Professor Melissa Brown
Professor

Melissa Brown

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 51609

Background

Melissa is no longer active in research, and so is unable to supervise new students.

BIOGRAPHY

Melissa Brown completed her PhD at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne in 1993, on the structure and regulation of genes encoding colony-stimulating factor receptors in human leukaemia.

She then undertook postdoctoral training at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (now Cancer Research UK) in London, funded firstly by an EMBO and then by an ICRF postdoctoral fellowship, working on the isolation and characterization of the first breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1.

She joined The University of Queensland in 2000 as a Lecturer and is now a Professor and Executive Dean. In 2005 she undertook a six-month sabbatical at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology at The University of Oxford.

The focus of Melissa’s research is cancer genetics, in particular understanding the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of breast cancer genes and the impact of genetic variants on cancer risk and progression.

Availability

Professor Melissa Brown is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biological Sciences Genetics Oncology and carcinogenesis

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, University of Melbourne
  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Melbourne
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Melbourne

Research interests

  • Regulation and function of cancer susceptibility genes

    Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and results from abnormal expression or function of multiple tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes. Our laboratory is interested in the regulation and function of a number of breast cancer- associated genes including those encoding BRCA1, BRCA2, and a range of miRNAs. We use a wide variety of molecular and cellular techniques to study how the expression of these genes is regulated and to examine the molecular and cellular consequences of disrupting their function in breast epithelial cell-lines and the mammary gland of mouse models. Project 1: Regulation of the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 This project will involve identifying novel regulatory elements controlling the expression of the BRCA1 gene. We are especially interested in the 3�UTR of BRCA1 and miRNAs that target this region. This project will involve elucidating the structure, function and clinical relevance of functional elements in the BRCA1 3�UTR. These elements have the potential to form the basis of improved pre-symptomatic diagnostics for breast cancer. Project 2: Regulation of microRNA genes in advanced breast cancer The aim of this project is to identify and functionally characterize miRNA promoters and their downstream target genes. Particular interest will be given to miRNAs that may be susceptible to aberrant epigenetic regulation. These miRNA have the potential to be novel biomarkers for the identification and management of patients that are susceptible to advanced breast cancer. Project 3: Molecular & cellular consequences of disrupting breast cancer genes The aim of this project is to understand how changes in the regulation or function of breast cancer genes results in the development of breast cancer. This project will involve examining the effect of increasing and decreasing the expression of normal, variant and mutant forms of breast cancer genes on the expression of genes, including miRNAs, in breast epithelial cells. These molecules have the potential to be targets of novel therapeutic agents to treat breast cancer. Techniques: Bioinformatics, gene cloning and mutagenesis, mammalian cell culture and gene transfer, reporter gene assays, real-time PCR, Northern blotting, chromatin conformation assays, methylation specific DNA analysis, cell culture assays including cell proliferation and differentiation.

Search Professor Melissa Brown’s works on UQ eSpace

146 works between 1976 and 2023
All (146) Journal Article (111) Book Chapter (1) Conference Publication (34)

81 - 100 of 146 works

2007

Journal Article

Prediction of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation status using post-irradiation assays of lymphoblastoid cell lines is compromised by inter-cell-line phenotypic variability

Lovelock, Paul K., Wong, Ee Ming, Sprung, Carl N., Marsh, Anna, Hobson, Karen, French, Juliet D., Southey, Melissa, kConFab Investigators, Sculley, Tom, Pandeya, Nirmala, Brown, Melissa A., Chenevix-Trench, Georgia, Spurdle, Amanda B. and McKay, Michael J. (2007). Prediction of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation status using post-irradiation assays of lymphoblastoid cell lines is compromised by inter-cell-line phenotypic variability. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 104 (3), 257-266. doi: 10.1007/s10549-006-9415-5

Prediction of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation status using post-irradiation assays of lymphoblastoid cell lines is compromised by inter-cell-line phenotypic variability

