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)

121 - 140 of 244 works

2012

Journal Article

A UVR-induced G2-phase checkpoint response to ssDNA gaps produced by replication fork bypass of unrepaired lesions is defective in melanoma

Wigan, Matthew, Pinder, Alex, Giles, Nichole, Pavey, Sandra, Burgess, Andrew, Wong, ShuShyan, Sturm, Rick A. and Gabrielli, Brian (2012). A UVR-induced G2-phase checkpoint response to ssDNA gaps produced by replication fork bypass of unrepaired lesions is defective in melanoma. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 132 (6), 1681-1688. doi: 10.1038/jid.2012.41

A UVR-induced G2-phase checkpoint response to ssDNA gaps produced by replication fork bypass of unrepaired lesions is defective in melanoma

2012

Journal Article

MC1R variant allele effects on UVR-induced phosphorylation of p38, p53, and DDB2 repair protein responses in melanocytic cells in culture

Wong, Shu Shyan, Ainger, Stephen A., Leonard, J. Helen and Sturm, Richard A. (2012). MC1R variant allele effects on UVR-induced phosphorylation of p38, p53, and DDB2 repair protein responses in melanocytic cells in culture. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 132 (5), 1452-1461. doi: 10.1038/jid.2011.473

MC1R variant allele effects on UVR-induced phosphorylation of p38, p53, and DDB2 repair protein responses in melanocytic cells in culture

2012

Journal Article

Melanocortin-1 receptor-mediated signalling pathways activated by NDP-MSH and HBD3 ligands

Beaumont, Kimberley A., Smit, Darren J., Liu, Yan Yan, Chai, Eric, Patel, Mira P., Millhauser, Glenn L., Smith, Jennifer J., Alewood, Paul F. and Sturm, Richard A. (2012). Melanocortin-1 receptor-mediated signalling pathways activated by NDP-MSH and HBD3 ligands. Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research, 25 (3), 370-374. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-148X.2012.00990.x

Melanocortin-1 receptor-mediated signalling pathways activated by NDP-MSH and HBD3 ligands

2011

Journal Article

Dot Bennett

Sturm, Rick (2011). Dot Bennett. Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research, 24 (5), 986-986. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-148X.2011.00904.x

Dot Bennett

2011

Journal Article

Effect of MC1R variant allele status on MSH-ligand induction of dopachrome tautomerase in melanocytes co-cultured with keratinocytes

Ainger, Stephen A., Wong, Shu S., Roberts, Donald W., Leonard, J. Helen and Sturm, Richard A. (2011). Effect of MC1R variant allele status on MSH-ligand induction of dopachrome tautomerase in melanocytes co-cultured with keratinocytes. Experimental Dermatology, 20 (8), 681-684. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01293.x

Effect of MC1R variant allele status on MSH-ligand induction of dopachrome tautomerase in melanocytes co-cultured with keratinocytes

2011

Journal Article

GWAS findings for human iris patterns: Associations with variants in genes that influence normal neuronal pattern development

Larsson, Mats, Duffy, David L., Zhu, Gu, Liu, Jimmy Z., Macgregor, Stuart, McRae, Allan F., Wright, Margaret J., Sturm, Richard A., Mackey, David A., Montgomery, Grant W., Martin, Nicholas G. and Medland, Sarah E. (2011). GWAS findings for human iris patterns: Associations with variants in genes that influence normal neuronal pattern development. American Journal of Human Genetics, 89 (2), 334-343. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2011.07.011

GWAS findings for human iris patterns: Associations with variants in genes that influence normal neuronal pattern development

2011

Journal Article

A non-synonymous mutation in the canine Pkd1 gene is associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Bull Terriers

Gharahkhani, Puya, O’Leary, Caroline A., Kyaw-Tanner, Myat, Sturm, Richard A. and Duffy, David L. (2011). A non-synonymous mutation in the canine Pkd1 gene is associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Bull Terriers. Plos One, 6 (7) e22455, Article number e22455. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022455

