Laureate Professor Rodney Scott

Laureate Professor Rodney Scott
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2008 Fellowship
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HMRI Award for Research Excellence
2008 HMRI Award for Research Excellence
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2007 Scholarship
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2006 Scholarship
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1999 Project Grant

What are your research interests?

I am interested in understanding the mechanisms of disease so that more appropriate approaches to treatment can be developed to improve outcomes.

I have been interested for many years in molecular aspects of bowel and breast cancer.  By studying the molecular basis of these diseases it has served as a springboard to study other diseases such as melanoma, ovarian cancer and multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia. Indeed the skills I acquired as a geneticist are transferable to a variety of other diseases. 

Why did you get into research?

When I first started my research career in the 1980s, I realised very early on that this was a profession that was always going to change and would not become mundane. This was the sort of career I relished because the last thing I wanted was a career that was repetitive. 

I used to discuss with my father how he treated his patients for their diseases and I realised that I wanted to do more than that.  As a medical researcher, I concluded that I could make a more profound difference to people’s health by understanding the genetic basis of disease.

What is the ultimate goal for your research?

Ultimately, I want to alleviate needless suffering. I hope that we can develop the ability to intervene at an appropriate time in someone’s life to reduce the risk of succumbing to a disease before they should. We all grow old and I want to see people living a long fulfilling life that is healthy from beginning to end.

Biography

Laureate Professor Rodney Scott is an internationally recognised leader in genetics who has been instrumental in bringing the Hunter to the forefront of personalised medicine.

Professor Scott has been involved with HMRI since it was established in 1998. His first appointment in the Hunter was as Professor and Head of the Discipline of Medical Genetics at the University of Newcastle and as Director of Molecular Medicine in the Hunter Area Pathology Service, positions he still holds.

His research focuses on the identification of genes associated with inherited forms of colorectal cancer and breast cancer. In 2005 Professor Scott was appointed the inaugural HMRI NBN Telethon Chair of Childhood Cancer in recognition of his outstanding research track record in genetic predispositions to cancer. The work involved looking at the genetics of leukaemia and brain tumours in children which is ongoing.

Professor Scott is involved with the Hunter New England Health Family Cancer Genetic Counselling Service and first initiated testing for familial breast and familial colon cancer in the Hunter New England Region to ensure early risk detection for patients and their families that could lead to preventative strategies and better.

Recently, Professor Scott found a new suite of genetic biomarkers that are associated with the “triple negative breast cancer", a subtype of breast cancer that lacks the three critical receptors and is difficult to treat since none of the newer therapies target this type of breast disease.  In women with this type of cancer, the well-known BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were found to be present in up to 10% of patients. 

Professor Scott’s work has led to collaborations with other HMRI Research Programs and collaborators across the globe, now having more than 500 peer reviewed scientific publications in genetics research spanning the fields of cancer, asthma, stroke, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, macular degeneration, lung disease and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). He has attracted over $45 million in grant funding over the course of his career.

Professor Scott currently leads a program of over 30 research staff and is supervising over 20 post-graduate students working on multiple aspects of genetic research.

More details at Professor Scott’s University of Newcastle research profile

Specialised / Technical Skills

  • Next generation DNA sequencing
  • Genome wide association studies
  • Genetic testing
  • Cell culture
  • Cancer cell biology
  • Bioinformatics

Affiliations

2017

Too Much of a Good Thing: Application for a triple-gas incubator to allow cell culture under normal conditions
Equipment Grant
Description:

A very useful and convenient method used in many fields of medical research involves growing cells in the laboratory. Cells are ""cultured"" in plastic dishes in incubators that provide an environment warmed to body temperature, 37 degrees Celsius. Human cells also require carbon dioxide to grow and this is added to the ambient air in the incubator. This kind of cell culture has been used for over a century and has been accepted as the standard way of growing cells in the laboratory. This method is very important and useful in cancer research.

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VIdentifying the genetic basis of childhood brain tumours by exome sequencing
Project Grant
Researchers:
Description:

Childhood brain tumours (CBTs) are the second most common paediatric malignancy after leukaemia and the leading cause of cancer-related death in children under the age of 19 years. CBTs can be classified into several distinct groups based on their cell morphology and malignant potential. All CBTs have a neuroepithelial origin and are thought to be derived from neural stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of different tumour types such as astrocytic tumours, oligodendroglial tumours, mixed gliomas, ependymal tumours, neuronal and mixed tumours, neuronal and glial tumours, embryonal tumours and primitive neuroectodermal tumours. By far the most frequent are gliomas, followed by embryonal tumours. 

