My Expertise
I am internationally recognised as a pioneer in the field of pancreatic fibrogenesis/scarring, a feature of two major pancreatic diseases - chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, both of which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and are notoriously difficult to treat. My Group was the first in the world to isolate and characterise the specific cells called pancreatric stellate cells (PSCs) responsible for producing scarring of the pancreas and we are recognised for our groundbreaking work in understanding the biology of these cells and the crucial role that they play in disease progression. My vision is to develop novel treatments by targeting the cross-talk between PSCs and other cells in the pancreas, so as to prevent/retard progression of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, thereby improving patient outcomes. In addition to this, my current work is also focussed on identifying specific biomarkers that will enable early detection of pancreatic cancer, a much needed step for improving the dismal survival rate of patients with this disease.
Biography
Research Interests:
Pancreatitis is a major complication of alcohol abuse. The pathogenesis of alcohol-induced pancreatic injury is a major interest. Pancreatic fibrosis is a characteristic feature of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Mechanisms responsible for pancreatic fibrogenesis, in particular the role of pancreatic stellate cells in the fibrosis of chronic pancreatitis as well as pancreatic cancer is being studied. National...view more
Research Interests:
Pancreatitis is a major complication of alcohol abuse. The pathogenesis of alcohol-induced pancreatic injury is a major interest. Pancreatic fibrosis is a characteristic feature of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Mechanisms responsible for pancreatic fibrogenesis, in particular the role of pancreatic stellate cells in the fibrosis of chronic pancreatitis as well as pancreatic cancer is being studied. National and international collaborations have been set up to study the role of pancreatic stellate cells in the local and distant spread of pancreatic cancer.
Broad Research Areas:
Gastrointestinal Diseases, Cell Biology and Gene Regulation, Cancer, Inflammation, Drug Related Harm / Addiction
Qualifications:
MB BS, MMedSci, PhD
Society Memberships & Professional Activities:
Member, Gastroenterological Society of Australia, Member, Australian Society for Medical Research, Member, Australian Society for Experimental Pathology, Member, American Gastroenterological Association, Member, American Pancreatic Association, Member, International Association of Pancreatology, Founding Member and Past President, Australasian Pancreatic Club, Founding Member, Asian Oceanic Pancreatic Association, Member, Editorial Board, Pancreas, Member, Editorial Board, Pancreatology, Member, Editorial Board, World Journal of gastroenterology, Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Member, Editorial Board, American Journal of Physiology
Specific Research Keywords:
Alcohol, Pancreatitis, Pancreatic stellate cells, Pancreatic cancer, Fibrogenesis
Location
Contact
Publications
ORCID as entered in ROS
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0194-8939