Andrew Zannettino

Professor Andrew Zannettino

Executive Dean

Health and Medical Sciences Faculty Office

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.


Andrew is the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Adelaide.

Prior to commencing as Executive Dean, Andrew held the positions of Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health Partnerships (University of Adelaide) and Executive Director of Research Strategy (Central Adelaide Local Health Network).

Andrew is a Professor of Experimental Haematology and co-directs the Myeloma Research Laboratory within the Precision Cancer Medicine Theme at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). He is a recognised leader in the field of mesenchymal stem cell biology and holds numerous patents covering the composition and regenerative properties of Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (MPCs), a rare cell population present in many postnatal tissues. The family of patents underpin the cell therapy company, Mesoblast Ltd.

Andrew is a founding member of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Group (MSAG) of Myeloma Australia, the peak body in Australian focused on PBAC submissions, guidance documents and advocacy for myeloma. He, additionally, serves as non-executive director of AusHealth Pty Ltd and a member of a number of intramural and extramural boards.

Research Interests

Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research

Multiple myeloma is haematological malignancy characterised by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells, an immune cell type that normally protects us against infection. Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer and more than 140,000 people are diagnosed each year worldwide. Despite recent advances in treatment, myeloma remains universally fatal and has a 10-year survival rate of approximately 28%. The main clinical manifestations of myeloma are the development of osteolytic bone lesions, bone pain, hypercalcaemia, renal insufficiency, suppressed immunoglobulin production and increased bone marrow angiogenesis (blood vessel formation). Myeloma is preceded by a premalignant (asymptomatic) monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) stage. The factors that trigger the progression from MGUS to myeloma remain to be determined; however, our studies show that both intrinsic genetic changes and extrinsic factors play a role in disease progression. The Myeloma Research Laboratory’s research is focussed on detecting the key signalling pathways that are deregulated during disease development and determining what microenvironmental changes occur during disease pathogenesis. We believe that these approaches will enable us to identify new molecular markers of disease risk and to design drugs against novel therapeutic targets.

The MRL has made, and continues to make significant contributions to the field through ongoing projects in:
  • Identifying the mechanisms of myeloma associated bone loss
  • Identifying the genetic, transcriptional and epigenetic changes that trigger the progression from asymptomatic MGUS to myeloma
  • Determining why the bone marrow is a “hot-spot” for myeloma plasma cell metastasis
  • Identifying the mechanisms governing dissemination and relapse in multiple myeloma
  • Identifying how myeloma plasma cells affect mesenchymal stem cell differentiation.
  • The use of single cell sequencing to discover tumour-associated changes in the bone microenvironment of myeloma patients: identification of prognostic markers and novel therapeutic targets
  • The use of high-precision proteomics to identify novel serum biomarkers to identify high-risk smouldering myeloma patients prior to progression to active multiple myeloma
  • Identifying a role for the mTOR pathway in mesenchymal stem cell biology and bone formation.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of targeting skeletal mTORC1 as a novel approach to treat diet-induced insulin resistance
Therapeutic Use of Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells

Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells (MPC) are rare stem cells present within post-natal tissues which possess promising therapeutic properties. In the late 90’s, collaborative studies in association with Professor Stan Gronthos (Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, UA/SAHMRI) and Professor Paul Simmons (Mesoblast Ltd.) led to the patenting of technologies covering the identification and isolation of these rare cells from bone marrow. The family of patents surrounding this technology were assigned to Angioblast Systems Inc., New York, USA in November 2004 facilitating the formation of Mesoblast Ltd, an Australian Stock Exchange listed company (http://www.mesoblast.com). In return for the assignment of these patents, the IMVS/Medvet/SA Pathology (my substantive employer at that time) received a significant parcel of shares in this company. From January 2005 until December 2016, I have served as a consultant to both Angioblast Systems Inc. and Mesoblast Ltd. and continued to receive funding to support the improvement/development of existing/new intellectual property and to fund large pre-clinical animal models of disease.

Research Collaborations

My expertise in the fields described above has led to active collaborations with scientists/clinicians throughout the world as detailed below.

