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)

141 - 160 of 244 works

2010

Journal Article

Inheritance of a novel mutated allele of the OCA2 gene associated with high incidence of oculocutaneous albinism in a Polynesian community

Johanson, Helene C., Chen, Wei, Wicking, Carol and Sturm, Richard A. (2010). Inheritance of a novel mutated allele of the OCA2 gene associated with high incidence of oculocutaneous albinism in a Polynesian community. Journal of Human Genetics, 55 (2), 103-111. doi: 10.1038/jhg.2009.130

Inheritance of a novel mutated allele of the OCA2 gene associated with high incidence of oculocutaneous albinism in a Polynesian community

2010

Journal Article

Multiple pigmentation gene polymorphisms account for a substantial proportion of risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma

Duffy, David L., Zhao, Zhen Z., Sturm, Richard A., Hayward, Nicholas K., Martin, Nicholas G. and Montgomery, Grant W. (2010). Multiple pigmentation gene polymorphisms account for a substantial proportion of risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 130 (2), 520-528. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.258

Multiple pigmentation gene polymorphisms account for a substantial proportion of risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma

2009

Journal Article

Chapter 4 The Melanocortin-1 Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Association with Human Skin Cancer

Beaumont, Kimberley A., Liu, Yan Yan and Sturm, Richard A. (2009). Chapter 4 The Melanocortin-1 Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Association with Human Skin Cancer. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 88 (C), 85-153. doi: 10.1016/S1877-1173(09)88004-6

Chapter 4 The Melanocortin-1 Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Association with Human Skin Cancer

2009

Journal Article

"White" Nevi and "Red" Melanomas: Association with the RHC Phenotype of the MC1R Gene

Zalaudek, I., Meiklejohn, W., Argenzanio, G., Thurber, A. E. and Sturm, R. A. (2009). "White" Nevi and "Red" Melanomas: Association with the RHC Phenotype of the MC1R Gene. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 129 (5), 1305-1307. doi: 10.1038/jid.2008.378

"White" Nevi and "Red" Melanomas: Association with the RHC Phenotype of the MC1R Gene

2009

Journal Article

Sox9 and Sox10 but not BRN2 are required for Nestin expression in Human Melanoma Cells

Flammiger, A., Besch, R., Cook, A. L., Maier, T., Sturm, R. A. and Berking, C. (2009). Sox9 and Sox10 but not BRN2 are required for Nestin expression in Human Melanoma Cells. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 129 (4), 945-953. doi: 10.1038/jid.2008.316

Sox9 and Sox10 but not BRN2 are required for Nestin expression in Human Melanoma Cells

2009

Journal Article

DNA elution from buccal cells stored on Whatman FTA classic cards using a modified methanol fixation method

Johanson, H. C., Hyland, V, Wicking, C. A. and Sturm, R. A. (2009). DNA elution from buccal cells stored on Whatman FTA classic cards using a modified methanol fixation method. Bio Techniques, 46 (4), 309-311. doi: 10.2144/000113077

DNA elution from buccal cells stored on Whatman FTA classic cards using a modified methanol fixation method

2009

Journal Article

PPARγ agonists attenuate proliferation and modulate Wnt/β-catenin signalling in melanoma cells

Smith, Aaron G., Beaumont, Kimberley A., Smit, Darren J., Thurber, Amy E., Cook, Anthony L., Boyle, Glen M., Parsons, Peter G., Sturm, Richard A. and Muscat, George E. O. (2009). PPARγ agonists attenuate proliferation and modulate Wnt/β-catenin signalling in melanoma cells. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 41 (4), 844-852. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.08.037

PPARγ agonists attenuate proliferation and modulate Wnt/β-catenin signalling in melanoma cells

2009

Conference Publication

The role of MC1R in melanogenesis of melanocytic cells in co-culture with keratinocytes

Ainger, SA, Wong, SS, Roberts, DW, Leonard, JH and Sturm, RA (2009). The role of MC1R in melanogenesis of melanocytic cells in co-culture with keratinocytes. 5th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian-Society-for-Dermatology-Research, Sydney AUSTRALIA, MAY 21-22, 2008. NEW YORK: NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP.

The role of MC1R in melanogenesis of melanocytic cells in co-culture with keratinocytes

2009

Conference Publication

Induction of spheroid cultures from adherent melanoma cell lines to study the heterogenous nature of melanoma tumours

Thurber, E., Sturm, E. C., Douglas, G, Leonard, J. H. and Sturm, R. A. (2009). Induction of spheroid cultures from adherent melanoma cell lines to study the heterogenous nature of melanoma tumours. 5th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Dermatology Research, Sydney, Australia, 21-22 May 2008. London, United Kingdom: Nature Publishing Group. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.333

Induction of spheroid cultures from adherent melanoma cell lines to study the heterogenous nature of melanoma tumours

2009

Book Chapter

The melanocortin-1 receptor gene polymorphism and association with human skin cancer

Beaumont, K. A., Liu, Y. Y. and Sturm, R. A. (2009). The melanocortin-1 receptor gene polymorphism and association with human skin cancer. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science: G protein-coupled receptors in health and disease, Part A. (pp. 85-153) edited by Ya-Xiong Tao. San Deigo, California, U.S.A.: Elsevier : Academic Press.

