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Professor Brandon Wainwright

Professor

Frazer Institute
Faculty of Medicine
b.wainwright@imb.uq.edu.au
*

Overview

Professor Brandon Wainwright AM is Co-Director of the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre and leads a laboratory within the UQ Diamantina Institute focused on understanding the genetic pathways behind medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumour that occurs predominantly in children. He is Chair of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Australia, Chair of the Advisory Board of the Robinson Research Institute and Chair of the Board of the South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute (SAIGENCI), and serves on the boards the Australian Genome Research Facility as well as several national and international scientific review committees, including the MRFF Brain Tumour Roadmap Committee.

Professor Wainwright completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at The University of Adelaide, after which he secured a postdoctoral fellowship with St Mary's Hospital at Imperial College London. During his six years at Imperial he worked on the first human genome project and also became a Medical Research Council Senior Research Fellow. He returned to Australia in 1990 to join UQ's Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology (now IMB) and led the Institute for Molecular Biology until 2019.

Professor Wainwright is a geneticist, renowned for discovering the genetic pathway that causes most human cancer. He is skilled in molecular genetics, where he is using genetic approaches to dig through DNA and find the genes that cause disease. He commenced using these skills to locate the cystic fibrosis gene, but it was when isolating a gene responsible for a rare form of brain cancer called Medulloblastoma, that he discovered the role of the ‘Hedgehog Pathway' in common human cancer.

Research Interests

  • Cancer and cell signalling
    Skin cancer is a major public health issue in Australia, with the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer costing our community more than $264 million each year. Moreover, brain tumours remain the most common cause of cancer-related death in children and of these, medulloblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed. Our laboratory has made great progress in understanding the genetic pathways behind the most common form of skin cancer in Australia, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), and medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumour that occurs predominantly in children. Having mapped and isolated the Naevoid Basel Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS) gene called Patched, which is the driver for a medical condition where affected individuals have a predisposition for developing BCC and medulloblastoma, we were able to identify the Patched gene as a controller of a molecular signalling pathway called the Hedgehog pathway. The Hedgehog pathway is a set of genetic mutations that contribute to the development of a wide range of tumour types, including lung, pancreatic and ovarian cancer. By examining this pathway and how it interacts with other genetic pathways, our scientists have gained a better understanding of the normal development of the skin and cerebellum, a part of the brain that controls motor functions. By manipulating the strength of the Hedgehog pathway we believe stem cell populations can be expanded or can be induced to become cancerous. Our lab has identified the core genetic components that lead to the development of medulloblastoma. This work will enable the therapeutic targeting of every medulloblastoma, not just a subset, leading to more powerful clinical trials and ultimately more effective treatment options.

Qualifications

  • PhD, The University of Adelaide
  • BSc(Hons), The University of Adelaide

Publications

View all Publications

Grants

View all Grants

Supervision

  • A new therapy for paediatric brain tumours.

    Doctor Philosophy

  • New treatments for children with medulloblastoma.

    Doctor Philosophy

  • The role of the blood brain barrier in the successful treatment of brain tumours in children

    Doctor Philosophy

View all Supervision

Publications

Journal Article

Conference Publication

  • MEDB-06. Spatial transcriptomic analysis of Sonic Hedgehog Medulloblastoma identifies that loss of heterogeneity and induced differentiation underlies the response to CDK4/6 inhibition

    Vo, Tuan, Balderson, Brad, Jones, Kahli, Crawford, Joanna, Millar, Amanda, Tolson, Elissa, Ruitenberg, Marc, Robertson, Thomas, Bhuva, Dharmesh, Davis, Melissa, Wainwright, Brandon, Nguyen, Quan and Genovesi, Laura (2022). MEDB-06. Spatial transcriptomic analysis of Sonic Hedgehog Medulloblastoma identifies that loss of heterogeneity and induced differentiation underlies the response to CDK4/6 inhibition. International Symposium on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Hamburg, Germany, 12–15 June 2022. Cary, NC, United States: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/neuonc/noac079.381

  • Basal cell carcinoma development is promoted by ablation of the dermal papilla mesenchymal niche

    Villani, R., Sim, S. L., Greaney, J., Wainwright, B. and Khosrotehrani, K. (2016). Basal cell carcinoma development is promoted by ablation of the dermal papilla mesenchymal niche. Asia-Pacific Combined Dermatology Research Conference 2016, Noosa, QLD, Australia, 25–28 August 2016. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12584

  • Targeting Apoptosis as a Novel Therapy for Myc-Driven Medulloblastoma

    Ji, Pengxiang, Genovesi, Laura, He, Yaowu, Hooper, John and Wainwright, Brandon (2016). Targeting Apoptosis as a Novel Therapy for Myc-Driven Medulloblastoma. 17th International Symposium on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (ISPNO), Liverpool England, 12-15 June 2016. United States: Oxford University Press.