In 1994-1995, I developed a powerful retroviral-based expression cloning strategy to enable isolation of genes encoding cell surface molecules that participate in intercellular interactions. This methodology has led to numerous collaborations and ongoing consultation work with scientists including:

  • Dr H-J. Buhring, University of Tubingen, Germany. Retroviral Expression cloning of cell surface antigens expressed by normal and leukaemic haemopoietic stem cells;
  • Prof. Leonie K. Ashman, University of Newcastle. Retroviral Expression cloning of drug resistance genes;
  • Prof. James T. Triffit, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Oxford, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, UK. Retroviral Expression cloning of osteoblast-related cell surface antigens;
  • Dr S. Watt, MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, The Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, UK. Retroviral Expression cloning of novel cell surface molecules.

My research into myeloma-associated bone loss and molecular mechanisms of myeloma disease pathogenesis has led to further collaborations with a number of academic and industry-based scientists including:

  • Prof. John Shaughnessy, Formerly of University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA and founder of SignalGeneticsTM, Carlsbad, CA.  The role of DKK-1 in myeloma-associated bone loss;
  • Dr Daniel Peet, Department of Bichemistry, Molecular Life Sciences, University of Adelaide: Role of CXCL12 (SDF-1)/CXCR4 in Pathological Angiogenesis and Osteolytic Bone Disease in Multiple Myeloma;
  • Dr Phil Kearney, Santaris Pharma, Copenhagen, Denmark: Role of CXCL12 (SDF-1)/CXCR4 in Pathological Angiogenesis and Osteolytic Bone Disease in Multiple Myeloma;
  • Prof. Nobutaka Fujii and Prof. Hirokazu Tamamura, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Kyoto University Department of Bioorganic Medicinal Chemistry, JAPAN, Role of SDF-1 in myeloma;
  • A/Prof. Kevin Lynch, Novartis, Sydney, Australia, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition as a Potential Modality to Control Osteolytic Bone Disease: A New Role for Imatinib Mesylate and Second Generation Bcr-Abl Inhibitors;
  • Dr Elisabeth Buchdunger and Dr Paul Manley, Novartis Pharma, Skeletal Effects of the Abl Kinase Inhibitors, Nilotinib and Imatinib;
  • Dr Francis Lee and Dr Richard Smykla, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Skeletal Effects of the Abl Kinase Inhibitors, Dasatinib;
  • Prof. Vijay Modur, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Cambridge, MA, USA. Novel mediators of multiple myeloma metastases to the bone;
  • Prof. William Dougall, Amgen, Seattle, Washington, USA, The role of RANKL in myeloma-associated bone loss;
  • Dr Daniela Niepel, Global Medical Executive Director, Amgen GmbH, Rotkreuz, Switzerland. The application of bone targeting agents (BTA) in oncology.
  • Prof. Peter Croucher, Bone Biology Laboratory, Bone Biology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, NSW, AUS. The role of the bone marrow microenvironment in the pathogenesis of myeloma;
  • Dr Daniel Worthley, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia, The role of the bone marrow microenvironment in the pathogenesis of myeloma;
  • Prof. Siddhartha Mukherjee, Columbia University, NY, USA. The role of the bone marrow microenvironment in the pathogenesis of myeloma;
  • Prof. Orest Blaschuk, Urology Research Laboratories, Division of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, Canada and Zonula Inc. The use of Cadherin antagonists to treat multiple myeloma;
  • Prof. Jonathan Licht, University of Florida Cancer Centre. The role of EMT in myeloma disease dissemination and disease progression;
  • Prof. Ricky Johnstone, Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, The role of the bone marrow microenvironment in the pathogenesis of myeloma;
  • Associate Professor Simon Leedham, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, The role of the bone marrow microenvironment in the pathogenesis of myeloma;
  • Prof. Charles Mullighan, Hematological Malignancies Program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Understanding clonal evolution in multiple myeloma;
  • Dr Gareth Davies, Senior Research Scientist / Project Leader, UCB Celltech – New Medicines, Slough, UK. Targeting stromal derived Gremlin 1 as a novel therapeutic modality to treat multiple myeloma
  • Prof. Gareth Morgan, University of Arkansas, Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy (UAMS), Understanding clonal evolution in multiple myeloma.
  • Prof. Tilman Brummer, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Germany. The role of the novel tumour suppressor gene, SAMSN1, in the pathogenesis and metastasis of multiple myeloma.

