Associate Professor Rick Sturm
Associate Professor

Rick Sturm

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 37380

Background

Our work on human pigmentation genetics has allowed understanding of normal variation in this physical trait and the associated genotypic risk for skin cancer. The genes that determine an individual's skin phototype and the cellular mechanisms that result in the tanning response of melanocytes after UV-exposure of the skin are actively being investigated.

Assoc. Prof Rick Sturm is group leader in the Dermatology Research Centre within the Frazer Institue.

Availability

Associate Professor Rick Sturm is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biological Sciences Clinical sciences Genetics

Research interests

  • Skin, hair, eye colour and cancer � MC1R/OCA2, the genetic links

    Pigmentary traits such as red hair and fair skin, moles, eye colour, lack of tanning ability and propensity to freckle have been identified as genetic risk factors for skin cancer when combined with the environmental risk factor of high ultraviolet exposure. The major areas of investigation are the role of the OCA2 gene in directing eye colour, and the role of human melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene variants in directing skin phototype and response to UV-induced ligand binding and receptor activation. The MC1R coding sequence is highly polymorphic in human populations and we have examined MC1R variant allele frequencies in the general community as well as a collection of adolescent dizygotic and monozygotic twins with defined pigmentation characteristics. Subscription required to access this paper Variant allele frequencies have also been determined in several case-control studies of sporadic melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and in familial melanoma kindreds collected within Australia. These studies have shown that three MC1R alleles � Arg151Cys, Arg160Trp and Asp294His � were associated with increased risk in all forms of skin cancer and with penetrance and age of onset in familial melanoma in CDKN2A mutation carriers. There is a significant MC1R variant allele heterozygote carrier effect on skin phototype and skin cancer risk, which indicates that these alleles do not behave in a strictly recessive manner.

  • Characterisation of melanoblast stem cell differentiation

    The process of development and differentiation of the melanocytic cell lineage is being investigated using primary melanoblast and melanocyte cells cultured in vitro from human skin. This will provide information to allow the genes and processes involved in melanoma tumour formation and metastasis to be examined. These studies focus on the identification and molecular characterisation of the genes involved in melanocyte function.

  • Mechanisms of melanoma metastasis

    Expression of the �3 integrin gene in melanoma in situ has been found to be the single most important marker of metastasis yet discovered. Experiments to investigate the effects of this expression has involved the use of Adenoviral gene transduction of the �3 integrin subunit into radial growth phase (RGP) melanoma cell lines and differential gene screening. A skin reconstruction model was used to assay the invasivness of RGP melanoma cells after ectopic �3 integrin expression and these studies have discovered induction of the anti-adhesive protein osteonectin is required for melanoma metastasis.

Search Professor Rick Sturm’s works on UQ eSpace

244 works between 1985 and 2024
All (244) Journal Article (199) Book Chapter (6) Conference Publication (37) Other Outputs (2)

21 - 40 of 244 works

2022

Journal Article

Genome-scale DNA methylation analysis identifies repeat element alterations that modulate the genomic stability of melanocytic nevi

Muse, Meghan E., Bergman, Drew T., Salas, Lucas A., Tom, Lisa N., Tan, Jean-Marie, Laino, Antonia, Lambie, Duncan, Sturm, Richard A., Schaider, Helmut, Soyer, H. Peter, Christensen, Brock C. and Stark, Mitchell S. (2022). Genome-scale DNA methylation analysis identifies repeat element alterations that modulate the genomic stability of melanocytic nevi. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 142 (7), 1893-1902.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.11.025

Genome-scale DNA methylation analysis identifies repeat element alterations that modulate the genomic stability of melanocytic nevi

2022

Journal Article

Genome-wide association study suggests the variant rs7551288*A within the DHCR24 gene is associated with poor overall survival in melanoma patients

Pflugfelder, Annette, Yong, Xuan Ling Hilary, Jagirdar, Kasturee, Eigentler, Thomas K., Soyer, H. Peter, Sturm, Richard A., Flatz, Lukas and Duffy, David L. (2022). Genome-wide association study suggests the variant rs7551288*A within the DHCR24 gene is associated with poor overall survival in melanoma patients. Cancers, 14 (10) 2410, 2410. doi: 10.3390/cancers14102410

