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)

221 - 240 of 244 works

1994

Journal Article

Expression studies of pigmentation and POU-domain genes in human melanoma cells

Sturm, Richard A., O'Sullivan, Brendan J., Thomson, J. Angus F., Jamshidi, Negar, Pedley, Julie and Parsons, Peter G. (1994). Expression studies of pigmentation and POU-domain genes in human melanoma cells. Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research, 7 (4), 235-240. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.1994.tb00055.x

Expression studies of pigmentation and POU-domain genes in human melanoma cells

1994

Journal Article

A nonconsensus octamer-recognition sequence (TAATGARAT-motif) identifies a novel DNA binding protein in human merkel cell carcinoma cell lines

Thomson, J.A.F., Leonard, J.H., McGregor, K., Sturm, R.A. and Parsons, P.G. (1994). A nonconsensus octamer-recognition sequence (TAATGARAT-motif) identifies a novel DNA binding protein in human merkel cell carcinoma cell lines. International Journal of Cancer, 58 (2), 285-290. doi: 10.1002/ijc.2910580223

A nonconsensus octamer-recognition sequence (TAATGARAT-motif) identifies a novel DNA binding protein in human merkel cell carcinoma cell lines

1994

Journal Article

Reduction of DNA synthesis, pigment synthesis, pigmentation gene mRNA and resistance to UVB in human melanoma cells treated with analogues of a histamine (H2) agonist

Fechnera, Gregory A., Michel, Joanna, Sturm, Rick A., Jacobs, Jeff J. and Parsons, Peter G. (1994). Reduction of DNA synthesis, pigment synthesis, pigmentation gene mRNA and resistance to UVB in human melanoma cells treated with analogues of a histamine (H2) agonist. Biochemical Pharmacology, 48 (1), 121-130. doi: 10.1016/0006-2952(94)90231-3

Reduction of DNA synthesis, pigment synthesis, pigmentation gene mRNA and resistance to UVB in human melanoma cells treated with analogues of a histamine (H2) agonist

1994

Journal Article

Sequence of the human dopachrome tautomerase-encoding TRP-2 cDNA

Cassady, Jennifer L. and Sturm, Richard A. (1994). Sequence of the human dopachrome tautomerase-encoding TRP-2 cDNA. Gene, 143 (2), 295-298. doi: 10.1016/0378-1119(94)90114-7

Sequence of the human dopachrome tautomerase-encoding TRP-2 cDNA

1994

Journal Article

The marsupial MHC: The Tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, contains an expressed DNA-like gene on chromosome 1

Slade, Robert W., Hale, Peter T., Francis, David I., Graves, Jennifer A. Marshall and Sturm, Richard A. (1994). The marsupial MHC: The Tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, contains an expressed DNA-like gene on chromosome 1. Journal of Molecular Evolution, 38 (5), 496-505. doi: 10.1007/BF00178850

The marsupial MHC: The Tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, contains an expressed DNA-like gene on chromosome 1

1994

Journal Article

Assignment of the tyrosinase-related protein-2 gene (TYRP2) to human chromosome 13q31-q32 by fluorescence in Situ hybridization: Extended synteny with mouse chromosome 14

Sturm, Richard A., Baker, Elizabeth and Sutherland, Grant R. (1994). Assignment of the tyrosinase-related protein-2 gene (TYRP2) to human chromosome 13q31-q32 by fluorescence in Situ hybridization: Extended synteny with mouse chromosome 14. Genomics, 21 (1), 293-296. doi: 10.1006/geno.1994.1266

Assignment of the tyrosinase-related protein-2 gene (TYRP2) to human chromosome 13q31-q32 by fluorescence in Situ hybridization: Extended synteny with mouse chromosome 14

1994

Journal Article

Transcriptional regulation of differentiation, selective toxicity and ATGCAAT binding of bisbenzimidazole derivatives in human melanoma cells

Wong, S. S. C., Sturm, R. A., Michel, J., Zhang, X. M., Danoy, P. A. C., Jacobs, J. J., Kaushal, A., Dunn, I. S., Parsons, P. G. and Dong, Y. (1994). Transcriptional regulation of differentiation, selective toxicity and ATGCAAT binding of bisbenzimidazole derivatives in human melanoma cells. Biochemical Pharmacology, 47 (5), 827-837. doi: 10.1016/0006-2952(94)90483-9

Transcriptional regulation of differentiation, selective toxicity and ATGCAAT binding of bisbenzimidazole derivatives in human melanoma cells

1994

Journal Article

Identification of a marsupial OTF1 gene: Cross-species STS analysis and in situ cross-hybridization to Macropus eugenii chromosomes 3/4 and 5

Sturm, R. A., Cassady, J. L. and Graves, J. A. M. (1994). Identification of a marsupial OTF1 gene: Cross-species STS analysis and in situ cross-hybridization to Macropus eugenii chromosomes 3/4 and 5. Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics, 65 (4), 272-275. doi: 10.1159/000133646

Identification of a marsupial OTF1 gene: Cross-species STS analysis and in situ cross-hybridization to Macropus eugenii chromosomes 3/4 and 5

1993

Journal Article

Broad binding-site specificity and affinity properties of octamer 1 and brain octamer-binding proteins

Bendall, Andrew J., Sturm, Richard A., Danoy, Patrick A. C. and Molloy, Peter L. (1993). Broad binding-site specificity and affinity properties of octamer 1 and brain octamer-binding proteins. European Journal of Biochemistry, 217 (3), 799-811. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1993.tb18308.x

Broad binding-site specificity and affinity properties of octamer 1 and brain octamer-binding proteins

