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)

181 - 200 of 244 works

2004

Journal Article

Novel MC1R variants in ligurian melanoma patients and controls

Pastorino, Lorenza, Cusano, Roberto, Bruno, William, Lantieri, Francesca, Origone, Paola, Barile, Monica, Gliora, Sara, Shepherd, Graeme A., Sturm, Richard A. and Bianchi-Scarra, Giovanna (2004). Novel MC1R variants in ligurian melanoma patients and controls. Human Mutation, 24 (1), 103-1-103-8. doi: 10.1002/humu.9253

Novel MC1R variants in ligurian melanoma patients and controls

2004

Journal Article

Interactive effects of MC1R and OCA2 on melanoma risk phenotypes

Duffy, D. L., Box, N. F., Chen, W., Palmer, J. S., Montgomery, G. W., James, M. R., Hayward, N. K., Martin, N. G. and Sturm, R. A. (2004). Interactive effects of MC1R and OCA2 on melanoma risk phenotypes. Human Molecular Genetics, 13 (4), 447-461. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddh043

Interactive effects of MC1R and OCA2 on melanoma risk phenotypes

2004

Journal Article

A genome scan for eye color in 502 twin families: Most variation is due to a QTL on chromosome 15q

Zhu, G., Evans, D. M., Duffy, D. L., Montgomery, G. W., Medland, S. E., Gillespie, N. A., Ewen, K. R., Jewell, M., Liew, Y. W., Hayward, N. K., Sturm, R. A., Trent, J. M. and Martin, N. G. (2004). A genome scan for eye color in 502 twin families: Most variation is due to a QTL on chromosome 15q. Twin Research, 7 (2), 197-210. doi: 10.1375/136905204323016186

A genome scan for eye color in 502 twin families: Most variation is due to a QTL on chromosome 15q

2003

Journal Article

Human melanoblasts in culture: Expression of BRN2 and synergistic regulation by fibroblast growth factor-2, stem cell factor, and endothelin-3

Cook, A. L., Donatien, P. D., Smith, A. G., Murphy, M., Jones, M. K., Herlyn, M., Bennett, D. C., Leonard, J. H. and Sturm, R. A. (2003). Human melanoblasts in culture: Expression of BRN2 and synergistic regulation by fibroblast growth factor-2, stem cell factor, and endothelin-3. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 121 (5), 1150-1159. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12562.x

Human melanoblasts in culture: Expression of BRN2 and synergistic regulation by fibroblast growth factor-2, stem cell factor, and endothelin-3

2003

Journal Article

The role of melanocortin-1 receptor polymorphism in skin cancer risk phenotypes

Sturm, R. A., Duffy, D. L., Box, N. F., Chen, W., Smit, D. J., Brown, D. L., Stow, J. L., Leonard, J. H. and Martin, N. G. (2003). The role of melanocortin-1 receptor polymorphism in skin cancer risk phenotypes. Pigment Cell Research, 16 (3), 266-272. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0749.2003.00041.x

The role of melanocortin-1 receptor polymorphism in skin cancer risk phenotypes

2003

Journal Article

Screening of human primary melanocytes of defined melanocortin-1 receptor genotype: Pigmentation marker, ultrastructural and UV-survival studies

Leonard, J. Helen, Marks, Lisa H., Chen, Wei, Cook, Anthony L., Boyle, Glen M., Smit, Darren J., Brown, Darren L., Stow, Jennifer L., Parsons, Peter G. and Sturm, Richard A. (2003). Screening of human primary melanocytes of defined melanocortin-1 receptor genotype: Pigmentation marker, ultrastructural and UV-survival studies. Pigment Cell Research, 16 (3), 198-207. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0749.2003.00033.x

Screening of human primary melanocytes of defined melanocortin-1 receptor genotype: Pigmentation marker, ultrastructural and UV-survival studies

2003

Conference Publication

Expression of developmentally regulated transcription factors in Merkel cell carcinoma

Leonard, JH, Cook, AL, Van Gele, M, Speleman, F and Sturm, RA (2003). Expression of developmentally regulated transcription factors in Merkel cell carcinoma. 4th International Merkel Cell Symposium, Hamburg Germany, 2002. BERLIN: SPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN.

Expression of developmentally regulated transcription factors in Merkel cell carcinoma

2003

Book Chapter

Expression of developmentally regulated transcription factors in merkel cell carcinoma

Leonard, J.H., Cook, A., Van Gele, M., Speleman, F. and Sturm, R. A. (2003). Expression of developmentally regulated transcription factors in merkel cell carcinoma. The Merkel Cell Structure-Development-Function-Cancerogenesis. (pp. 203-218) edited by Baumann, Klaus, I; Halata, Zdenek; Moll and Ingrid. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer Verlag. doi: 10.1007/978-3-662-10358-6_30

Expression of developmentally regulated transcription factors in merkel cell carcinoma

2003

Book Chapter

Colour in our Genes - Natural selection operating through climatic, dietary or immunological pressures?

Sturm, R. A. (2003). Colour in our Genes - Natural selection operating through climatic, dietary or immunological pressures?. Human Evolutionary Genetics. (pp. 415-416) edited by Jobling, M A; Hurles, M E; Tyler-Smith and C. New York, USA: Garland Publishing Taylor & Francis Books Ltd..

Colour in our Genes - Natural selection operating through climatic, dietary or immunological pressures?

