Gastrointestinal Cancer
Translational research into gastrointestinal cancer is carried out by Dr Alex Boussioutas in the Department of Medicine at the University of Melbourne campus at Western Hospital, Footscray.
Research Interests
The translational research into gastrointestinal cancer is interested in bringing research discoveries at the bench directly to the bedside to improve the management of gastrointestinal cancers. Major research interests for the lab. include:
- Discovery of molecular predictors of the progression of intestinal metaplasia to gastric cancer.
- Examining the role of the tumour microenvironment in tumour progression and clinical outcomes.
- Research into molecular events in Barrett's oesophagus leading to progression to oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Facilities
We have spacious laboratories, well equipped to carry out a full range of protein and molecular (DNA/RNA) analysis. In addition, we have two tissue culture suites and histology/microscopy capabilities. There are shared office facilities for all staff and students (2/office) and a computer lab. with a number of networked terminals, scanner and printers. The hospital library has numerous online journals and computer facilities. All staff have access to the nearby hospital carpark for secure off-street parking at reasonable rates. There are banking and coffee-shop/kiosk facilities close by on the hospital campus.
Publications
- Aggarwal A, Li Guo D, Hoshida Y, Tsan Yuen S, Chu KM, So S, Boussioutas A, Chen X, Bowtell D, Aburatani H, Leung SY & Tan P (2006). Topological and functional discovery in a gene coexpression meta-network of gastric cancer. Cancer Res, 66:232–41.
- Jenkins BJ, Grail D, Nheu T, Najdovska M, Wang B, Waring P, Inglese M, McLoughlin RM, Jones SA, Topley N, Baumann H, Judd LM, Giraud AS, Boussioutas A, Zhu HJ & Ernst M (2005). Hyperactivation of Stat3 in gp130 mutant mice promotes gastric hyperproliferation and desensitizes TGF-beta signaling. Nat Med,11:845–52.
- Tothill RW, Kowalczyk A, Rischin D, Boussioutas A, Haviv I, van Laar RK, Waring PM, Zalcberg J, Ward R, Biankin AV, Sutherland RL, Henshall SM, Fong K, Pollack JR, Bowtell DD & Holloway AJ (2005). An expression-based site of origin diagnostic method designed for clinical application to cancer of unknown origin. Cancer Res, 65:4031–40.
- Gorringe KL, Boussioutas A & Bowtell DD (2004). Novel regions of chromosomal amplification at 6p21, 5p13, and 12q14 in gastric cancer identified by array comparative genomic hybridization. Genes Chromosomes Cancer, 42:247–59.
- Boussioutas A, Li H, Liu J, Waring P, Lade S, Holloway AJ, Taupin D, Gorringe K, Haviv I, Desmond PV & Bowtell DD (2003). Distinctive patterns of gene expression in premalignant gastric mucosa and gastric cancer. Cancer Res, 63: 2569–77.
- Boussioutas A & Haviv I (2003). Current and potential uses for DNA microarrays in transplantation medicine: Lessons from other disciplines. Tissue Antigens, 62:93–103.
- Boussioutas A & Taupin D (2001). Towards a molecular approach to gastric cancer management. Intern Med J, 31:296–303.