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Genome wide approach to risk assess Multiple Myeloma and precursor plasma cell disorders
Project Grant
Researchers:

Dr Anoop Enjeti, Ms Nadine Berry, Dr Wojt Janowski, L/Prof Rodney Scott, Prof Philip Rowlings

Description:

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells, which are mature white blood cells within the bone marrow. The disease causes bone pain and weakening which often leads to fractures. It typically affects people over the age of 60, with about 1700 new diagnoses each year in Australia. It is incurable and carries a life expectancy of 2-7 years depending on the aggressiveness of the tumour cells. Although the actual cause of MM is unknown, it is often preceded by less severe forms of the disease called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM). However, not everyone with these early stages will develop MM, and it is not clear what drives progression of the disease. 

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A novel minimally invasive assay to identify patients with bowel cancer
Project Grant
Researchers:

Dr Peter Pockney, Laureate Prof Rodney Scott

Description:

Faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is used as a population based method to identify people over the age of 50 years with colorectal cancer.   Fortunately, the majority of patients with a positive FOBT do not have colorectal cancer and only about 5% are diagnosed with CRC and 30% with polyps after colonoscopy.  Colonoscopy is not without risk and even in the most experienced hands there is a morbidity associated with this procedure.

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2016

QX200 AutoDG Droplet Digital PCR System
Equipment Grant
Researchers:
Description:

The QX200 AutoDG Droplet Digital PCR System will increase the genomic research capacity of HMRI helping researchers to understand the molecular basis of the disease.

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2015

The Virtuous Circle: A Living Brain Cancer BioBank
Project Grant
Description:

Whilst treatments for brain cancer are improving these do not work well in all patients. 

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2014

MicroRNA’s of the Brain and Blood in Multiple Sclerosis
Project Grant
Description:

This project aims to confirm or refute the predicted targets of the deregulated miRNA and determine the functional impact this has on cellular behaviour in the MS brain.

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Triple-gas incubator
Equipment Grant
Description:

Dr Gedye’s basic laboratory research within the HMRI Building will focus on ways of targeting these more aggressive kidney cancer cells, and hopefully lead to novel combinations of old and new drugs to work with the medications routinely used in the clinic.

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A new frontier in breast cancer: Can small molecules in the blood predict outcome?
Project Grant
Description:

The research team has identified 27 small molecules called micro RNAs that are associated with very aggressive triple negative breast cancer subtype.

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The Virtuous Circle: A Living Brain Cancer BioBank
Project Grant
Description:

Whilst treatments for brain cancer are improving these do not work well in all patients.

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Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Depressive Symptoms: Trajectory and Outcomes in a Longitudinal Population Data Set
Project Grant
Description:

This project comprises the analysis of DNA samples obtained within the NHRMC funded 5-year longitudinal study of mental health among rural community residents.

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p53 isoforms in breast cancer - MM Sawyer Estate Scholarship
Scholarship
Researchers:
Description:

Estrogen and p53 (a gene known to stop cancer development) are essential in normal breast growth.

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2013

Targeted next-generation sequencing of potential breast cancer susceptibility genes (Bridge Funding)
Fellowship
Description:

Michelle’s PhD project is entitled The Contribution of Genetic Susceptibility to Breast Cancer. 

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Biological characterisation of genetic associations for large artery atherosclerotic stroke
Project Grant
Researchers:

Dr Elizabeth Holliday, Rodney Scott, Christopher Levi, John Attia 

Description:

Genetic risk factors, gene expression and ischaemic stroke

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Antipituitary Autoantibodies and Pituitary Target Autoantigens
Project Grant
Researchers:

Dr Vicki Maltby, Associate Professor Patricia Crock, Professor Rodney Scott

Description:

The thyroid gland is responsible for the secretion of hormones involved in growth, sleep patterns, and cognitive development.

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Happy Healthy Children: A genome wide association study on childhood brain tumours
Project Grant
Researchers:

Professor Rodney Scott, Dr Frank Alvaro, Tiffany-Jane Evans, Elizabeth Milne, Bruce Armstrong, Professor John Attia, Elizabeth Holliday 

Description:

Brain tumours are the second most frequent cancer diagnosed in children yet very little is known about the risk factors associated with their occurrence or what events are necessary for their progression.

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miRNA regulation of growth, invasion and treatment response in triple negative breast cancer
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Researchers:
Description:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy that develops in women, responsible for the highest cancer-related death rates. While the prognosis is good if the cancer is limited to the breast; once a patient has developed metastatic disease they are essentially incurable.

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Drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system; repositioning their therapeutic targets to endometrial cancer
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The genetic determinants of brain haemorrhage associated with stroke thrombolysis
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Researchers:

Professor Christopher Levi, J. Sturmm, Mark Parsons, Neil Spratt, A. Loiselle, B. O'Brien, V. Zenteno, L.Holliday, Rodney Scott, J. Maguire 

Description:

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in Australia and the second leading cause of death.