Genome-wide association study suggests the variant rs7551288*A within the DHCR24 gene is associated with poor overall survival in melanoma patients

2022

Journal Article

Analysis of human leukocyte antigen associations in human papillomavirus–positive and –negative head and neck cancer: Comparison with cervical cancer

Ekanayake Weeramange, Chameera, Shu, Danhua, Tang, Kai Dun, Batra, Jyotsna, Ladwa, Rahul, Kenny, Lizbeth, Vasani, Sarju, Frazer, Ian H., Dolcetti, Riccardo, Ellis, Jonathan J., Sturm, Richard A., Leo, Paul and Punyadeera, Chamindie (2022). Analysis of human leukocyte antigen associations in human papillomavirus–positive and –negative head and neck cancer: Comparison with cervical cancer. Cancer, 128 (10), 1937-1947. doi: 10.1002/cncr.34148

Analysis of human leukocyte antigen associations in human papillomavirus–positive and –negative head and neck cancer: Comparison with cervical cancer

2022

Journal Article

Experience of 3D total-body photography to monitor naevi: Results from an Australian general population-based cohort study

Horsham, Caitlin, O'Hara, Montana, Sanjida, Saira, Ma, Samantha, Jayasinghe, Dilki, Green, Adele C, Schaider, Helmut, Aitken, Joanne F, Sturm, Richard A, Prow, Tarl, Soyer, H. Peter and Janda, Monika (2022). Experience of 3D total-body photography to monitor naevi: Results from an Australian general population-based cohort study. JMIR Dermatology, 5 (2) e37034, e37034. doi: 10.2196/37034

Experience of 3D total-body photography to monitor naevi: Results from an Australian general population-based cohort study

2021

Conference Publication

Slim-YOLO: a simplified object detection model for the detection of pigmented iris freckles as a potential biomarker for cutaneous melanoma

Naranpanawa, D. Nathasha U., Gu, Yanyang, Chandra, Shekhar S., Betz-Stablein, Brigid, Sturm, Richard A., Soyer, H. Peter and Eriksson, Anders P. (2021). Slim-YOLO: a simplified object detection model for the detection of pigmented iris freckles as a potential biomarker for cutaneous melanoma. Digital Image Computing: Techniques and Applications (DICTA), Gold Coast, Australia, 29 November - 1 December 2021. Piscataway, NJ, United States: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. doi: 10.1109/dicta52665.2021.9647150

Slim-YOLO: a simplified object detection model for the detection of pigmented iris freckles as a potential biomarker for cutaneous melanoma

2021

Journal Article

The deacylase SIRT5 supports melanoma viability by influencing chromatin dynamics

Giblin, William, Bringman-Rodenbarger, Lauren, Guo, Angela H., Kumar, Surinder, Monovich, Alexander C., Mostafa, Ahmed M., Skinner, Mary E., Azar, Michelle, Mady, Ahmed S.A., Chung, Carolina H., Kadambi, Namrata, Melong, Keith-Allen, Lee, Ho-Joon, Zhang, Li, Sajjakulnukit, Peter, Trefely, Sophie, Varner, Erika L., Iyer, Sowmya, Wang, Min, Wilmott, James S., Soyer, H. Peter, Sturm, Richard A., Pritchard, Antonia L., Andea, Aleodor A., Scolyer, Richard A., Stark, Mitchell S., Scott, David A., Fullen, Douglas R., Bosenberg, Marcus W. ... Lombard, David B. (2021). The deacylase SIRT5 supports melanoma viability by influencing chromatin dynamics. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 131 (12) e138926, 1-19. doi: 10.1172/jci138926

The deacylase SIRT5 supports melanoma viability by influencing chromatin dynamics

2021

Journal Article

Genetic analysis of multiple primary melanomas arising within the boundaries of congenital nevi depigmentosa

