Stem cell dynamics in intestinal regeneration and cancer

Host: Associate Professor Amee George

Abstract

The epithelial lining of the intestinal tract has a remarkable capacity to renew following damage but is also highly vulnerable to infection and tumorigenesis. Stem cells that reside within crypts and drive epithelial renewal are exposed to a highly complex environment that influences stem cell function. Regeneration of the epithelium following damage reactivates embryonic genes. We have uncovered a key niche signal that promotes stem cell identity and enhances regeneration following epithelial injury. Using patient-derived organoids models we have also determined that regenerative mechanisms and activation of embryonic genes play a role in colorectal cancer and the development of chemoresistance.

Biography

Professor Helen Abud is Head of the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Co-head of the Development and Stem Cells Program and Head of the Stem Cells and Cancer Laboratory at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. She has a longstanding interest in how organs form and the environmental influences that regulate stem cells in normal tissues and tumours. Her laboratory utilises mouse models and patient-derived organoids to investigate the role of stem cells in repair of the epithelial lining of the intestine, how infection can impact stem cells and mechanisms governing the plasticity of stem cells in colorectal tumours. Helen initially trained at WEHI in Melbourne before undertaking her doctorate at Oxford University, with Professor John Heath where she studied the role of FGFs in limb development. This was followed by postdoctoral training in the Department of Anatomy (Oxford, UK) with Professor Kate Storey on neural induction, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Melbourne, Australia) and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Melbourne, Australia) with Associate Professor Joan Heath where her interest in intestinal biology was initiated. Helen then established own laboratory at Monash, where she combines her passion of teaching and mentoring students with research. Helen served as President of the Australian Society for Stem Cell Research 2020-2022.