2003

Conference Publication

Genetic association and cellular function of MC1R variant alleles in human pigmentation

Sturm, R. A., Duffy, D. L., Box, N. F., Newton, R. A., Shepherd, A. G., Chen, W., Marks, L. H., Leonard, J. H. and Martin, N. G. (2003). Genetic association and cellular function of MC1R variant alleles in human pigmentation. Fifth International Melanocortin Meeting, Sunriver, Oregon, August 25-28, 2002. New York, U.S.: The Academy. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2003.tb03199.x

Genetic association and cellular function of MC1R variant alleles in human pigmentation

2002

Journal Article

Proneural and proneuroendocrine transcription factor expression in cutaneous mechanoreceptor (Merkel) cells and Merkel cell carcinoma

Leonard, J. Helen, Cook, Anthony L., Van Gele, Mireille, Boyle, Glen M., Inglis, Kelly J., Speleman, Frank and Sturm, Richard A. (2002). Proneural and proneuroendocrine transcription factor expression in cutaneous mechanoreceptor (Merkel) cells and Merkel cell carcinoma. International Journal of Cancer, 101 (2), 103-110. doi: 10.1002/ijc.10554

Proneural and proneuroendocrine transcription factor expression in cutaneous mechanoreceptor (Merkel) cells and Merkel cell carcinoma

2002

Journal Article

The getting of wisdom: Can we buy a kit for that?: Book reviews

Sturm, Richard A. (2002). The getting of wisdom: Can we buy a kit for that?: Book reviews. Molecular Membrane Biology, 19 (2), 155-156. doi: 10.1080/096876801210123908

The getting of wisdom: Can we buy a kit for that?: Book reviews

2002

Journal Article

Osteonectin/SPARC induction by ectopic beta(3) integrin in human radial growth phase primary melanoma cells

Sturm, Richard A., Satyamoorthy, Kapaeth, Meier, Freidegund, Gardiner, Brooke B., Smit, Darren J., Vaidya, Bhavesh and Herlyn, Meenhard (2002). Osteonectin/SPARC induction by ectopic beta(3) integrin in human radial growth phase primary melanoma cells. Cancer Research, 62 (1), 226-232.

Osteonectin/SPARC induction by ectopic beta(3) integrin in human radial growth phase primary melanoma cells

2002

Journal Article

Skin colour and skin cancer - MC1R, the genetic link

Sturm, RA (2002). Skin colour and skin cancer - MC1R, the genetic link. Melanoma Research, 12 (5), 405-416. doi: 10.1097/00008390-200209000-00001

Skin colour and skin cancer - MC1R, the genetic link

2001

Journal Article

Large mitochondrial repeats multiplied during the polymerase chain reaction

Campbell, Nick J. H., Sturm, Richard A. and Barker, Stephen C. (2001). Large mitochondrial repeats multiplied during the polymerase chain reaction. Molecular Ecology Notes, 1 (4), 336-340. doi: 10.1046/j.1471-8278 .2001.00093.x

Large mitochondrial repeats multiplied during the polymerase chain reaction

2001

Journal Article

MC1R genotype modifies risk of melanoma in families segregating CDKN2A mutations

Box, N. F., Duffy, D. L., Chen, W., Stark, M., Martin, N. G., Sturm, R. A. and Hayward, N. K. (2001). MC1R genotype modifies risk of melanoma in families segregating CDKN2A mutations. American Journal of Human Genetics, 69 (4), 765-773. doi: 10.1086/323412

MC1R genotype modifies risk of melanoma in families segregating CDKN2A mutations

2001

Journal Article

Skin colour and skin cancer - the genetic link

Box, N. and Sturm, R. A. (2001). Skin colour and skin cancer - the genetic link. Today's Life Science, 13, 20-24.

Skin colour and skin cancer - the genetic link

2001

Journal Article

Human pigmentation genes: identification, structure and consequences of polymorphic variation

Sturm, R. A., Teasdale, R. D. and Box, N. F. (2001). Human pigmentation genes: identification, structure and consequences of polymorphic variation. Gene, 277 (1-2), 49-62. doi: 10.1016/S0378-1119(01)00694-1

Human pigmentation genes: identification, structure and consequences of polymorphic variation

2001

Journal Article

Melanocortin-1 receptor genotype is a risk factor for basal and squamous cell carcinoma

Box, N. F., Duffy, D. L., Irving, R. E., Russell, A., Chen, W., Griffiths, L. R., Parsons, P. G., Green, A. C. and Sturm, R. A. (2001). Melanocortin-1 receptor genotype is a risk factor for basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 116 (2), 224-229. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2001.01224.x

Melanocortin-1 receptor genotype is a risk factor for basal and squamous cell carcinoma

2001

Journal Article

The human melanocortin-1 receptor locus: analysis of transcription unit, locus polymorphism and haplotype evolution

Smith, A. G., Box, N. F., Marks, L. H., Chen, W., Smit, D. J., Wyeth, J. R., Huttley, G. A., Easteal, S. and Sturm, R. A. (2001). The human melanocortin-1 receptor locus: analysis of transcription unit, locus polymorphism and haplotype evolution. Gene, 281 (1-2), 81-94. doi: 10.1016/S0378-1119(01)00791-0

The human melanocortin-1 receptor locus: analysis of transcription unit, locus polymorphism and haplotype evolution

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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