A non-synonymous mutation in the canine Pkd1 gene is associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Bull Terriers

2011

Journal Article

Melanocortin MC1 receptor in human genetics and model systems

Beaumont, Kimberley A., Wong, Shu S., Ainger, Stephen A., Liu, Yan Yan, Patel, Mira P., Millhauser, Glenn L., Smith, Jennifer J., Alewood, Paul F., Leonard, J. Helen and Sturm, Richard A. (2011). Melanocortin MC1 receptor in human genetics and model systems. European Journal of Pharmacology, 660 (1), 103-110. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.11.040

Melanocortin MC1 receptor in human genetics and model systems

2011

Journal Article

Regulation of NR4A nuclear receptor expression by oncogenic BRAF in melanoma cells

Smith, Aaron G., Lim, Wen, Pearen, Michael, Muscat, George E. O. and Sturm, Richard A. (2011). Regulation of NR4A nuclear receptor expression by oncogenic BRAF in melanoma cells. Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research, 24 (3), 551-563. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-148X.2011.00843.x

Regulation of NR4A nuclear receptor expression by oncogenic BRAF in melanoma cells

2011

Journal Article

Melanoma cell invasiveness is regulated by miR-211 suppression of the BRN2 transcription factor

Boyle, Glen M., Woods, Susan L., Bonazzi, Vanessa F., Stark, Mitchell S., Hacker, Elke, Aoude, Lauren G., Dutton-Regester, Ken, Cook, Anthony L., Sturm, Richard A. and Hayward, Nicholas K. (2011). Melanoma cell invasiveness is regulated by miR-211 suppression of the BRN2 transcription factor. Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research, 24 (3), 525-537. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-148X.2011.00849.x

Melanoma cell invasiveness is regulated by miR-211 suppression of the BRN2 transcription factor

2011

Journal Article

The recycling endosome protein Rab17 regulates melanocytic filopodia formation and melanosome trafficking

Beaumont, Kimberley A., Hamilton, Nicholas A., Moores, Matthew T., Brown, Darren L., Ohbayashi, Norihiko, Cairncross, Oliver, Cook, Anthony L., Smith, Aaron G., Misaki, Ryo, Fukuda, Mitsunori, Taguchi, Tomohiko, Sturm, Richard A. and Stow, Jennifer L. (2011). The recycling endosome protein Rab17 regulates melanocytic filopodia formation and melanosome trafficking. Traffic, 12 (5), 627-643. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0854.2011.01172.x

The recycling endosome protein Rab17 regulates melanocytic filopodia formation and melanosome trafficking

2011

Conference Publication

Abstract 4197: A DNA damage checkpoint response to unrepaired ultraviolet radiation-induced lesions which is defective in melanoma

Wigan, Matthew, Pavey, Sandra, Brooks, Kelly, Giles, Nichole, Burgess, Andrew, Sturm, Rick and Gabrielli, Brian (2011). Abstract 4197: A DNA damage checkpoint response to unrepaired ultraviolet radiation-induced lesions which is defective in melanoma. AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011, Orlando, FL United States, 2‐6 April 2011. Philadelphia, PA United States: American Association for Cancer Research. doi: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2011-4197

Abstract 4197: A DNA damage checkpoint response to unrepaired ultraviolet radiation-induced lesions which is defective in melanoma

2011

Conference Publication

Dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy and histopathology of an amelanotic melanoma from an individual with the heterozygous MC1R variation 160W

Curchin, C. E. S., Wurm, E. M. T., Douglas, N. C., Jagirdar, K., Sturm, R. A. and Soyer, H. P. (2011). Dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy and histopathology of an amelanotic melanoma from an individual with the heterozygous MC1R variation 160W. Australasian College of Dermatologists 44th Annual Scientific Meeting, Perth WA, Australia, 15-18 May 2011. Richmond VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00757.x

Dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy and histopathology of an amelanotic melanoma from an individual with the heterozygous MC1R variation 160W

2011

Conference Publication

Human pigmentation genes and population polymorphism

Sturm, RA (2011). Human pigmentation genes and population polymorphism. unknown, unknown, unknown. MALDEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.

