Tiffen Laboratory
Understanding how epigenetic modifiers can drive cancer and identifying new gene targets for potential treatments.
The Tiffen Laboratory works to functionally characterise epigenetic regulators such as those that modify histones and understand how they may drive cancer progression, immune evasion and response to therapy.
We are especially interested in epigenetic genes located on the X and Y chromosomes and how these lead to sex based differences in cancer survival outcomes.
Using melanoma as a model, we have developed an extensive pre-clinical pipeline of highly annotated biospecimens including human cell lines and mouse models. This allows us to study tumour growth, metastases and resistance to treatment observed in the clinic.
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Dr Jessamy Tiffen
Acting Deputy Director
Head, Centre for Cancer Innovations
- Melanoma
- Cancer
- Epigenetics
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Sex differences
- Epigenetic techniques (ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA methylation)
- CRISPR gene editing
- 2D and 3D cell growth assays
- Mouse models of cancer
- X and Y Differences in Melanoma Survival Between the Sexes
- BET inhibition sensitizes innate checkpoint inhibitor resistant melanoma to anti-CTLA-4 treatment
- A Combination of Epigenetic BET and CDK9 Inhibitors for Treatment of Human Melanoma
- Co-targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins and MCL1 induces synergistic cell death in melanoma
- POT1 loss-of-function variants predispose to familial melanoma
People
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Dr Jessamy Tiffen
Head of Centre for Cancer Innovations
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Dr Cindy Hsin-Yi Tseng
Postdoc Research Officer -
Dr Laura Nicholls
Student opportunities
To learn more about student opportunities in the Tiffen Laboratory and for all general enquiries relating to our work, please contact Dr Jessamy Tiffen.
Current opportunities:
The role of sex chromosomes in melanoma survival
Projects: Honours, Masters & PhD
Project details
Primary Supervisor: Dr Jessamy Tiffen
Supervisory Team: Dr Cindy Tseng
Centre: Cancer Innovations
Men are more than twice as likely to die from melanoma compared to women, and our research aims to uncover why. We propose that genes located on the sex chromosomes may play a critical role in shaping the body’s ability to combat cancer, potentially explaining the survival advantage seen in women. Our team has identified several X and Y chromosome-linked genes implicated in anti-tumour responses, but the mechanisms behind their protective effects remain unclear. Using cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR and Genetically Engineered Mouse Models, we are investigating how these genes function in both melanoma and immune cells through advanced pre-clinical models. Students joining this project will gain hands-on experience in cell and molecular biology, working with sophisticated in vitro and in vivo melanoma systems. Collaborating closely with clinicians from Melanoma Institute Australia, our research is designed to have real-world impact and translational relevance. Projects can be tailored to suit Honours, Masters, or PhD degrees, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to life-saving cancer research.