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A genome-wide study of lymphocyte-specific DNA methylation status in relation to Multiple Sclerosis
Project Grant
Description:

To identify the major lymphocyte-specific epigenetic loci associated with susceptibility to MS

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The function of the delta-40p53 isoform in breast cancer
Project Grant
Researchers:
Description:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer that develops in women. A gene known to suppress cancer development (p53) is essential for the normal growth of the breast. Loss of this control is associated with poor outcome in breast cancer.

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p53 isoforms in breast cancer
Scholarship
Researchers:
Description:

Estrogen and p53 (a gene known to stop cancer development) are essential in normal breast growth.

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2012

MicroRNA in Multiple Sclerosis
Project Grant
Small p53 isoforms, BIG implications for treatment response in breast cancer
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2011

p53 isoforms in breast cancer - MM Sawyer Estate Scholarship
Scholarship
Researchers:
Development of a diagnostic genetic test for childhood skin cancer disorders - Lawrie Bequest Paediatric Oncology Research Project Grant
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2010

MicroRNA in Multiple Sclerosis
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Nucleotide excision repair gene expression in melanoma
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Researchers:

Dr Nikola Bowden, Katie Ashton, Stephen Braye, Rodney Scott, Ricardo Vilain

p53 isoforms, a prognostic indicator in breast cancer?
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Researchers:
The identification of microRNAs as therapeutic targets for the treatment of advanced breast cancer
Project Grant
Analysis of schizophrenia-associated gene and mircoRNA signatures in purified CD4 and CD8 positive T-cells
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Researchers:

Dr Murray Cairns, Jingqin Wu, Paul Tooney, Rodney Scott

Genetic influences in colorectal cancer: a global consortium
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Researchers:
Vascular Ischemia Study
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Researchers:
Gene expression profiling of Xeroderma pigmentosum 1 yr fellowship
Fellowship
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2009

Identification of Genetic Modifiers of Kidney Disease
Project Grant
Researchers:

Dr Severine Roselli, Leonie Ashman, Professor Rodney Scott
 

Genome wide SNP association study of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
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Search for modifer genes influencing breast cancer incidence in families diagnosed with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.
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2008

PhD Scholarship
Scholarship
Genome wide SNP association study of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Project Grant
Identification of novel markers in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; investigation of DNA methylations and non-coding small microRNAs
Project Grant
Researchers:

Dr Kyu-Tae Kim, Professor Rodney Scott
 

Brain Science and Young People’s Mental Health: A gene expression study in young people at ultra high risk of developing schizophrenia
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The effects of iron status on calcium handling systems in heart and brain
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Post Doctoral Fellowship - Gene expression profiling of Xeroderma pigmentosum - post doctoral fellowship - 1 year - Katie Ashton
Fellowship
Researchers:
Award for Research Excellence - Rodney Scott
HMRI Award for Research Excellence
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2007

Genetic polymorphisms in the native thrombolytic systems as risk factors for ischaemic stroke
Project Grant
Researchers:

Dr Christopher Levi, Dr John Attia, Professor Rodney Scott, Dr Amanda Thrift
 

NBN Children's Cancer Research scholarship x 3 (part of NBN Fellowship funds) Bente Talseth, David Mossman, Stuart Reeves
Scholarship
Researchers:

Professor Rodney ScottBente Talseth, David Mossman, Stuart Reeves

2006

Genetic origins of childhood cancer
Project Grant
NBN Children's Cancer Research scholarship x 3 (part of NBN Fellowship funds) Bente Talseth, David Mossman, Stuart Reeves
Scholarship
Researchers:

Professor Rodney ScottBente Talseth, David Mossman, Stuart Reeves

2005

NBN Children's Cancer Research scholarship x 3 (part of NBN Fellowship funds) Bente Talseth, David Mossman, Stuart Reeves
Scholarship
Researchers:

Professor Rodney ScottBente Talseth, David Mossman, Stuart Reeves

NBN Children's Cancer Research scholarship x 3 (part of NBN Fellowship funds) Bente Talseth, David Mossman, Stuart Reeves
Equipment Grant
Researchers:
NBN Children's Cancer Research scholarship x 3 (part of NBN Fellowship funds) Bente Talseth, David Mossman, Stuart Reeves
Fellowship
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Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cancer Research
Project Grant
Researchers:

2004

The role of MYHgene mutations in persons who have developed early onset colorectal cancer.
Project Grant
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2003

Evaluating a new genetic risk factor for hereditary colon cancer
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Researchers:

2002

The genetic origins of childhood cancer
Project Grant

2001

The development of microarray technology of biomedical research in the Hunter Region.
Project Grant

1999

Investigation of the cellular checkpoint proteins in desmoid tumour cells.
Project Grant
Researchers:

Dr Benjamin Curry and Professor Rodney Scott