  • Dominant negative mutation of Sox18 inhibits normal dermal papilla development during embryogenesis and regeneration

    Villani, R. M., Hodgson, S., Legrand, J., Greaney, J., Wong, H., Pichol-Thievend, C., Adolphe, C., Wainwright, B., Francois, M. and Khosrotehrani, K. (2015). Dominant negative mutation of Sox18 inhibits normal dermal papilla development during embryogenesis and regeneration. 45th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 9-12 September 2015. London, United Kingdom: Nature Publishing Group. doi: 10.1038/jid.2015.272

  • Mouse Functional Genomics to Predict Novel Drug Targets for All Subgroups of Medulloblastoma

    Genovesi, Laura, Ji, Pengxiang, Davis, Melissa, Ching Ging Ng, Remke, Marc, Taylor, Michael, Cho, Yoon-Jae, Jenkins, Nancy, Copeland, Neil and Wainwright, Brandon (2014). Mouse Functional Genomics to Predict Novel Drug Targets for All Subgroups of Medulloblastoma. 16th International Symposium on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (ISPNO), Singapore, Singapore, 28 June - 02 July 2014. Cary, NC United States: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/neuonc/nou074

  • Medulloblastoma Down Under 2013: a report from the third annual meeting of the International Medulloblastoma Working Group

    Gottardo, Nicholas G., Hansford, Jordan R., McGlade, Jacqueline P., Alvaro, Frank, Ashley, David M., Bailey, Simon, Baker, David L., Bourdeaut, Franck, Cho, Yoon‑Jae, Clay, Moira, Clifford, Steven C., Cohn, Richard J., Cole, Catherine H., Dallas, Peter B., Downie, Peter, Doz, François, Ellison, David W., Endersby, Raelene, Fisher, Paul G., Hassall, Timothy, Heath, John A., Hii, Hilary L., Jones, David T. W., Junckerstorff, Reimar, Kellie, Stewart, Kool, Marcel, Kotecha, Rishi S., Lichter, Peter, Laughton, Stephen J. ... Gajjar, Amar (2013). Medulloblastoma Down Under 2013: a report from the third annual meeting of the International Medulloblastoma Working Group. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer. doi: 10.1007/s00401-013-1213-7

  • Hedgehog pathway regulation of basal cell carcinoma and epidermal differentiation

    Adolphe, C., Villani, R., Niewenhuis, E., Li, S., Kaur, P., Hui, C. and Wainwright, B. (2012). Hedgehog pathway regulation of basal cell carcinoma and epidermal differentiation. Conjoint 3rd Australasian Wound & Tissue Repair Society and 9th Australasian Society for Dermatology Research Conference, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 22-24 May 2012. Hoboken, NJ, United States: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-475X.2012.00835.x

  • Patched1 is essential for nasal pit invagination in mouse

    Metzis, Vicki, Courtney, Andrew, Ferguson, Charles, Cooper, Ashley, Wainwright, Brandon and Wicking, Carol (2011). Patched1 is essential for nasal pit invagination in mouse. Society for Developmental Biology 70th Annual Meeting, Chicago IL, United States, 21-25 July 2011. Maryland Heights MO, United States: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.05.164

  • The interaction of Sonic Hedgehog and Notch signalling in medulloblastoma

    Haase, E, Hallahan, A and Wainwright, B (2009). The interaction of Sonic Hedgehog and Notch signalling in medulloblastoma. 16th Annual Conference of the International-Society-of-Development-Biologists, Edinburgh Scotland, Sep 06-10, 2009. AMSTERDAM: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV. doi: 10.1016/j.mod.2009.06.496

  • Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia

    Smart, C. E., Clarke, C., Brooks, K. M., Raghavendra, A., Brewster, B. L., French, J. D., Hetherington, R., Fleming, J. S., Rothnagel, J. A., Wainwright, B., Lakhani, S. R. and Brown, M. A. (2007). Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia. Australian Breast Cancer Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 2007.

  • Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia

    Brewster, Brooke, Brooke, Kelly, Brown, Melissa Anne, Clarke, C., Fleming, J. S., French, J. D., Hetherington, Rehan, Lakhani, Sunil, Raghavendra, Ashwini, Rothnagel, Joseph, Smart, Chanel and Wainwright, Brandon (2007). Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia. kConFab Familial Breast Cancer Conference, Couran Cove, Queensland, 21-24 August 2007.

  • Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia

    Brewster, Brooke, Brooks, Kelly, Brown, Melissa Anne, Clarke, C., Fleming, J. S., French, J. D., Hetherington, Rehan, Lakhani, Sunil, Raghavendra, Ashwini, Rothnagel, Joseph, Smart, Chanel and Wainwright, Brandon (2007). Targeted disruption of Brca1 in restricted compartments of the mouse mammary epithelia. Gordon Research Conference: Mammary Gland Biology, Newport, RI, 10-15 June 2007.

  • Iron metabolism in G551D cystic fibrosis mouse incisor ameloblasts

    Smid, J. R., Young, W. G., McMorran, B. J. and Wainwright, B. J. (2006). Iron metabolism in G551D cystic fibrosis mouse incisor ameloblasts. IADR ANZ Division 38th Annual Scientific Meeting, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 28 June - 1 July, 2006. Chicago, Ill. U.S.A: Sage for the American Dental Association.

  • Patched ablation in neuronal precursors leads to defects in CNS patterning and abnormal regulation of the neuronal stem cell population

    Ellis, T., Bourboulas, M., Bull, N. D., Bartlett, P. F. and Wainwright, B. J. (2005). Patched ablation in neuronal precursors leads to defects in CNS patterning and abnormal regulation of the neuronal stem cell population. 15th International Society of Developmental Biologists Congress, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 3-7 September 2005. Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.mod.2005.06.010

  • Proteomic investigations in the young CF lung: new insights into the inflammatory disorder

    Armstrong, D., Byrnes, C., Carlin, J., Cooper, P., Francis, P., Grimwood, K., Jones, A., McMorran, B., Robertson, C., Wainwright, B. and Wainwright, C. (2005). Proteomic investigations in the young CF lung: new insights into the inflammatory disorder. 6th Australian and New Zealand Cystic Fibrosis Conference 2005, Adelaide, South Australia, 20-23 August, 2005.

  • Insights into the regulation of hedgehog signalling from subcellular localisation studies

    Wicking, C. A., Evans, T., Wainwright, B. and Parton, R. (2001). Insights into the regulation of hedgehog signalling from subcellular localisation studies. -, -, -. Chicago, IL United States: University of Chicago Press.

  • Novel susceptibility gene for NIDDM is localised to human chromosome 12q

    Shaw, JTE, Lovelock, PK, Duffy, D, Cardinal, J, Berkholz, JR, Kesting, JB and Wainwright, B (1998). Novel susceptibility gene for NIDDM is localised to human chromosome 12q. NEW YORK: SPRINGER VERLAG.

Grants (Administered at UQ)

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

  • A new therapy for paediatric brain tumours.

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

  • New treatments for children with medulloblastoma.

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • The role of the blood brain barrier in the successful treatment of brain tumours in children

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

  • Assessing combinations of molecularly targeted agents as novel therapies for Medulloblastoma

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Investigation into network-defined novel targeted therapies for medulloblastoma

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

Completed Supervision

This staff member is a UQ Expert for media in the following fields:

brain cancer, genetics, genomics, medulloblastoma, tumours, skin cancer, scientific leadership, medical research, health research, brain tumour, science policy

They are happy to lend their expertise to your articles or broadcasts and share their research discoveries and insights with the community via media channels.

For additional assistance with story ideas, general advice and information or help with seeking further experts, please email the UQ Media Team or telephone (07) 3365 1120.

Links

ResearcherID: C-9680-2013

ORCID: 0000-0003-0406-2092

Scopus ID: 7006267065

Google Scholar ID:

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