Dr Matt Dun

Research Philosophy 

Dedication, collaboration and hard work are the hallmarks of my medical research career focused on providing novel insights into some of the most common and devastating types of cancer; acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), paediatric T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, breast and prostate cancers. 

My PhD program of research was achieved by publication, with distinction, in less than three years and decorated by eleven national and international research awards. During which I was fortunate to be mentored by two of the Universities most respected scientists in Prof. John Aitken and Prof. Brett Nixon. The significant contributions made to my field by PhD resulted in my dissertation being awarded the Annual Vice Chancellors Award for Research High Degree Excellence (2012), and has subsequently laid the foundations for me to achieve my ambitions of developing a successful and internationally competitive research program here at the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

My research program in collaboration with Dr Nicole Verrills and Dr Anoop Enjeti is focused on developing new anti-leukaemia drugs synthesised in collaboration with the UNSW Chemistry Department (Prof Morris). This targeted anti-cancer approach is complemented by a program of discovery research focused on furthering our understandings into how common gene mutations regulate growth, survival and proliferation in cancer cells.This work is funding by the Cancer Institute of NSW whom awarded me an esteemed Early Career Research Fellowship 2014-2016 ('Identifying novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)'). I am also interested in cellular signalling regulated by growth factors in stem cells and have a program of research studying the molecular switch from quiescences to activation regulated by protein phosphatases.

I have been very fortunate to receive the support of the HMRI whose public advocacy has helped to develop my research program. Specifically, generous support from the Life Governor of the HMRI Jennie Thomas and Mrs Alyson Gearing has enabled me to study and work in the laboratories of field leading scientists in Belgium and Denmark. Further, the Estate of the Late Mr James Scott Lawrie and the Hunter Ski Club Project Grants has enabled me to continue my work into developing new treatments for AML and other paediatric blood diseases.

I am very fortunate to have extensive national and international collaborators with field leading scientists and haematologists. These opportunities provide my group with access to the world's most sophisticated technologies and relevant patient samples. These technologies are bridging the very large gap that currently exists between cancer genomics and proteomics. Our sophisticated studies are helping to identify new bona fide biomarkers for the development of new-targeted therapies to treat AML, ALL, breast cancers and prostate cancer.

Aside from research, I am committed to scientific advocacy and the promoting of the research achievements of our young local researchers. I am a Director of the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) and locally I have formed the ASMR Newcastle committee, which now hosts 'The ASMR Satellite Scientific Meeting' annually at the HMRI. This meeting showcases the recent research achievements of young Hunter based scientists and clinicians. The meeting also helps to encourage postgraduate and student interactions and fosters collaborations between researchers affiliated within the Faculty of Health and Medicine, the Faculty of Science and Information Technology and the HMRI. If you would like information on this conference please contact Dr Nicole Ryan Nicole.Ryan@newcastle.edu.au

My goal is to continue to attract talented students to join my research program while continuing to generate the required research funding to enable us to translate our important medical discoveries into new treatments options for cancer patients.

If you are interesting in joining my team or supporting my research please contact me at: Matt.Dun@newcastle.edu.au.

Research Expertise

Since the completion of my PhD I have commenced my postdoctoral training within the Faculty of Health and Medicine Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), associated with the Hunter Cancer Research Alliance (HCRA) and in collaboration with the Calvary Mater Hospital Medical Oncology Department. My Research Program is focused on elucidating the biochemical mechanisms that underpin novel anti-cancer therapies for improved treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), paediatric T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T ALL), breast and prostate cancers. In this context, my technical strengths in many aspects of cell analysis, including: characterisation of protein expression, proteomic profiling including iTRAQ and SILAC, phosphoproteomics, DNA mutational analysis, cellular imagery, identification of protein-protein interactions via Co-immunoprecipitation, Far-Western blotting and Blue Native PAGE, cell culture, functional assays and the generation of recombinant proteins and polyclonal antibodies has been recognised. My ever growing knowledge and skill base has benefited from close association with national and international colleagues. Funding in 2015 enabled me to conduct leukaemia genomics and animal training at the VIB KU Leuven in Belgium, and funding from  2013 and 2014 has enabled me to spend three months working at Institut for Biokemi og Molekylær Biologi at the Syddansk Universitet where I worked with experts in proteomic assays, including phosphoproteomics, membrane proteomics, glycoproteomics, iTRAQ and SILIC. These phosphoproteomics studies utilised Hunter AML patients samples and is allowing us to determine the role oncogenic signalling has on growth and survival of the cancer which will help us identify novel treatment targets and identify the disease causing mutations that are associated with recurrent DNA mutations These complex investigations are aimed at unravelling the pathogenesis of disease, with the resulting data providing us with a better understanding of each condition. Following this sabbatical I was fortunate to present my work on AML at the American Association of Cancer Research in Washington DC.

