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)

201 - 220 of 244 works

2000

Journal Article

Domains of Brn-2 that mediate homodimerization and interaction with general and melanocytic transcription factors

Smit, D. J., Smith, A. C., Parsons, P. G., Muscat, G. E. O. and Sturm, R. A. (2000). Domains of Brn-2 that mediate homodimerization and interaction with general and melanocytic transcription factors. European Journal of Biochemistry, 267 (21), 6413-6422. doi: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2000.01737.x

Domains of Brn-2 that mediate homodimerization and interaction with general and melanocytic transcription factors

2000

Journal Article

Inhibition of melanin synthesis by cystamine in human melanoma cells

Qiu, L., Zhang, M., Sturm, R. A., Gardiner, B, Tonks, I, Kay, G and Parsons, P. G. (2000). Inhibition of melanin synthesis by cystamine in human melanoma cells. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 114 (1), 21-27. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2000.00826.x

Inhibition of melanin synthesis by cystamine in human melanoma cells

2000

Journal Article

Melanocortin-1 receptor polymorphisms and risk of melanoma: is the association explained solely by pigmentation phenotype?

Palmer, JS, Duffy, DL, Box, NF, Aitken, JF, O'Gorman, LE, Green, AC, Hayward, NK, Martin, NG and Sturm, RA (2000). Melanocortin-1 receptor polymorphisms and risk of melanoma: is the association explained solely by pigmentation phenotype?. American Journal of Human Genetics, 66 (1), 176-186. doi: 10.1086/302711

Melanocortin-1 receptor polymorphisms and risk of melanoma: is the association explained solely by pigmentation phenotype?

1998

Journal Article

Human pigmentation genetics: The difference is only skin deep

Sturm, Richard A., Box, Neil F. and Ramsay, Michele (1998). Human pigmentation genetics: The difference is only skin deep. Bioessays, 20 (9), 712-721. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1521-1878(199809)20:93.0.CO;2-I

Human pigmentation genetics: The difference is only skin deep

1998

Journal Article

Redox regulation of Brn-2/N-Oct-3 POU domain DNA binding activity and proteolytic formation of N-Oct-5 during melanoma cell nuclear extraction

Smith, A. G., Brightwell, G., Smit, S. E., Parsons, P. G. and Sturm, R. A. (1998). Redox regulation of Brn-2/N-Oct-3 POU domain DNA binding activity and proteolytic formation of N-Oct-5 during melanoma cell nuclear extraction. Melanoma Research, 8 (1), 2-10. doi: 10.1097/00008390-199802000-00002

Redox regulation of Brn-2/N-Oct-3 POU domain DNA binding activity and proteolytic formation of N-Oct-5 during melanoma cell nuclear extraction

1998

Conference Publication

UVB-specific regulation of gene expression in human melanocytic cells: Cell cycle effects and implication in the generation of melanoma

Ablett, E., Pedley, J., Dannoy, P. A., Sturm, R. A. and Parsons, P. G. (1998). UVB-specific regulation of gene expression in human melanocytic cells: Cell cycle effects and implication in the generation of melanoma. 1st Mount Buller International Conference on Environmental Radiation, Mount Buller, VIC, Australia, December 1996. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/S0027-5107(98)00173-0

UVB-specific regulation of gene expression in human melanocytic cells: Cell cycle effects and implication in the generation of melanoma

1998

Conference Publication

Human pigmentation genes and their response to solar UV radiation

Sturm, Richard A. (1998). Human pigmentation genes and their response to solar UV radiation. 1st Mount Buller International Conference on Environmental Radiation, Mount Buller, VIC, Australia, December 1996. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/S0027-5107(98)00176-6

Human pigmentation genes and their response to solar UV radiation

1998

Journal Article

Complete sequence and polymorphism study of the human TYRP1 gene encoding tyrosinase-related protein 1

Box, Neil F., Wyeth, Jason R., Mayne, Carol J., O'Gorman, Louise E., Martin, Nicholas G. and Sturm, Richard A (1998). Complete sequence and polymorphism study of the human TYRP1 gene encoding tyrosinase-related protein 1. Mammalian Genome, 9 (1), 50-53. doi: 10.1007/s003359900678

Complete sequence and polymorphism study of the human TYRP1 gene encoding tyrosinase-related protein 1

1997

Journal Article

Rufous oculocutaneous albinism in Southern African Blacks is caused by mutations in the TYRP1 gene

Manga, P., Kromberg, J. G. R., Box, N. F., Sturm, R. A., Jenkins, T. and Ramsay, M. (1997). Rufous oculocutaneous albinism in Southern African Blacks is caused by mutations in the TYRP1 gene. American Journal of Human Genetics, 61 (5), 1095-1101. doi: 10.1086/301603

Rufous oculocutaneous albinism in Southern African Blacks is caused by mutations in the TYRP1 gene

1997

Journal Article

Characterization of melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor variant alleles in twins with red hair

Box, Neil F., Wyeth, Jason R., O'Gorman, Louise E., Martin, Nicholas G. and Sturm, Richard A. (1997). Characterization of melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor variant alleles in twins with red hair. Human Molecular Genetics, 6 (11), 1891-1897. doi: 10.1093/hmg/6.11.1891

Characterization of melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor variant alleles in twins with red hair

1997

Journal Article

Tumor selectivity and transcriptional activation by azelaic bishydroxamic acid in human melanocytic cells