Human pigmentation genes and population polymorphism

2010

Journal Article

Melanocortin 1 receptor genotype: an important determinant of the damage response of melanocytes to ultraviolet radiation

Kadekaro, Ana Luisa, Leachman, Sancy, Kavanagh, Renny J., Swope, Viki, Cassidy, Pamela, Supp, Dorothy, Sartor, Maureen, Schwemberger, Sandy, Babcock, George, Wakamatsu, Kazumasa, Ito, Shosuke, Koshoffer, Amy, Boissy, Raymond E., Manga, Prashiela, Sturm, Richard A. and Abdel-Malek, Zalfa A. (2010). Melanocortin 1 receptor genotype: an important determinant of the damage response of melanocytes to ultraviolet radiation. FASEB Journal, 24 (10), 3850-3860. doi: 10.1096/fj.10-158485

Melanocortin 1 receptor genotype: an important determinant of the damage response of melanocytes to ultraviolet radiation

2010

Journal Article

Nestin and SOX9 and SOX10 transcription factors are coexpressed in melanoma

Bakos, Renato M., Maeir, Tanja, Besch, Robert, Mestel, Dominik S., Ruzicka, Thomas, Sturm, Richard A. and Berking, Carola (2010). Nestin and SOX9 and SOX10 transcription factors are coexpressed in melanoma. Experimental Dermatology, 19 (8), e89-e94. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2009.00991.x

Nestin and SOX9 and SOX10 transcription factors are coexpressed in melanoma

2010

Journal Article

Unexpectedly severe acute radiotherapy side effects are associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms of the melanocortin-1 receptor

Fogarty, Gerald B., Muddle, Rory, Sprung, Carl N., Chen, Wei, Duffy, David, Sturm, Richard A. and McKay, Michael J. (2010). Unexpectedly severe acute radiotherapy side effects are associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms of the melanocortin-1 receptor. International Journal of Radiation: Oncology - Biology - Physics, 77 (5), 1486-1492. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.07.1690

Unexpectedly severe acute radiotherapy side effects are associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms of the melanocortin-1 receptor

2010

Journal Article

IRF4 variants have age-specific effects on nevus count and predispose to melanoma

Duffy, David L., Iles, Mark M., Glass, Dan, Zhu, Gu, Barrett, Jennifer H., Hoiom, Veronica, Zhao, Zhen Z., Sturm, Richard A., Soranzo, Nicole, Hammond, Chris, Kvaskoff, Marina, Whiteman, David C., Mangino, Massimo, Hansson, Johan, Newton-Bishop, Julia A., Bataille, Veronique, Hayward, Nicholas K., Martin, Nicholas G., Bishop, D. Timothy, Spector, Timothy D. and Montgomery, Grant W. (2010). IRF4 variants have age-specific effects on nevus count and predispose to melanoma. American Journal of Human Genetics, 87 (1), 6-16. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2010.05.017

IRF4 variants have age-specific effects on nevus count and predispose to melanoma

2010

Journal Article

Characterization of the melanoma miRNAome by deep sequencing

Stark, Mitchell S., Tyagi, Sonika, Nancarrow, Derek J., Boyle, Glen M., Cook, Anthony L., Whiteman, David C., Parsons, Peter G., Schmidt, Christopher, Sturm, Richard A. and Hayward, Nicholas K. (2010). Characterization of the melanoma miRNAome by deep sequencing. PLoS One, 5 (3) e9685, e9685-1-e9685-9. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009685

Characterization of the melanoma miRNAome by deep sequencing

2010

Journal Article

Multiple genes and locus interactions in susceptibility to vitiligo

Smith, Aaron G. and Sturm, Richard A. (2010). Multiple genes and locus interactions in susceptibility to vitiligo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 130 (3), 643-645. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.403

Multiple genes and locus interactions in susceptibility to vitiligo

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