My research into physiological and aberrant bone remodelling and novel skeletally-derived factors that regulate glucose metabolism has led to collaborations with a number of academic and industry-based scientists including:

  • Prof. D.M. Findlay, Dr Gerald J. Atkins and Dr. Andreas Evdokiou, Discipline of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital and the University of Adelaide. Normal and pathological bone remodelling;
  • Dr Colin Dunstan, University of Sydney and formerly of Amgen Inc, CA, USA; The Role of OPG in bone metabolism;
  • A/Prof Barry C Powell, Dr Peter J Anderson and Prof David David, Child Health Research Institute and The Women’s and Childrens Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia: Mechanisms of premature cranial fusion and development of novel adjunct approaches to treatment;
  • Prof H. Zreiqat, School of Pathology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Behaviour of osteoclasts and bone cells on bio-material surfaces;
  • Prof D. R. Haynes, Department of Pathology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia. The role of TNF family members TWEAK and TNF-alpha in bone remodelling;
  • A/Prof Sofianos Andrikopoulos, The University of Melbourne, The University of Melbourne. Skeletal endocrine signalling in the regulation of glucose metabolism;
  • Dr Paul Baldock, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The University of New South Wales, Skeletal endocrine signalling in the regulation of glucose metabolism;
  • Christopher Proud, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, SA, AUS. Targeting skeletal mTORC1 as a novel approach for the treatment of diet-induced insulin resistance.
  • William Cawthorn, University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland. The role of raptor/mTORC1 and bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) in the control of whole-body glucose metabolism

My research into mesenchymal precursor cell biology and application has led to collaborations with a number of biotechnology companies, including Angioblast Systems Inc., Mesoblast Ltd. and Genzyme International. In addition, I also collaborate and consult for a number of academic scientists including:

  • Prof. Silviu Itescu, Mesoblast Ltd.: Clinical Application of Mesenchymal Precursor Cells for bone repair, articular cartilage regeneration, disc cartilage regeneration, cellular therapy of heart attack/heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and wound ulcers;
  • A/Prof. Robert Moore, formerly head of the Adelaide Centre for Spinal Research, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, South AUSTRALIA: A Preclinical trial of the potential for cultured mesenchymal precursor cells to restore extracellular matrix and normal mechanical function to degenerate intervertebral discs;
  • Prof. Peter Ghosh, Institute of Nutraceutical Research, Brookevale, NSW, Australia: Cartilage Regenerative Potential of Ovine Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (MPC);
  • A/Prof John Field, Flinders University of South Australia, School of Medicine, Bedford Park, South Australia: Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells (MPC) for the repair of critical size defects in an ovine tibial model;
  • Prof. Stephen Worthley, formerly Cardiovascular Investigation Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia: A study of the cardiac regenerative potential of immunoselected ovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells;
  • Dr Cory Xian and Prof. Bruce Foster, Bone Growth Foundation, University of South Australia and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Women's and Children's Hospital. Molecular pathways for the bony repair of injured growth plate cartilage;
  • Prof. Richard Harvey and Professor Robert Graham, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia. Identification of endogenous cardiomyogenic stem cells.

From 2005 to 2016, I served as a scientific consultant for Mesoblast Ltd. where I helped to consolidate and expand our stem cell-based technology patent family and successfully completed key milestones such as the development of GMP-grade MPC isolation and culture expansion standard operational protocols. This resulted in an increase in capital investment to support the commencement of several phase II/III cardiac and orthopaedic clinical studies. Funds from Mesoblast Ltd were used to continue basic R&D in our laboratory and for initiating new pre-clinical animal studies within the IMVS/ Hanson Institute/ RAH/ University of Adelaide campuses. Collectively, these studies formed the foundation of new IND (investigative new drug) applications submissions to the USA FDA for future phase I/II/III human clinical trials involving different health centres and laboratories in Adelaide, Australia and the USA.

