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)

161 - 180 of 244 works

2007

Journal Article

Receptor function, dominant negative activity and phenotype correlations for MC1R variant alleles (vol 16, pg 2249, 2007)

Beaumont, Kimberley A., Shekar, Sri N., Newton, Richard A., James, Michael R., Stow, Jennifer L., Duffy, David L. and Sturm, Richard A. (2007). Receptor function, dominant negative activity and phenotype correlations for MC1R variant alleles (vol 16, pg 2249, 2007). Human Molecular Genetics, 16 (23), 2988-2988. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddm268

Receptor function, dominant negative activity and phenotype correlations for MC1R variant alleles (vol 16, pg 2249, 2007)

2007

Journal Article

Multiple primary melanomas in a CDKN2A mutation carrier exposed to ionizing radiation

Eliason, M. J., Hansen, C. B., Hart, M., Porter-Gill, P., Wei Chen, Sturm, R. A., Bowen, G., Florell, S. R., Harris, R. M., Cannon-Albright, L. A., Swinyer, L. and Leachman, S. A. (2007). Multiple primary melanomas in a CDKN2A mutation carrier exposed to ionizing radiation. Archives of Dermatology, 143 (11), 1409-1412. doi: 10.1001/archderm.143.11.1409

Multiple primary melanomas in a CDKN2A mutation carrier exposed to ionizing radiation

2007

Journal Article

Receptor function, dominant negative activity and phenotype correlations for MC1R variant alleles

Beaumont, Kimberley A., Shekar, Sri L., Newton, Richard A., James, Michael R., Stow, Jennifer L., Duffy, David L. and Sturm, Richard A. (2007). Receptor function, dominant negative activity and phenotype correlations for MC1R variant alleles. Human Molecular Genetics, 16 (18), 2249-2260. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddm177

Receptor function, dominant negative activity and phenotype correlations for MC1R variant alleles

2007

Journal Article

MC1R expression in skin: is it confined to melanocytes? [Letter to the Editor]

Roberts, Don, Newton, Richard A. and Sturm, Richard A. (2007). MC1R expression in skin: is it confined to melanocytes? [Letter to the Editor]. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 127 (10), 2472-2473. doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700881

MC1R expression in skin: is it confined to melanocytes? [Letter to the Editor]

2007

Journal Article

Post-transcriptional regulation of melanin biosynthetic enzymes by cAMP and resveratrol in human melanocytes

Newton, R. A., Cook, A., Roberts, D. W., Leonard, J. H. and Sturm, R. A. (2007). Post-transcriptional regulation of melanin biosynthetic enzymes by cAMP and resveratrol in human melanocytes. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 127 (9), 2216-2227. doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700840

Post-transcriptional regulation of melanin biosynthetic enzymes by cAMP and resveratrol in human melanocytes

2007

Journal Article

A three-single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotype in intron 1 of OCA2 explains most human eye-color variation

Duffy, D. L., Montgomery, G. W., Chen, W., Zhao, Z. Z., Le, L., James, M. R., Hayward, N. K., Martin, N. G. and Sturm, R. A. (2007). A three-single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotype in intron 1 of OCA2 explains most human eye-color variation. American Journal of Human Genetics, 80 (2), 241-252. doi: 10.1086/510885

A three-single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotype in intron 1 of OCA2 explains most human eye-color variation

2007

Journal Article

Human melanocytes expressing MC1R variant alleles show impaired activation of multiple signaling pathways

Newton, Richard A., Don Roberts, Leonard, J H and Sturm, Richard A. (2007). Human melanocytes expressing MC1R variant alleles show impaired activation of multiple signaling pathways. Peptides, 28 (12), 2387-2396. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.10.003

Human melanocytes expressing MC1R variant alleles show impaired activation of multiple signaling pathways

2006

Journal Article

Quantitative analysis of MC1R gene expression in human skin cell cultures

Roberts, D. W., Newton, R. A., Beaumont, K. A., Leonard, J. H. and Sturm, R. A. (2006). Quantitative analysis of MC1R gene expression in human skin cell cultures. Pigment Cell Research, 19 (1), 76-89. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.2005.00286.x

Quantitative analysis of MC1R gene expression in human skin cell cultures

2006

Journal Article

A golden age of human pigmentation genetics

Sturm, Richard A. (2006). A golden age of human pigmentation genetics. Trends In Genetics, 22 (9), 464-468. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2006.06.010

A golden age of human pigmentation genetics

2006

Book Chapter

Transcription Factors: POU

Sturm, R A (2006). Transcription Factors: POU. Encyclopedia of Respiratory Medicine. (pp. 269-274) edited by Geoffrey J. Laurent and Steven D Shapiro. London: Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/B0-12-370879-6/00389-6

Transcription Factors: POU

2006

Conference Publication

Expression of BRN2, osteopontin and nestin in melanoma and nevi. New markers of tumor progression?

