John D., Johnson, David W. and Gobe, Glenda C. (2014). Expression profiles and functional associations of endogenous androgen receptor and caveolin-1 in prostate cancer cell lines. Prostate, 74 (5), 478-487. doi: 10.1002/pros.22767
2014
Conference Publication
Targeting the cell surface protein Cdcp1 in a model of advanced ovarian cancer
Harrington, B., Davies, C. M., Wallace, S. J., He, Y., Armes, J. E., Perrin, L. C. and Hooper, J. D. (2014). Targeting the cell surface protein Cdcp1 in a model of advanced ovarian cancer. London, United Kingdom: B M J Group.
2014
Conference Publication
Investigation of mice deficient in matriptase-2, Hfe and transferrin receptor 2 reveals a novel non-hepatic role for Tfr2 in erythropoiesis
Wallace, D. F., Secondes, E. S., Rishi, G., Ostini, L., Mcdonald, C. J., Lane, S. W., Hooper, J. D., Lopez-Otin, C. and Subramaniam, V. N. (2014). Investigation of mice deficient in matriptase-2, Hfe and transferrin receptor 2 reveals a novel non-hepatic role for Tfr2 in erythropoiesis. Australian Gastroenterology Week 2014, Broadbeach, Australia, 22-24 October 2014. Richmond, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/jgh.12736_6
2014
Conference Publication
A New Marker of Poor Outcome and Potential Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma
Hooper, J., He, Y., Wu, A., Harrington, B., Davies, C., Wallace, S., Gilks, B., Perrin, L. and Armes, J. (2014). A New Marker of Poor Outcome and Potential Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma. 15th Biennial Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 8-11 November 2014. London, United Kingdom: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. doi: 10.1097/01.IGC.0000457075.08973.89
2013
Journal Article
Alpha-tomatine synergises with paclitaxel to enhance apoptosis of androgen-independent human prostate cancer PC-3 cells in vitro and in vivo
Lee, Sui-Ting, Wong, Pooi-Fong, Hooper, John David and Mustafa, Mohd Rais (2013). Alpha-tomatine synergises with paclitaxel to enhance apoptosis of androgen-independent human prostate cancer PC-3 cells in vitro and in vivo. Phytomedicine, 20 (14), 1297-1305. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2013.07.002
2013
Conference Publication
An Essential Role For Transferrin Receptor 2 In Erythropoiesis During Iron Restriction
Wallace, Daniel F., McDonald, Cameron J., Secondes, Eriza S., Ostini, Lesa, Rishi, Gautam, Hooper, John D., Velasco, Gloria, Ramsay, Andrew J., Lopez-Otin, Carlos and Subramaniam, V. Nathan (2013). An Essential Role For Transferrin Receptor 2 In Erythropoiesis During Iron Restriction. 55th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology, New Orleans La, Dec 07-10, 2013. WASHINGTON: AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY.
2013
Journal Article
Alpha-Tomatine Attenuation of In Vivo Growth of Subcutaneous and Orthotopic Xenograft Tumors of Human Prostate Carcinoma PC-3 Cells Is Accompanied by Inactivation of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling
Lee, Sui-Ting, Wong, Pooi-Fong, He, Hui, Hooper, John David and Mustafa, Mohd Rais (2013). Alpha-Tomatine Attenuation of In Vivo Growth of Subcutaneous and Orthotopic Xenograft Tumors of Human Prostate Carcinoma PC-3 Cells Is Accompanied by Inactivation of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling. PLoS One, 8 (2), e57708-e57708. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057708
2013
Book Chapter
The Human Tissue Kallikrein and Kallikrein-related Peptidase Family
Clements, Judith A., Hooper, John D. and Dong, Ying (2013). The Human Tissue Kallikrein and Kallikrein-related Peptidase Family. Handbook of Proteolytic Enzymes. (pp. 2747-2756) edited by Neil D. Rawlings and Guy Salvesen. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-382219-2.00606-2
2013
Conference Publication
The prevalence of osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Lassemillante, Annie-Claude, Hooper, John, Prins, John, Doi, Suhail and Wright, Olivia (2013). The prevalence of osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer World Congress & 14th Australasian Prostate Cancer Conference, Melbourne Australia, 6–10 August 2013. West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/bju.12293
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
Cancer-associated post-translational modifications of the receptor CDCP1 Background:
Principal Advisor
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel Theranostic Targets for Colorectal Cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Clark
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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
Dual antibody targeting of CDCP1 for Breast and Ovarian cancers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Michael Landsberg
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing novel strategies to overcome immune suppression in cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sherry Wu
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Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing immune responses to cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jazmina Gonzalez Cruz, Professor Brian Gabrielli
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Doctor Philosophy
Genomic and epigenomic correlates of prostate cancer therapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Adam Ewing
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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
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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
Developing new strategies to overcome immune suppression in cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sherry Wu
Completed supervision
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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
Investigating New Therapeutic Targets for Clear Cell Cancers
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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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: Professor Brian Gabrielli
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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
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
Dysregulation of EGF-trafficking in squamous cell carcinoma and cetuximab resistance
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Simpson
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Targeting Apoptosis as A Novel Therapy for Medulloblastoma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Laura Genovesi, 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
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