Parsons, P. G., Hansen, C., Fairlie, D. P., West, M. L., Danoy, P. A. C., Sturm, R. A., Dunn, I. S., Pedley, J. and Ablett, E. M. (1997). Tumor selectivity and transcriptional activation by azelaic bishydroxamic acid in human melanocytic cells. Biochemical Pharmacology, 53 (11), 1719-1724. doi: 10.1016/S0006-2952(97)00016-6

Tumor selectivity and transcriptional activation by azelaic bishydroxamic acid in human melanocytic cells

1997

Journal Article

Biphasic response of the metallothionein promoter to ultraviolet radiation in human melanoma cells

Hansen, C., Ablett, E., Green, A., Sturm, R. A., Dunn, I. S., Fairlie, D. P., West, M. L. and Parsons, P. G. (1997). Biphasic response of the metallothionein promoter to ultraviolet radiation in human melanoma cells. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 65 (3), 550-555. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.1997.tb08603.x

Biphasic response of the metallothionein promoter to ultraviolet radiation in human melanoma cells

1996

Journal Article

Mutation in and lack of expression of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) in melanocytes from an individual with brown oculocutaneous albinism: A new subtype of albinism classified as ''OCA3''

Boissy, R. E., Zhao, H. Q., Oetting, W. S., Austin, L. M., Wildenberg, S. C., Boissy, Y. L., Zhao, Y., Sturm, R. A., Hearing, V. J., King, R. A. and Nordlund, J. J. (1996). Mutation in and lack of expression of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) in melanocytes from an individual with brown oculocutaneous albinism: A new subtype of albinism classified as ''OCA3''. American Journal of Human Genetics, 58 (6), 1145-1156.

Mutation in and lack of expression of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) in melanocytes from an individual with brown oculocutaneous albinism: A new subtype of albinism classified as ''OCA3''

1996

Journal Article

Adriamycin-induced DNA adducts inhibit the DNA interactions of transcription factors and RNA polymerase

Cutts, Suzanne M., Parsons, Peter G., Sturm, Richard A. and Phillips, Don R. (1996). Adriamycin-induced DNA adducts inhibit the DNA interactions of transcription factors and RNA polymerase. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 271 (10), 5422-5429. doi: 10.1074/jbc.271.10.5422

Adriamycin-induced DNA adducts inhibit the DNA interactions of transcription factors and RNA polymerase

1996

Journal Article

Inhibition of retinoblastoma protein translation by UVB in human melanocytic cells and reduced cell cycle arrest following repeated irradiation

Pedley, J., Ablett, E. M., Pettit, A., Meyer, J., Dunn, I. S., Sturm, R. A. and Parsons, P. G. (1996). Inhibition of retinoblastoma protein translation by UVB in human melanocytic cells and reduced cell cycle arrest following repeated irradiation. Oncogene, 13 (6), 1335-1342.

Inhibition of retinoblastoma protein translation by UVB in human melanocytic cells and reduced cell cycle arrest following repeated irradiation

1995

Journal Article

Chromosomal structure of the human TYRP1 and TYRP2 loci and comparison of the tyrosinase-related protein gene family

Sturm, Richard A., O' Sullivan, Brendan J., Box, Neil F., Smith, Aaron G., Smit, Sonia E., Puttick, Emma R. J., Parsons, Peter G. and Dunn, Ian S. (1995). Chromosomal structure of the human TYRP1 and TYRP2 loci and comparison of the tyrosinase-related protein gene family. Genomics, 29 (1), 24-34. doi: 10.1006/geno.1995.1211

Chromosomal structure of the human TYRP1 and TYRP2 loci and comparison of the tyrosinase-related protein gene family

1995

Journal Article

The brn-2 gene regulates the melanocytic phenotype and tumorigenic potential of human melanoma cells

Angus, J., Thomson, F., Murphy, K., Baker, E., Sutherland, G. R., Parsons, P. G. and Sturm, R. A. (1995). The brn-2 gene regulates the melanocytic phenotype and tumorigenic potential of human melanoma cells. Oncogene, 11 (4), 691-700.

The brn-2 gene regulates the melanocytic phenotype and tumorigenic potential of human melanoma cells

1995

Journal Article

The human OTF1 locus which overlaps the CD3Z gene is located at 1q22→q23

Sturm, R. A. and Baker, E. (1995). The human OTF1 locus which overlaps the CD3Z gene is located at 1q22→q23. Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics, 68 (3-4), 231-232. doi: 10.1159/000133919

The human OTF1 locus which overlaps the CD3Z gene is located at 1q22→q23

1994

Journal Article

Identification of deoxyribonucleic acid sequences that bind retinoid-X receptor-gamma with high affinity

Dowhan, D. H., Downes, M., Sturm, R. A. and Muscat, G. E. (1994). Identification of deoxyribonucleic acid sequences that bind retinoid-X receptor-gamma with high affinity. Endocrinology, 135 (6), 2595-2607. doi: 10.1210/en.135.6.2595

Identification of deoxyribonucleic acid sequences that bind retinoid-X receptor-gamma with high affinity

1994

Journal Article

Dinucleotide repeat polymorphism at the human TYRP1 locus

Box, N. F. and Sturm, R. A. (1994). Dinucleotide repeat polymorphism at the human TYRP1 locus. Human Molecular Genetics, 3 (12), 2270-2270. doi: 10.1093/hmg/3.12.2270

Dinucleotide repeat polymorphism at the human TYRP1 locus

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