Dermatology Research Laboratory
Research in this laboratory is also related to Infection, immunity & inflammation.
Head of laboratory:
The major research interest of our department is skin cancer, both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. We concentrate on basic biological research in order to determine the events involved in the causation, formation and development of skin cancer. This is to discover new biological process through which we may be able to prevent or treat skin cancer.
In Australia, skin cancer is more prevalent than all other types of cancer combined, with about two thirds of Australians developing some kind of skin cancer during their lifetime. Melanoma is one of the largest causes of death in Australians under the age of 40. There has not been any great improvement in either prevention or treatment, although developments in early detection of skin cancer have been of benefit. Consequently this is a large medical problem, particularly in Australia. Our major interest is to discover processes by which Australians can live a healthy and active life in conjunction with the sun exposure that accompanies a large amount of our recreational and occupational activities.
The major goal of Prof Halliday's research programme is to investigate ultraviolet radiation induced photocarcinogenesis. This is being studied at the molecular, mutagenesis, and immunological levels. We are studying the role of two molecular pathways, chromatin remodeling, and the snail transcription factors in mediating skin cancer development. Our studies so far indicate that these two pathways are critical to skin cancer development. Determination of how these pathways are involved will indicate new biological process that it may be possible to target by development of new therapeutic drugs.
Research is also focusing on the roles of different UV wavebands within sunlight that cause the mutations in skin cancer, or suppress immunity. UV suppression of immunity and formation of mutations are the two biological events by which sunlight causes skin cancer. Our data indicates a large role for UVA in addition to UVB in causing human skin cancer, suggesting that more attention needs to be given to the development of procedures for protection from UVA. We are developing more effective protective strategies in clinical trials in humans. An additional area of study is mechanisms by which skin cells repair sunlight induced genetic damage.