2007

Journal Article

Genome-wide association study identifies novel breast cancer susceptibility loci

Easton, Douglas F., Pooley, Karen A., Dunning, Alison M., Pharoah, Paul D. P., Thompson, Deborah, Ballinger, Dennis G., Struewing, Jeffery P., Morrison, Jonathan, Field, Helen, Luben, Robert, Wareham, Nicholas, Ahmed, Shahana, Healey, Catherine S., Bowman, Richard, SEARCH collaborators, Meyer, Kerstin B., Haiman, Christopher A., Kolonel, Laurence K., Henderson, Brian E., Marchand, Loic Le, Brennan, Paul, Sangrajrang, Suleeporn, Gaborieau, Valerie, Odefrey, Fabrice, Shen, Chen-Yang, Wu, Pei-Ei, Wang, Hui-Chun, Eccles Diana, Evans, D. Gareth ... Ward, Robyn (2007). Genome-wide association study identifies novel breast cancer susceptibility loci. Nature, 447 (7148), 1087-1093. doi: 10.1038/nature05887

Genome-wide association study identifies novel breast cancer susceptibility loci

2007

Journal Article

Regulation of BRCA1 messenger RNA stability in human epithelial cell lines and during cell cycle progression

Saunus, Jodi M., Edwards, Stacey L., French, Juliet D., Smart, Chanel E. and Brown, Melissa A. (2007). Regulation of BRCA1 messenger RNA stability in human epithelial cell lines and during cell cycle progression. FEBS Letters, 581 (18), 3435-3442. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.06.046

Regulation of BRCA1 messenger RNA stability in human epithelial cell lines and during cell cycle progression

2007

Conference Publication

Calcium transport in the mammary gland: A role for secretory pathway calcium ATPase 2 (SPCA2) in normal physiology and breast cancer

Faddy, H. M., Smart, C. E., Brown, M. A., Feng, M., Rao, R., Roberts-Thomson, S. J. and Monteith, G. R. (2007). Calcium transport in the mammary gland: A role for secretory pathway calcium ATPase 2 (SPCA2) in normal physiology and breast cancer. ComBio 2007, Sydney, 22-26 September 2007.

Calcium transport in the mammary gland: A role for secretory pathway calcium ATPase 2 (SPCA2) in normal physiology and breast cancer

2007

Conference Publication

Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia

Brewster, Brooke, Brooke, Kelly, Brown, Melissa Anne, Clarke, C., Fleming, J. S., French, J. D., Hetherington, Rehan, Lakhani, Sunil, Raghavendra, Ashwini, Rothnagel, Joseph, Smart, Chanel and Wainwright, Brandon (2007). Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia. kConFab Familial Breast Cancer Conference, Couran Cove, Queensland, 21-24 August 2007.

Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia

2007

Conference Publication

Secretory pathway Ca2+_ATPase isoforms in mouse lactation and in human breast cancer

Roberts-Thomson, S. J., Faddy, H. M., Smart, C. E., Brown, M. A., Xu, R., Lee, G. Y., Kenny, P. A., Bissell, M. J., Feng, M., Rao, R. and Monteith, G. R. (2007). Secretory pathway Ca2+_ATPase isoforms in mouse lactation and in human breast cancer. Australian Breast Cancer Conference 2007, Bio 21 Institute, Melbourne, 19-20 November 2007.

Secretory pathway Ca2+_ATPase isoforms in mouse lactation and in human breast cancer

2007

Conference Publication

Identification of novel mutation targets in the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 and genes that encode regulators of BRCA1

Brewster, B., Brown, M. A., Edwards, S. L., French, J. D., Leedman, P., Proudfoot, N. J., Saunus, J. M., Southey, M., Tavtigian, S and Wong, S. M. (2007). Identification of novel mutation targets in the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 and genes that encode regulators of BRCA1. kConFab Familial Breast Cancer Conference, Couran Cove, Queensland, 21-24 August 2007.

