Lionel Hebbard

Lionel Hebbard is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at James Cook University's College of Medicine and Dentistry. His research spans hepatocellular carcinoma mechanisms, metabolic liver disease, and cancer therapeutics with significant contributions to adiponectin biology and sarcopenia assessment in cardiac surgery.

• James Cook University (Current)
• Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
• College of Medicine and Dentistry
• Senior Researcher in Liver Cancer Biology

His research focuses on hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis, particularly adiponectin signaling pathways and liver cancer stem cells. He investigates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression to cancer, metabolic drivers of tumorigenesis, and therapeutic targeting using aptamer-based delivery systems. Recent work explores sarcopenia quantification via CT imaging for cardiac surgery risk prediction, demonstrating clinical translation of his molecular findings. His lab employs advanced techniques including CRISPR screening (TARGET-SL platform), in vitro cancer models, and murine tumor systems.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on translational liver cancer research (60%), cardiac surgery complications (20%), and emerging biotechnologies (20%). Key trends include adiponectin's dual roles in fibrosis and tumorigenesis, sarcopenia as a surgical biomarker, and aptamer-based targeting of cancer stem cells. His work consistently bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnostics and treatment.

He mentors multiple doctoral students and early-career researchers including Rhys Gillman and Miriam Wankell. His research is supported by continuous funding from Australian NHMRC and international collaborations with George Jacob (Westmead Institute), Qiao Liang (Bentham Books), and Ranscht Barbara (T-cadherin studies).

He leads the Hepatic Cancer Biology laboratory focusing on:

• Liver cancer stem cell characterization
• Adiponectin receptor signaling in HCC
• Metabolic drivers of tumor progression
• Novel drug delivery systems for liver cancer
• Translational sarcopenia assessment tools