Fuiten, Allison M., Fankhauser, Reilly G., Smit, Darren J., Stark, Mitchell S., Enright, Trevor F., Wood, Mary A., DePatie, Nicholas A., Pivik, Karla, Sturm, Richard A., Berry, Elizabeth G. and Kulkarni, Rajan P. (2021). Genetic analysis of multiple primary melanomas arising within the boundaries of congenital nevi depigmentosa. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 34 (6) pcmr.12979, 1123-1130. doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12979

Genetic analysis of multiple primary melanomas arising within the boundaries of congenital nevi depigmentosa

2021

Journal Article

The distinctive genomic landscape of giant congenital melanocytic nevi

Stark, Mitchell S., Tell-Martí, Gemma, Martins da Silva, Vanessa, Martinez-Barrios, Estefania, Calbet-Llopart, Neus, Vicente, Asunción, Sturm, Richard A., Soyer, H. Peter, Puig, Susana, Malvehy, Josep, Carrera, Cristina and Puig-Butillé, Joan A. (2021). The distinctive genomic landscape of giant congenital melanocytic nevi. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 141 (3), 692-695. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.07.022

The distinctive genomic landscape of giant congenital melanocytic nevi

2021

Journal Article

On naevi and melanomas: two sides of the same coin?

Lee, Katie J., Janda, Monika, Stark, Mitchell S, Sturm, Richard A. and Soyer, H. Peter (2021). On naevi and melanomas: two sides of the same coin?. Frontiers in Medicine, 8 635316, 635316. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.635316

On naevi and melanomas: two sides of the same coin?

2020

Journal Article

CDKN2A testing threshold in a high-risk Australian melanoma cohort: number of primaries, family history and young age of onset impact risk

McMeniman, E. K., McInerney-Leo, A. M., Peach, E., Lee, K. J., Yanes, T., Jagirdar, K., Stark, M. S., Soyer, H. P., Duffy, D. L. and Sturm, R. A. (2020). CDKN2A testing threshold in a high-risk Australian melanoma cohort: number of primaries, family history and young age of onset impact risk. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 34 (12) jdv.16627, e797-e798. doi: 10.1111/jdv.16627

CDKN2A testing threshold in a high-risk Australian melanoma cohort: number of primaries, family history and young age of onset impact risk

2020

Journal Article

Mutation signatures in melanocytic nevi reveal characteristics of defective DNA repair

Stark, Mitchell S., Denisova, Evgeniya, Kays, Trent A., Heidenreich, Barbara, Rachakonda, Sivaramakrishna, Requena, Celia, Sturm, Richard A., Soyer, H. Peter, Nagore, Eduardo and Kumar, Rajiv (2020). Mutation signatures in melanocytic nevi reveal characteristics of defective DNA repair. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 140 (10), 2093-2096.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.02.021

Mutation signatures in melanocytic nevi reveal characteristics of defective DNA repair

2020

Journal Article

Germline and somatic albinism variants in amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma: increased carriage of TYR and OCA2 variants

Rayner, Jenna E., Duffy, David L., Smit, Darren J., Jagirdar, Kasturee, Lee, Katie J., De’Ambrosis, Brian, Smithers, B. Mark, McMeniman, Erin K., McInerney-Leo, Aideen M., Schaider, Helmut, Stark, Mitchell S., Soyer, H. Peter and Sturm, Richard A. (2020). Germline and somatic albinism variants in amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma: increased carriage of TYR and OCA2 variants. PLoS ONE, 15 (9) e0238529, e0238529. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238529

Germline and somatic albinism variants in amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma: increased carriage of TYR and OCA2 variants

2020

Journal Article

Genome-wide association meta-analyses combining multiple risk phenotypes provide insights into the genetic architecture of cutaneous melanoma susceptibility

Landi, Maria Teresa, GenoMEL Consortium, Bishop, D. Timothy, MacGregor, Stuart, Machiela, Mitchell J., Stratigos, Alexander J., Ghiorzo, Paola, Brossard, Myriam, Calista, Donato, Choi, Jiyeon, Fargnoli, Maria Concetta, Zhang, Tongwu, Rodolfo, Monica, Trower, Adam J., Menin, Chiara, Martinez, Jacobo, Hadjisavvas, Andreas, Song, Lei, Stefanaki, Irene, Scolyer, Richard, Yang, Rose, Goldstein, Alisa M., Potrony, Miriam, Kypreou, Katerina P., Pastorino, Lorenza, Queirolo, Paola, Pellegrini, Cristina, Cattaneo, Laura, Zawistowski, Matthew ... MelaNostrum Consortium (2020). Genome-wide association meta-analyses combining multiple risk phenotypes provide insights into the genetic architecture of cutaneous melanoma susceptibility. Nature Genetics, 52 (5), 494-504. doi: 10.1038/s41588-020-0611-8