Identification of novel mutation targets in the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 and genes that encode regulators of BRCA1

2007

Conference Publication

Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia

Brewster, Brooke, Brooks, Kelly, Brown, Melissa Anne, Clarke, C., Fleming, J. S., French, J. D., Hetherington, Rehan, Lakhani, Sunil, Raghavendra, Ashwini, Rothnagel, Joseph, Smart, Chanel and Wainwright, Brandon (2007). Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia. Gordon Research Conference: Mammary Gland Biology, Newport, RI, 10-15 June 2007.

Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia

2007

Conference Publication

Dynamic interactions between the promoter and terminator regions of the mammalian BRCA1 gene

French, J. D., Wong, S. M., Saunus, J. M., Smart, C. E., Proudfoot, N. J. and Brown, M. A. (2007). Dynamic interactions between the promoter and terminator regions of the mammalian BRCA1 gene. Australian Breast Cancer Conference 2007, Melbourne, Australia, 19-20 November 2007.

Dynamic interactions between the promoter and terminator regions of the mammalian BRCA1 gene

2007

Conference Publication

Calcium influx pathways during mammary gland development and lactation

Rice, M. L., Stewart, T. A., Smart, C. E., McAndrew, D., Faddy, H. M., Brown, M. A., Roberts-Thomson, S. J. and Monteith, G. R. (2007). Calcium influx pathways during mammary gland development and lactation. ComBio 2007, Sydney, 22-26 September 2007.

Calcium influx pathways during mammary gland development and lactation

2007

Conference Publication

Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia

Smart, C. E., Clarke, C., Brooks, K. M., Raghavendra, A., Brewster, B. L., French, J. D., Hetherington, R., Fleming, J. S., Rothnagel, J. A., Wainwright, B., Lakhani, S. R. and Brown, M. A. (2007). Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia. Australian Breast Cancer Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 2007.

Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia

2006

Journal Article

Genetic, functional, and histopathological evaluation of two C-terminal BRCA1 missense variants

Lovelock P. K., Healey, S., Au, W., Sum, E, Y. M., Tesoriero, A., Wong, E. M., Hinson, S., Brinkworth, R., Bekessy, A., Diez, O., Izatt, L., Solomon, E., Jenkins, M., Renard, H., Hopper, J., Waring, P., kConFab Investigators, Tavtigian, S. V., Goldgar, D., Lindeman, G J ., Visvader, J. E., Couch, F. J., Henderson, B. R., Southey, M., Chenevix-Trench, G., Spurdle, A. B. and Brown, M. A. (2006). Genetic, functional, and histopathological evaluation of two C-terminal BRCA1 missense variants. Journal of Medical Genetics, 43 (1), 74-83. doi: 10.1136/jmg.2005.033258

Genetic, functional, and histopathological evaluation of two C-terminal BRCA1 missense variants

2006

Journal Article

Disruption of BRCA I function results in telomere lengthening and increased anaphase bridge formation in immortalized cell lines

French, Juliet D., Dunn, Jasmyn, Smart, Chanel E., Manning, Nathan and Brown, Melissa A. (2006). Disruption of BRCA I function results in telomere lengthening and increased anaphase bridge formation in immortalized cell lines. Genes Chromosomes and Cancer, 45 (3), 277-289. doi: 10.1002/gcc.20290

Disruption of BRCA I function results in telomere lengthening and increased anaphase bridge formation in immortalized cell lines

2006

Journal Article

Genetic and Histopathologic Evaluation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 DNA Sequence Variance of Unknown Clinical Significance

Chenevix-Trench, Georgia, Healey, Sue, Lakhani, Sunil, Waring, Paul, Cummings, Margaret, Brinkworth, Ross, Deffenbaugh, Amie M., Burbidge, Lynn Anne, Pruss, Dmitry, Judkins, Thad, Scholl, Tom, Bekessy, Anna, Marsh, Anna, Lovelock, Paul, Wong, Ming, Tesoriero, Andrea, Renard, Helene, Southey, Melissa, Hopper, John L., Yannoukakos, Koulis, Brown, Melissa, kConFab Investigators, Easton, Douglas, Tavtigian, Sean V., Goldgar, David and Spurdle, Amanda B. (2006). Genetic and Histopathologic Evaluation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 DNA Sequence Variance of Unknown Clinical Significance. Cancer Research, 66 (4), 2019-2027. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-3546