1993

Journal Article

Chromosomal structure and expression of the human OTF1 locus encoding the Oct-1 protein

Sturm, Richard A., Cassady, Jennifer L., Das, Gokul, Romo, Anthony and Evans, Glen A. (1993). Chromosomal structure and expression of the human OTF1 locus encoding the Oct-1 protein. Genomics, 16 (2), 333-341. doi: 10.1006/geno.1993.1194

Chromosomal structure and expression of the human OTF1 locus encoding the Oct-1 protein

1993

Journal Article

In vivo and in vitro expression of octamer binding proteins in human melanoma metastases, brain tissue, and fibroblasts

Thomson, J. Angus F., Parsons, Peter G. and Sturm, Richard A. (1993). In vivo and in vitro expression of octamer binding proteins in human melanoma metastases, brain tissue, and fibroblasts. Pigment Cell Research, 6 (1), 13-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.1993.tb00576.x

In vivo and in vitro expression of octamer binding proteins in human melanoma metastases, brain tissue, and fibroblasts

1991

Journal Article

An STS in the human oct-1 gene located on chromosome 1

Sturm, Richard A. (1991). An STS in the human oct-1 gene located on chromosome 1. Nucleic Acids Research, 19 (24), 6963-6963. doi: 10.1093/nar/19.24.6963

An STS in the human oct-1 gene located on chromosome 1

1991

Journal Article

Parallel origins of duplications and the formation of pseudogenes in mitochondrial DNA from parthenogenetic lizards (Heteronotia binoei; gekkonidae)

Zevering, C. E., Heideman, A. and Sturm, R. A. (1991). Parallel origins of duplications and the formation of pseudogenes in mitochondrial DNA from parthenogenetic lizards (Heteronotia binoei; gekkonidae). Journal of Molecular Evolution, 33 (5), 431-441. doi: 10.1007/BF02103135

Parallel origins of duplications and the formation of pseudogenes in mitochondrial DNA from parthenogenetic lizards (Heteronotia binoei; gekkonidae)

1991

Journal Article

A melanoma octamer binding protein is responsive to differentiating agents

Sturm, Richard A., Bisshop, Fiona, Takahashi, Hiroyuki and Parsons, Peter G. (1991). A melanoma octamer binding protein is responsive to differentiating agents. Cell Growth & Differentiation, 2 (10), 519-524.

A melanoma octamer binding protein is responsive to differentiating agents

1990

Journal Article

The gene for the ubiquitous octamer-binding protein OCT-1 is on human chromosome 1, region cen-q32, and near Ly-22 and Ltw-4 on mouse chromosome 1

Hsieh, C. L., Sturm, R., Herr, W. and Francke, U. (1990). The gene for the ubiquitous octamer-binding protein OCT-1 is on human chromosome 1, region cen-q32, and near Ly-22 and Ltw-4 on mouse chromosome 1. Genomics, 6 (4), 666-672. doi: 10.1016/0888-7543(90)90502-L

The gene for the ubiquitous octamer-binding protein OCT-1 is on human chromosome 1, region cen-q32, and near Ly-22 and Ltw-4 on mouse chromosome 1

1989

Journal Article

DNA cleavage by restriction endonuclease PflMI is inhibited in recognition sites modified by dcm methylation

Sturm, Richard A. and Yaciuk, Peter (1989). DNA cleavage by restriction endonuclease PflMI is inhibited in recognition sites modified by dcm methylation. Nucleic Acids Research, 17 (9), 3615-3615. doi: 10.1093/nar/17.9.3615

DNA cleavage by restriction endonuclease PflMI is inhibited in recognition sites modified by dcm methylation

1988

Journal Article

The POU domain: a large conserved region in the mammalian pit-1, oct-1, oct-2, and Caenorhabditis elegans unc-86 gene products

Herr, W., Sturm, R. A., Clerc, R. G., Corcoran, L. M., Baltimore, D., Sharp, P. A., Finney, M., Ruvkun, G. and Horvitz, H. R. (1988). The POU domain: a large conserved region in the mammalian pit-1, oct-1, oct-2, and Caenorhabditis elegans unc-86 gene products. Genes and Development, 2 (12A), 1513-1516. doi: 10.1101/gad.2.12a.1513

The POU domain: a large conserved region in the mammalian pit-1, oct-1, oct-2, and Caenorhabditis elegans unc-86 gene products

1988

Journal Article

The ubiquitous octamer-binding protein OCT-1 contains a POU domain with a homeo box subdomain

Sturm, R. A., Das, G. and Herr, W. (1988). The ubiquitous octamer-binding protein OCT-1 contains a POU domain with a homeo box subdomain. Genes and Development, 2 (12A), 1582-1599. doi: 10.1101/gad.2.12a.1582

The ubiquitous octamer-binding protein OCT-1 contains a POU domain with a homeo box subdomain

1988

Journal Article

The POU domain is a bipartite DNA-binding structure

Sturm, Richard A. and Herr, Winship (1988). The POU domain is a bipartite DNA-binding structure. Nature, 336 (6199), 601-604. doi: 10.1038/336601a0

The POU domain is a bipartite DNA-binding structure

1988

Journal Article

OBP100 binds remarkably degenerate octamer motifs through specific interactions with flanking sequences

Sturm, R. and Herr, W. (1988). OBP100 binds remarkably degenerate octamer motifs through specific interactions with flanking sequences. Genes and Development, 2 (11), 1400-1413. doi: 10.1101/gad.2.11.1400

OBP100 binds remarkably degenerate octamer motifs through specific interactions with flanking sequences

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

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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

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