Research Output

I have co-authored more than 300 refereed publications, book chapters and review articles (not including published abstracts). Many of these articles are published in premier Haematology and Orthopaedic journals (BLOOD, Leukemia, BJH, JBMR, Bone), Cancer journals (Cancer Research, Clinical Cancer Research) and Stem Cell journals (Cell Stem Cell, Stem Cells). My publications have received in excess of 17,000 citations and my H Factor = 73. Refer to Publications section for full details.

Presentations

I have been invited to present my laboratory’s findings at more than 45 national and international forums since 2010. In addition, I have co-authored more than 100 abstracts with more than 60 of these being published as Meeting Proceedings.

Year National/ International Event Title Role
Conference Presentations
2018 International The Myeloma 2018 Workshop, San Diego, CA, USA Invited Speaker
2017 National Monash Haematology Seminar Series, Victoria, Australia Invited Speaker
2016 National Translating Research for Impact: Strategies for Success, Adelaide, Australia Invited Speaker
2016 National Inaugural National Myeloma Workshop, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia Invited Speaker

2016

National

New Directions in Leukaemia Research meeting March 16-19, 2016, Noosa, QLD, AUS

Invited Speaker

2015

International

"PACIFICHEM 2015 Conference December 15-20, 2015 in Honolulu, HI."

Invited Speaker

2014

International

American Society of Haematology

Invited Speaker

2014

National

Sydney Cancer and Bone Meeting

Invited Speaker

2013

International

Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society

Invited Speaker

2013

National

Frontiers in Skeletal Biology

Invited Speaker

2012

National

Combio 2012

Invited Speaker

2012

National

SA Multiple Myeloma Interest Group

Invited Speaker

2012

National

SVRI-Seminar Series

Invited Speaker

2012

National

The Australian Health and Medical Research Congress

Invited Speaker

2011

International

Austalian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Research

Plenary Speaker

2010

National

Adelaide Bone Group Meeting

Invited Speaker

2010

International

American Society of Haematology

Session Chair

2010

National

Annual HSANZ - SA “Blood Club Meeting”,

Invited Speaker

2010

National

Leukaemia Foundation of Australia – Myeloma Awareness Day

Invited Speaker

2009

International

Asia Pacific Haematology Summit

Keynote Speaker

2009

International

HAA 2009; 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting of HSANZ, ANZSBT, ASTH

Keynote Speaker

2009

National

Health Development Adelaide Symposium

Presenter

2009

International

Janssen Cilag, Multiple Myeloma 3 (MM3) meeting

Presenter

2009

International

Novartis APECHO-APTM Workshop

Keynote Speaker

2008

International

American Society of Haematology

Poster Presenter

2008

National

Bio Innovation SA Networking Forum – Bio Innovation Osteo Networking Evening

Keynote Speaker

2008

International

Fifth Clare Valley Bone Meeting

Keynote Speaker

2008

National

NCRIS 5.5 CGMP - SEMINAR/WORKSHOP - “NANO-ENGINEERING FOR CELLS”

Presenter

2008

National

Royal Adelaide Hospital Medical Grand Round

Presenter

2007

National

Barbara Ell Seminar Series, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute

Presenter

2007

International

Novartis Oncology Research and Development Symposium

Presenter

2007

National

2007 Mater Medical Research Institute Symposium

Presenter

2006

International

American Society of Haematology

Session Chair

2006

National

Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Royal Melbourne Hospital

Presenter

2006

National

Inaugural Tissue Engineering Symposium (SuTEN), Biomedical Engineering at Sydney University School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and The Bosch Institute

Presenter

2006

International

Novartis Oncology Australia, Research and Development Symposium, The Intercontinental Hotel

Keynote Speaker

2005

National

ANZ Matrix Biology Society Conference, Whalers Inn, Victor Harbour, SA

Keynote Speaker

2005

National

Department of Genetic Medicine, Womens and Children’s Hospital

Presenter

2005

National

Division of Molecular Pathology, IMVS

Presenter

2005

National

The Basil Hetzel Institute, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Presenter

2004

International

Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand, Exhibition and Convention Centre