The melanocortin-1 receptor gene polymorphism and association with human skin cancer

2008

Journal Article

POU domain transcription factors: BRN2 as a regulator of melanocytic growth and tumourigenesis

Cook, A. L. and Sturm, R. A. (2008). POU domain transcription factors: BRN2 as a regulator of melanocytic growth and tumourigenesis. Pigment Cell Melanoma Research, 21 (6), 611-626. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-148X.2008.00510.x

POU domain transcription factors: BRN2 as a regulator of melanocytic growth and tumourigenesis

2008

Journal Article

Brn-2 represses microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression and marks a distinct subpopulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-negative melanoma cells

Goodall, J., Carreira, S., Denat, L., Kobi, D., Davidson, I., Nuciforo, P., Sturm, R. A., Larue, L. and Goding, C. R. (2008). Brn-2 represses microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression and marks a distinct subpopulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-negative melanoma cells. Cancer Research, 68 (19), 7788-7794. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-08-1053

Brn-2 represses microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression and marks a distinct subpopulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-negative melanoma cells

2008

Journal Article

Red hair is the null phenotype of MC1R

Beaumont, Kimberley A., Shekar, Sri N., Cook, Anthony L., Duffy, David L. and Sturm, Richard A. (2008). Red hair is the null phenotype of MC1R. Human Mutation, 29 (8), E88-E94. doi: 10.1002/humu.20788

Red hair is the null phenotype of MC1R

2008

Journal Article

Melanocortin-1 receptor signaling markedly induces the expression of the NR4A nuclear receptor subgroup in melanocytic cells

Smith, Aaron G., Luk, Nicole, Newton, Richard A., Roberts, Donald W., Sturm, Richard A. and Muscat, George E. O. (2008). Melanocortin-1 receptor signaling markedly induces the expression of the NR4A nuclear receptor subgroup in melanocytic cells. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 283 (18), 12564-12570. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M800480200

Melanocortin-1 receptor signaling markedly induces the expression of the NR4A nuclear receptor subgroup in melanocytic cells

2008

Journal Article

Melanocytes expressing MC1R polymorphosms associated with red hair colour have altered MSH-ligand activated pigmentary responses in coculture with keratinocytes

Roberts, Donald W., Newton, Richard A., Leonard, J. Helen and Sturm, Richard A. (2008). Melanocytes expressing MC1R polymorphosms associated with red hair colour have altered MSH-ligand activated pigmentary responses in coculture with keratinocytes. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 215 (2), 344-355. doi: 10.1002/jcp.21318

Melanocytes expressing MC1R polymorphosms associated with red hair colour have altered MSH-ligand activated pigmentary responses in coculture with keratinocytes

2008

Journal Article

Spectrophotometric methods for quantifying pigmentation in human hair - influence of MC1R genotype and environment

Shekar, Sri N., Duffy, David L., Frudakis, Tony, Montgomery, Grant W., James, Michael R., Sturm, Richard A. and Martin, Nicholas G. (2008). Spectrophotometric methods for quantifying pigmentation in human hair - influence of MC1R genotype and environment. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 84 (3), 719-726. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2007.00237.x

Spectrophotometric methods for quantifying pigmentation in human hair - influence of MC1R genotype and environment

2008

Journal Article

Human 'coat colour' genetics

Sturm, Richard A. (2008). Human 'coat colour' genetics. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 21 (2), 115-116. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-148X.2008.00444.x

Human 'coat colour' genetics

2008

Journal Article

Linkage and association analysis of spectrophotometrically quantified hair color in Australian adolescents: The effects of OCA2 and HERC2

Shekar, Sri N., Duffy, David L., Frudakis, Tony, Sturm, Richard A., Zhao, Zhen Z., Montgomery, Grant W. and Martin, Nicholas G. (2008). Linkage and association analysis of spectrophotometrically quantified hair color in Australian adolescents: The effects of OCA2 and HERC2. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 128 (12), 2807-2814. doi: 10.1038/jid.2008.147

Linkage and association analysis of spectrophotometrically quantified hair color in Australian adolescents: The effects of OCA2 and HERC2

2008

Journal Article

Can blue-eyed parents produce brown-eyed children?

Sturm, R. A. (2008). Can blue-eyed parents produce brown-eyed children?. Bioscience explained, 4 (1), 1-9.

Can blue-eyed parents produce brown-eyed children?

2007

Journal Article

Osteonectin downregulates E-cadherin, induces Osteopontin and Focal adhesion kinase activity stimulating an invasive melanoma phenotype

Smit, Darren J., Gardiner, Brooke B. and Sturm, Richard A. (2007). Osteonectin downregulates E-cadherin, induces Osteopontin and Focal adhesion kinase activity stimulating an invasive melanoma phenotype. International Journal of Cancer, 121 (12), 2653-2660. doi: 10.1002/ijc.23039

Osteonectin downregulates E-cadherin, induces Osteopontin and Focal adhesion kinase activity stimulating an invasive melanoma phenotype

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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