Genome-wide association meta-analyses combining multiple risk phenotypes provide insights into the genetic architecture of cutaneous melanoma susceptibility

2020

Journal Article

Gene discovery using twins

Duffy, David, Sturm, Rick, Zhu, Gu and MacGregor, Stuart (2020). Gene discovery using twins. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 23 (2), 90-93. doi: 10.1017/thg.2020.38

Gene discovery using twins

2020

Journal Article

Genes determining nevus count and dermoscopic appearance in Australian melanoma cases and controls

Duffy, David L., Jagirdar, Kasturee, Lee, Katie J., McWhirter, Seamus R., McMeniman, Erin K., De’Ambrosis, Brian, Pflugfelder, Annette, Rayner, Jenna E., Whiteman, David C., Brown, Matthew A., Martin, N.G., Smithers, B.M., Schaider, Helmut, Soyer, H. Peter and Sturm, Richard A. (2020). Genes determining nevus count and dermoscopic appearance in Australian melanoma cases and controls. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 140 (2), 498-501.e17. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.05.032

Genes determining nevus count and dermoscopic appearance in Australian melanoma cases and controls

2019

Journal Article

The interplay of sun-damage and genetic risk in Australian multiple and single primary melanoma cases and controls

McMeniman, E. K., Duffy, D. L., Jagirdar, K., Lee, K. J., Peach, E., McInerney-Leo, A. M., De'Ambrosis, B., Rayner, J. E., Smithers, B. M., Soyer, H. P. and Sturm, R. A. (2019). The interplay of sun-damage and genetic risk in Australian multiple and single primary melanoma cases and controls. British Journal of Dermatology, 183 (2) bjd.18777, 357-366. doi: 10.1111/bjd.18777

The interplay of sun-damage and genetic risk in Australian multiple and single primary melanoma cases and controls

2019

Journal Article

Melanoma mutations modify melanocyte dynamics in co-culture with keratinocytes or fibroblasts

Škalamera, Dubravka, Stevenson, Alexander J., Ehmann, Anna, Ainger, Stephen A., Lanagan, Catherine, Sturm, Richard A. and Gabrielli, Brian (2019). Melanoma mutations modify melanocyte dynamics in co-culture with keratinocytes or fibroblasts. Journal of Cell Science, 132 (24) jcs234716, jcs234716. doi: 10.1242/jcs.234716

Melanoma mutations modify melanocyte dynamics in co-culture with keratinocytes or fibroblasts

2019

Journal Article

Multiple interaction nodes define the post-replication repair response to UV-induced DNA damage that is defective in melanomas and correlated with UV signature mutation load

Pavey, Sandra, Pinder, Alex, Fernando, Winnie, D'Arcy, Nicholas, Matigian, Nicholas, Skalamera, Dubravka, Lê Cao, Kim-Anh, Loo-Oey, Dorothy, Hill, Michelle M., Stark, Mitchell, Kimlin, Michael, Burgess, Andrew, Cloonan, Nicole, Sturm, Richard A. and Gabrielli, Brian (2019). Multiple interaction nodes define the post-replication repair response to UV-induced DNA damage that is defective in melanomas and correlated with UV signature mutation load. Molecular Oncology, 14 (1) 1878-0261.12601, 22-41. doi: 10.1002/1878-0261.12601

Multiple interaction nodes define the post-replication repair response to UV-induced DNA damage that is defective in melanomas and correlated with UV signature mutation load

2019

Journal Article

Naevus count and MC1R R alleles contribute to melanoma risk

Duffy, D. L., Lee, K. J., Jagirdar, K., Pflugfelder, A., Stark, M. S., McMeniman, E. K., Soyer, H. P. and Sturm, R. A. (2019). Naevus count and MC1R R alleles contribute to melanoma risk. British Journal of Dermatology, 181 (5), e119-e119. doi: 10.1111/bjd.18487