Presenter

2003

National

Adelaide Blood Club

Invited Speaker

2003

National

Division of Clinical Biochemistry, IMVS

Invited Speaker

2003

National

Division of Molecular Pathology, IMVS

Invited Speaker

2003

National

Division of Pathology, IMVS

Invited Speaker

2003

National

The Alfred Hospital

Invited Speaker

2002

International

Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society

Invited Speaker

2002

National

Child Health Research Institute

Invited Speaker

2002

National

Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide

Invited Speaker

2002

National

Molecular Biology of Skeleton

Invited Speaker

2001

National

Adelaide Blood Club

Invited Speaker

2001

International

Molecular Mechanisms of Skeletal Disease mediated by Myeloma, NIH

Invited Speaker

2001

International

Zymogenetics

Invited Speaker

1998

International

Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society

Invited Speaker

1998

International

Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand

Invited Speaker

1998

National

Hanson Symposium

Invited Speaker

Additional Evidence of Research Leadership

When I joined the UA School of Medical Sciences (SoMS), I served as a member of the Research Committee. In January 2014, I was appointed as Chair of this committee, and immediately instituted 4 new funding programs designed to drive research activity, including an ECR “kick start” award, a strategic equipment fund, an ECR/MCR travel award and a publication award program.

I was also appointed to the SoMS board, the FHMS Research Committee and was the Deputy Chair of the Adelaide Medical and Nursing School (AMNS) Project Committee overseeing the construction of a new $246 million Medical/Nursing/Research facility in the new West End Biomedical Research Precinct which will house approximately 650 Researchers. In January 2015, I was appointed to Deputy Head od School, SoMS.  In March 2015, the Executive Dean, Professor Alastair Burt appointed me to establish and chair the Research Strategy Taskforce (RSTF). The RSTF was charged with the responsibility of devising a new research strategy to promote research excellence within the FHMS. This work led to the development of an adaptable strategic framework to enhance research education (HDR/honours), develop research strengths, build enabling technologies/research infrastructure and develop pathways to improved health care and the generation of valuable intellectual property.

My national standing in the fields of cell and cancer biology has been recognised by my appointment to the NHMRC Grant Review Panel (GRP) for Cell biology (2005, 2006) and Oncology (2010) and Assigners Academy (2014-2018). In recognition of my international standing in the field of myeloma-associated bone loss, I was invited by the Leukaemia Research Fund (LRF) of UK, to participate in a “site visit” of Myeloma Program of Prof. Peter Croucher, University of Sheffield, UK, to assess his application for program funding through the LRF in both 2006 and 2009. In addition, I was invited to participate as a moderator for the 2006 American Society of Haematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, for the session titled “Multiple Myeloma: Microenvironment”. I was invited to be an Abstract Reviewer of the “Myeloma-Pathophysiology and Preclinical studies excluding Therapy” Category for the 52nd Annual Meeting of the ASH, a prestigious appointment bestowed upon recognized experts in the field.

As a testament to my expertise in my chosen fields, I have been asked to present my laboratory's findings at numerous scientific meetings and institutions (see “Conference Presentations”) and I have been asked to contribute to numerous review articles and book chapters (see “Publications”). As a recognised expert in the areas of skeletal, stem and cancer biology, I am asked to review >3 manuscripts per month for more than 20 journals including BLOOD, Leukemia, Leukemia and Lymphoma, Experimental Hematology, Haematologica, Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, Leukemia, Cell Stem Cell, Clinical Cancer Research, Cancer Research, International Journal of Cancer, Bone, FASEB Journal. I am also regularly asked to review applications for a number of funding bodies including the NHMRC, Cancer Council of South Australia, Cure Cancer Australia, Leukaemia Research Fund (UK), The Health Research Board (HRB) of Ireland, Singapore Ministry of Education and the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong. I was approached by the Wiley-Blackwell publishing house to assess the merits of publication of a book entitled: “Stem Cells: Science and Business Strategies” by A. Vertes et al.

As further evidence of my scientific standing, I have served on organising committees involved in staging both national and international scientific meetings including; the 2004 Hanson Symposium Stem Cell Meeting (Adelaide, SA, 2004); the 10th International Myeloma Congress (Sydney, NSW, 2005); the Clare Bone Meeting (Clare Valley, SA, 2006) and the Australian Myeloma Workshop (2016). I was a member of a committee comprised of stakeholders for the Commonwealth's $35 million Super Science Initiative (SSI) - Translating Health Discovery (THD) and represent the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB) as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) charged with the role of identifying the facilities requirements for the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). Finally, I have served on the Fellowships and Scholarships Committee for the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia.