Maier, T., Mestel, D., Besch, R., Nagele, U., Sturm, R. A. and Berking, C. (2006). Expression of BRN2, osteopontin and nestin in melanoma and nevi. New markers of tumor progression?. 33rd Annual Meeting of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft-Dermatologische-Forschung (ADF), Aachen, Germany, 23-25 March, 2007. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2006.00403.x

Expression of BRN2, osteopontin and nestin in melanoma and nevi. New markers of tumor progression?

2006

Journal Article

Diversity of pigmentation in cultured human melanocytes is due to differences in the type as well as quantity of melanin

Wakamatsu, Kazumasa, Kavanagh, Renny, Kadekaro, Ana L., Terzieva, Silva, Sturm, Richard A., Leachman, Sancy, Abdel-Malek, Zalfa and Ito, Shosuke (2006). Diversity of pigmentation in cultured human melanocytes is due to differences in the type as well as quantity of melanin. Pigment Cell Research, 19 (2), 154-162. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.2006.00293.x

Diversity of pigmentation in cultured human melanocytes is due to differences in the type as well as quantity of melanin

2006

Journal Article

A polymorphism in the agouti signalling protein (ASIP) is associated with decreased levels of mRNA

Voisey, J., Gomez-Cabrera, M. D. C., Smit, D. J., Leonard, J. H., Sturm, R. A. and van Daal, A. (2006). A polymorphism in the agouti signalling protein (ASIP) is associated with decreased levels of mRNA. Pigment Cell Research, 19 (3), 226-231. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.2006.00301.x

A polymorphism in the agouti signalling protein (ASIP) is associated with decreased levels of mRNA

2006

Book Chapter

BRN2 in melanocytic cell development, differentiation and transformation

Cook, Anthony L., Boyle, Glen M., Leonard, J. Helen, Parsons, Peter G. and Sturm, Richard A. (2006). BRN2 in melanocytic cell development, differentiation and transformation. From Melanocytes to Melanoma: The Progression to Malignancy. (pp. 149-168) edited by V. J. Hearing and A. P. L. Leong. New Jersey: Humana Press. doi: 10.1007/978-1-59259-994-3_8

BRN2 in melanocytic cell development, differentiation and transformation

2006

Book Chapter

Transcription factors | POU

Sturm, R. A. (2006). Transcription factors | POU. Encyclopedia of Respiratory Medicine: Volume 1-4. (pp. 269-274) edited by Geoffrey J. Laurent and Steven D. Shapiro. Cambridge, MA United States: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B0-12-370879-6/00389-6

Transcription factors | POU

2005

Journal Article

Osteopontin in melanocytic lesions - A first step towards invasion?

Sturm, RA (2005). Osteopontin in melanocytic lesions - A first step towards invasion?. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 124 (5), xiv-XV. doi: 10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23741.x

Osteopontin in melanocytic lesions - A first step towards invasion?

2005

Journal Article

Altered cell surface expression of human MC1R variant receptor alleles associated with red hair and skin cancer risk

Beaumont, K. A., Newton, R. A., Smit, D. J., Leonard, J. H., Stow, J. L. and Sturm, R. A. (2005). Altered cell surface expression of human MC1R variant receptor alleles associated with red hair and skin cancer risk. Human Molecular Genetics, 14 (15), 2145-2154. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddi219

Altered cell surface expression of human MC1R variant receptor alleles associated with red hair and skin cancer risk

2005

Journal Article

Activation of the cAMP pathway by variant human MC1R alleles expressed in HEK and in melanoma cells

Newton, R. A., Smit, S. E., Barnes, C. C., Pedley, J., Parsons, P. G. and Sturm, R. A. (2005). Activation of the cAMP pathway by variant human MC1R alleles expressed in HEK and in melanoma cells. Peptides, 26 (10), 1818-1824. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.11.031

Activation of the cAMP pathway by variant human MC1R alleles expressed in HEK and in melanoma cells

2005

Journal Article

Co-expression of SOX9 and SOX10 during melanocytic differentiation in vitro

Cook, A. L., Smith, A. G., Smit, D. J., Leonard, J. H. and Sturm, R. A. (2005). Co-expression of SOX9 and SOX10 during melanocytic differentiation in vitro. Experimental Cell Research, 308 (1), 222-235. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2005.04.019

Co-expression of SOX9 and SOX10 during melanocytic differentiation in vitro

2004

Journal Article

Eye colour: portals into pigmentation genes and ancestry

Sturm, Richard A. and Frudakis, Tony N. (2004). Eye colour: portals into pigmentation genes and ancestry. Trends In Genetics, 20 (8), 327-332. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2004.06.010

Eye colour: portals into pigmentation genes and ancestry

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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