Genetic and Histopathologic Evaluation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 DNA Sequence Variance of Unknown Clinical Significance

2006

Conference Publication

Post-transcriptional regulation of the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 by Hu Antigen-R

Saunus, Jodi M., Wardrop, Stacey L., French, Juliet D., Beveridge, Dianne J., Hatchell, Esme C., Dinnis, Diane M., Gason, Alexandra A., Simpson, Kaylene J., Leedman, Peter J. and Brown, Melissa A. (2006). Post-transcriptional regulation of the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 by Hu Antigen-R. ComBio 2006, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 24-28 September, 2006.

Post-transcriptional regulation of the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 by Hu Antigen-R

2006

Conference Publication

Cellular and molecular changes in mammary epithelial cells with disrupted BRCA1 function

Smart, C. E., Simpson, K. J., Manning, N. W. and Brown, M. A. (2006). Cellular and molecular changes in mammary epithelial cells with disrupted BRCA1 function. Gordon Conference on Mammary Gland Biology, Il Ciocco, 30 May 2006.

Cellular and molecular changes in mammary epithelial cells with disrupted BRCA1 function

2006

Conference Publication

A role for secretory pathway calcium atpase 2 (SPCA2) in calcium transport, breast cancer and mammary gland development

Faddy, H. M., Smart, C. E., Brown, M. A., Roberts-Thomson, S. J. and Monteith, G. R. (2006). A role for secretory pathway calcium atpase 2 (SPCA2) in calcium transport, breast cancer and mammary gland development. ComBio 2006, Brisbane / Brisbane Convention Centre, 24-28 September 2006. Kent Town, South Australia: Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

A role for secretory pathway calcium atpase 2 (SPCA2) in calcium transport, breast cancer and mammary gland development

2006

Conference Publication

Identification of RNA-binding proteins that regulate BRCA1 expression

Saunus, Jodi M., French, Juliet D., Edwards, Stacey L., Beveridge, Dianne J., Hatchell, Esme C., Wagner, Sarah A., Gason, Alexandra A., Simpson, Kaylene J., Leedman, Peter J. and Brown, Melissa A. (2006). Identification of RNA-binding proteins that regulate BRCA1 expression. Familial Cancer 2006: Research and Practice. A combined meeting of kConFab, Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS) and the Family Cancer Clinics of Australia and New Zealand, Couran Cove, South Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia, 16-19 August 2006. Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium (kConFab).

Identification of RNA-binding proteins that regulate BRCA1 expression

2005

Journal Article

Mutation analysis of FANCD2, BRIP1/BACH1, LMO4 and SFN in familial breast cancer

Lewis, Aaron G., Flanagan, James, Marsh, Anna, Pupo, Gulietta M., Mann, Graham, Spurdle, Amanda B., Lindeman, Geoffrey J., Visvader, Jane E., Brown, Melissa A., Chenevix-Trench, Georgia and KConFab, Kathleen Cuningham Foundation (2005). Mutation analysis of FANCD2, BRIP1/BACH1, LMO4 and SFN in familial breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research, 7 (6) R1005, R1005-R1016. doi: 10.1186/bcr1336

Mutation analysis of FANCD2, BRIP1/BACH1, LMO4 and SFN in familial breast cancer

2005

Journal Article

Evolutionary conservation analysis increases the colocalization of predicted exonic splicing enhancers in the BRCA1 gene with missense sequence changes and in-frame deletions, but not polymorphisms

Pettigrew, Christopher, Wayte, Nicola, Lovelock, Paul K., Tavtigian, Sean V, Chenevix-Trench, Georgia, Spurdle, Amanda B. and Brown, Melissa A. (2005). Evolutionary conservation analysis increases the colocalization of predicted exonic splicing enhancers in the BRCA1 gene with missense sequence changes and in-frame deletions, but not polymorphisms. Breast Cancer Research, 7 (6) R929, R929-R939. doi: 10.1186/bcr1324

