Olga Zaytseva

Dr. Olga Zaytseva is a Research Fellow at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR), Australian National University, specializing in cancer biology within the Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics. She is a key member of the Division of Genome Sciences and Cancer and The Quinn Group, focusing on brain cancer discovery. Her work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and translational research to address fundamental questions in cancer development.

Her research interests center on transcriptional regulation, particularly the role of Myc oncogene in brain development and cancer progression. Using Drosophila models, she investigates cell growth control mechanisms, stem cell biology, and RNA-mediated regulatory pathways. Her work bridges basic science with therapeutic applications for brain cancers, with a strong emphasis on understanding how transcription factors like Myc drive tumorigenesis.

Analysis of her publications reveals a consistent focus on molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development, with particular expertise in Drosophila models for studying transcriptional regulation. Her work spans from fundamental discoveries in developmental biology to translational cancer research, demonstrating how basic mechanisms of gene regulation relate to oncogenesis. The recurring themes include cell cycle control, transcription initiation, and the balance between growth promotion and inhibition in normal development versus cancer.

Scientific Awards:

• The JCSMR Gender Equity Fund (2022)

Dr. Zaytseva is registered to supervise research students and leads active projects including 'Screening patient-derived glioma lines to identify novel drugs targeting IDH1-driven brain cancer' (2025-2026) and 'Understanding how FUBP1 drives primary brain cancer towards rational drug discovery' (2023-2024). Her collaborative approach with Professor Leonie Quinn demonstrates strong grant acquisition capabilities in competitive funding environments.

As a core member of The Quinn Group within JCSMR's Division of Genome Sciences and Cancer and The Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, she contributes to a multidisciplinary research environment focused on translating basic discoveries into potential cancer therapeutics, particularly for brain cancers.