In 2013 I received the Australian Society for Medical Research Recipient of the NSW Office for Health and Medical Research Postdoctoral Award for Excellence in Medical Research. This award was presented at the ASMR NSW Scientific Meeting. Commencing 2014 my research program is strongly supported thanks to the Cancer Institute of NSW Early Career Research Fellowship. This funding is for three years and aims to 'Identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia'. These experiences are helping me to establishing a firm foundation for a productive career in cancer cell biology. My ambitions are to attract talented students and integrate my many technical skills on Australian patients samples and to use model systems to further elucidate the mechanisms of disease. Please contact me if you are interesting in joining my team. Matt.Dun@newcastle.edu.au

Teaching Expertise

• 2012 - 2014: Lecturer, HUBS1202 Human Genomics and Biomolecular Analysis. • 2012 - : Head Tutor, HUBS3302 Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics. • • 2011: Lecturer and Head Demonstrator, BIOL2020 Animal Physiology & Development. • 2011: Head Demonstrator, BIOL3020 Reproductive Physiology & Development head demonstrator. • 2011: Demonstrator, BIOL3001 Advanced Laboratory Skills. • 2010: Lecturer and Head Demonstrator, BIOL2020 Animal Physiology & Development. • 2010: Head Demonstrator, BIOL3020 Reproductive Physiology & Development head demonstrator. • 2010: Demonstrator, BIOL3001 Advanced Laboratory Skills. • 2009: Head Demonstrator, BIOL2020 Animal Physiology & Development. • 2009: Head Demonstrator, BIOL3020 Reproductive Physiology & Development head demonstrator. • 2009: Demonstrator, BIOL3001 Advanced Laboratory Skills. I am a lecturer for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree specifically, HUBS1202 Human Genomics and Biomolecular Analysis and HUBS3302 Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics. During my PhD I carried a significant teaching load, lecturing 2nd year Physiology for Biotech/Science students and spending almost 500 hours as Laboratory Head Demonstrator. Also during my studies I played Rugby Union for the University of Newcastle and was awarded runner up for Sports Person of the Year, awarded a University Blue and represented NSW in rugby union for five consecutive years. I was also awarded the Representative Player of the Year for the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union and in the same year was awarded the NSW Country Rugby Union Championships Player of the Tournament.

Administrative Expertise

Professional memberships:  • 2015 – Director the Australian Society for Medical Research. • 2014 –, Hunter Cancer Research Alliance Flagship Program in Implementation Scientific Committee Member • 2014, Convenor of the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) Satellite Scientific Meeting • 2013 –, Committee Member of the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) • 2012 –, Member of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) • 2012 –, Member of the Australian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG) • 2012 –, Member of the Australian Society of Medical Research (ASMR) • 2011 – 2012. Society of Reproductive Biology (SRB) Australian Student Representative to council • 2010 – 2012. Young Investigators of Reproductive Biology Epididymis Council Co-Chair (International Society) • 2010 – 2012. Priority Research Centre Reproductive Biology Meetings Co-Organiser (Reproductive Sciences, Eggs to Embryos and Mothers and Babies Groups) • 2010. University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Committee, Conference Organising Chair

Collaborations

• Dr Nicole Verrills Medical Biochemistry, The University of Newcastle and HMRI.

• Dr Anoop Enjeti, Clinical Haematologist, The Calvary Mater Hospital.

• Dr Andrew Wei, Clinical Haematologist, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University.

• Prof Jan Cools and Dr Charley De Bock at the Department of Human Genetic VIB KU Leuven Belgium.

• Prof Martin Larsen, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Southern Denmark.

• • Prof Steve Ackland, Dr Jenntte Sakoff and Dr Jayne Gilbert, Medical Oncology, The Calvary Mater Hospital and HMRI.

• Prof Hubert Hondermarck, Professor of Medical Biochemistry, The University of Newcastle.

• Prof Martin Larsen, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Southern Denmark.

• Prof Jonathan Morris and Hamish Toop, Chemistry Department, University of New South Wales.

• Prof Richard Locke, Dr Anthony Don and Dr Anchit Khanna Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales.

• Prof Jenny Martin, Clinical Pharmacologist, The Calvary Mater Hospital, The University of Newcastle and HMRI.

• Prof Brett Nixon, Reproductive Science Group, The University of Newcastle and HMRI.

• A/Prof Brett Nixon, Reproductive Science Group, The University of Newcastle and HMRI.