معرفی
Ross Dickins is an Associate Professor (Research) and laboratory head at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD), a department within Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, based at the Alfred Hospital. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of hematopoiesis and leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), using RNA interference and genetic models to study gene regulation, differentiation therapy, and relapse mechanisms.
- PhD, Postdoctoral Training: Developed RNA interference technology in New York; foundational work in gene silencing in mammalian systems.
- Current Affiliation: Monash University – Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Faculty of Medicine.
- Research Focus: AML, transcription factors, tumor suppressor genes, differentiation therapy, immune regulation in cancer and autoimmunity.
His research explores how mutations in transcription factors block maturation in acute leukemia and how differentiation therapies can overcome this. A major interest is understanding relapse after differentiation therapy and the role of residual disease. His lab also investigates how myeloid antigen-presenting cells regulate T-cell costimulation, with implications for CTLA4-based immunotherapies. He is actively involved in mentoring PhD students and leading research projects.
The recent publications highlight a strong trend in AML biology, including mechanisms of differentiation, resistance, and relapse, as well as transcriptional and epigenetic regulation. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, often using genetically engineered mouse models and CRISPR/RNAi screening technologies.
Scientific Awards and Recognition:
- No specific awards mentioned in the provided text.
Grants and Supervision:
- Primary Chief Investigator on multiple NHMRC-funded projects, including 'Mechanisms of AML differentiation therapy response and relapse' (2020–2023) and 'Overcoming the differentiation block in acute myeloid leukaemia' (2017–2020).
- Accepts PhD students; supervision interests include novel immunosuppressive mechanisms of CTLA4 therapies and AML differentiation.
Laboratory and Collaborations:
- Leads the Dickins Group at ACBD.
- Extensive collaborations with researchers at Monash and internationally, particularly in leukemia and immunology.