Evolutionary conservation analysis increases the colocalization of predicted exonic splicing enhancers in the BRCA1 gene with missense sequence changes and in-frame deletions, but not polymorphisms

Past funding

  • 2016 - 2019
    Clinical classification of regulatory variants in breast cancer susceptibility genes
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Profiling the intratumoural microbiome and host reactions in breast cancer tissue
    Wesley Merdical Research
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Exploiting the overexpression of a specific calcium permeable ion channel in breast cancer cells: a new pharmacological approach to targeting breast cancer.
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Making Herceptin-resistant tumours Herceptin responsive: adapting new therapeutic potential from Head and Neck Cancer research to improve breast cancer outcomes
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2014
    A confocal microscope for investigation of live bacterial and viral pathogens and for molecular cell biology
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2019
    Enabling Clinical Epigenetic Diagnostics: The Next Generation of Personalized Breast Cancer Care
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Examination of the Expression and Potential Role of Cancer Associated Viral Sequences in the Causation and Outcomes of Breast Cancer Patients
    Wesley Merdical Research
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    The role of BRCA non-coding mutations in breast cancer susceptibility
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    The Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer (NBCF Infrastructure Grant led by UoM)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2012
    An intergrated fluidic circuit system for digital PCR analysis, single-cell gene- expression, and high-throughput preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Functional analysis of breast cancer susceptibility regions
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Transcriptional regulation of non-code RNA genes implicated in breast cancer
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    Translating health discoveries into products
    Queensland Government Smart Futures Co-Investment Fund
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Cell culture facilities for studying host-pathogen interactions and immune function
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    An integrated high -throughput fluorescence imaging facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Establishment of a digital Scanscope system for virtual microscopy
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Identifying long-range regulatory elements of the breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    The role of the BRCA1 3'UTR in breast cancer
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Two recently identified calcium transporters in lactation and during mammary epithelial cell apoptosis.
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    The MYB gene as a model for global transcriptional regulation: stopping, starting and looping
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2013
    Novel strategies for prediction and control of advanced breast cancer via nanoscaled epigenetic-based biosensors
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    The role of the MYB oncogene in mammary carcinogenesis
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2008
    A high-throughput facility for the identification and analysis of gene regulatory elements and factors
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Investigating the role of gene loops in regulating gene expression
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Early detection of breast cancer via nanoscaled biomarker discovery and diagnostics
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Noncoding RNAs as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in breast cancer
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Identification of new mutations that contribute to breast cancer
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    Investigating the molecular and cellular origin of BRCA-1 associated breast tumours
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    The role of DEP-1 as a tumour suppressor in breast cancer
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    ESEG_The role of DEP-1 as a tumour suppressor in breast cancer
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Identification Of Critical Gene Regulatory Elements Using A Combination Of Molecular Biology And Information Theory Approaches
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Investigating the Role of BRCA1 in Mammary Differentiation and Morphogenesis
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2003
    Investigating the role of BRCA1 in mammary differentiation and morphogenesis
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    BRCA1, PML and telomere maintenance: understanding how abnormalities in chromosome ends contribute to breast cancer
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2002
    BRCA1 in DNA repair and tumourigenesis
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    Identification of Critical Regulatory Elements in the BRCA1 Gene
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Understanding how molecular abnormalities contribute to breast cancer
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2001
    Molecular biology of the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Melissa Brown is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Melissa Brown directly for media enquiries about:

  • Animal models of human diseases
  • Biology - cells
  • Biology - molecular
  • Breast cancer
  • Cancer - breast
  • Cancer - genetics
  • Cancer susceptibility genes
  • Cellular biology
  • Diseases - animal models of human diseases
  • Gene regulation
  • Genetics
  • Human diseases - animal models of
  • Molecular biology

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au