Naevus count and MC1R R alleles contribute to melanoma risk

2019

Journal Article

The genetics of human skin and hair pigmentation

Pavan, William J. and Sturm, Richard A. (2019). The genetics of human skin and hair pigmentation. Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, 20 (1), 41-72. doi: 10.1146/annurev-genom-083118-015230

The genetics of human skin and hair pigmentation

Past funding

  • 2018
    Targeted and personalised early detection of melanoma using a 3D teledermatology network
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2024
    ACRF Cancer Ultrastructure and Function Facility
    Australian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Epigenetic remodelling driving acquired permanent drug resistance in melanoma cells
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2021
    Centre of Research Excellence for the Study of Naevi
    NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Human pigmentation pathway in UV-protection and mechanisms of melanoma risk
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Investigation of the molecular basis of human nevogenesis and melanoma initiation
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Next-generation cell analysis: Automated high-throughput 3D microscope and multimode microplate reader
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Genetic polymorphisms associated with clinical and dermoscopic naevus signature patterns
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Investigating the role of NR4A nuclear receptors in melanocytic DNA repair and tumorigenicity
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2017
    NHMRC Research Fellowship: Human pigmentation genetics, melanocyte biology and skin cancer
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Functional assessment of new melanoma genomic mutations
    Worldwide Cancer Research
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Analytical flow cytometer for cell and developmental biology and drug discovery applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Ligand interactions of the MC1R receptor and cellular consequences for melanocyte responses to UV-damage
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Quantitave real-time PCR instrumentation for rapid, high-throughput gene expression studies.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Effects of nevogenesis susceptibility genes and phenotypic correlation with dermoscopic characteristics of nevi
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Investigating the BRN2/MITF axis in melanoma sphere formation and as a therapeutic target for metastatic melanoma
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Quantitative real-time PCR instrumentation for rapid, high-throughput gene expression studies
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Real time cell analysis for biological and drug discovery applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Investigating the role of the NR4A nuclear receptor family in melanocyte function and tumorigenesis
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Molecular, genetic and cellular analysis of melanisation in human pigmentation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2016
    The ACRF Cancer Biology Imaging Facility
    Australian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Analytical flow cytometer for high throughput cell biology and drug discovery applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Spheroid cell growth in melanocytic development and differentiation
    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 - 2010
    MC1R polymorphisms associated with skin cancer risk phenotypes
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Combined genetic and cellular analysis of melanisation to study variation in human pigmentation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Melanocytic spheroids as a model for melanoma development and metastasis
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    Elucidating PPARgamma regulations of melanocytic cell function and tumorigenesis
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Elucidating PPARy function: implications for melanocytic cell function
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Parallel genetic and cellular analysis of melanogensis: A new paradigm to study variation in pigmentation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Role of Beta3 integrin induced osteonectin expression in melanoma metastasis
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    The role of MC1R Polymorphism in skin cancer risk phenotypes
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2007
    NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Pathways from genotype and environment to melanoma
    Queensland Institute of Medical Research
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    Functional Analysis of Human MC1R Polymorphisms in Directing Melanocyte Phenotype
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2000
    MSHR Gene Variation in Skin Cancer
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Human Pigmentation Genes and Skin Cancer
    Cancer Bequest Fund
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Skin colour and cancer
    Government Employees Medical Research Fund
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1999
    Role of the Brn-2 POU-transcription factor in directing the melanocytic cell phenotype
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    Human pigmentation gene alleles
    NHMRC Project Grant - Standard
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Rick Sturm is:
Available for supervision

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

Supervision history

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Rick Sturm directly for media enquiries about:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Carcinoma
  • Eye colour
  • Genetics
  • Hair colour
  • Human pigmentation
  • Melanoma
  • Pigmentation - human skin
  • Skin cancer
  • Skin colour
  • Skin tanning
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Sun cancer
  • Sun damage
  • Sun exposure
  • Tanning - of skin

Need help?

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

communications@uq.edu.au