Clinical Outcomes of Research

As a member of MSAG, I have provided guidance on both myeloma and supportive treatment strategies and have co-authored guidelines for the safe use of bisphosphonates and Clinical Practice Guidelines. Furthermore, my work has raised the awareness amongst clinicians of the importance of routine examination of CTX levels in patients. CTX (the C-telopeptide of the α1 chain of collagen type 1), a reliable marker of bone turnover, is now being used locally as a routine test for all myeloma patients at diagnosis and restaging. CTX, when used in conjunction with paraprotein levels and bone marrow assessment can detect early progression of myeloma. This is a palpable achievement and one that has led to better outcomes for patients.

As a co-inventor of the Mesenchymal Progenitor Cell (MPC) cellular therapy, I have been instrumental in developing a therapy that is likely to have a significant impact in the areas of spinal fusion, osteoarthritis, congestive heart failure, heart attacks, eye diseases, diabetes, and bone marrow repair.

Patents

I am a co-inventor of patents that describe the isolation and composition of matter of mesenchymal precursor cells (MPC), a unique population of adult stem cells with tissue reparative properties. This family of patents were assigned to Angioblast Systems Inc., New York, USA in November 2004 facilitating the formation of Mesoblast Ltd, an Australian Stock Exchange listed company. In 2010, Mesoblast acquired Angioblast Systems Inc forming the Mesoblast Group.

Initial Patents Assigned to Angioblast Systems Inc. Leading to formation of Mesoblast Ltd.

Patent: WO 01/04268 A1: AUSTRALIA, 1999

Status: Granted

Inventors: Paul Simmons, Andrew Zannettino, Stan Gronthos, Description of patent: Mesenchymal Precursor Cells. Founding patent for the formation of Mesoblast Ltd.

Applicability/Impact: Novel discovery of multi potential stem cells from connective tissue for tissue regeneration. Patent granted in AU, US, CA, ES, EP.

Patent: WO 2004/084921 A1: AUSTRALIA, 2003

Status: Granted

Inventors: Stan Gronthos and Andrew Zannettino.

Description of patent: Perivascular Mesenchymal Precursor Cell Induced Blood Vessel Formation. Founding patent for the formation of Mesoblast.

Applicability/Impact: The use of stem cells to regenerate blood vessels during tissue regeneration. Patent granted in US, AU, EP, CA, CN, ES.

Patent: WO 2004/085630 A1: AUSTRALIA, 2003

Status: Granted

Registered in names of (Inventors): Stan Gronthos, Andrew Zannettino and Songtao Shi.

Description of patent: Perivascular Mesenchymal Precursor Cells. Founding patent for the formation of Mesoblast Ltd.

Applicability/Impact: Discovery of unique perivascular multi potential stem cell for regeneration of tissue. Patent granted in US, AU, CA, CN.

Patent: WO 2006/032092 A1: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 2004

Status: Granted

Inventors: Andrew Zannettino and Stan Gronthos.

Description of patent: Multipotential expanded Mesenchymal Precursor Cell progeny and uses there off. Founding patent for the formation of Mesoblast Ltd.

Applicability/Impact: Discovery of unique multi-potential adult stem cell for tissue regeneration. Patent granted in US, AU, EP, CN.

Patent: WO 2006/032075 A1: AUSTRALIA, 2004

Status: Granted

Inventors: Stan Gronthos and Andrew Zannettino.

Description of patent: Method of enhancing proliferation and/or survival of mesenchymal precursor cells. Founding patent for formation of Mesoblast Ltd.

Applicability/Impact: Novel protocols for developing GMP ex vivo expansion protocols for the manufacture of MPC for clinical use. Patent granted in US, AU, CN.

Supportive Patents Assigned to Mesoblast Ltd.

Patent: PCT/AU2016/050438: AUSTRALIA, 2015

Status: Awarded (PCT)

Inventors: Stan Gronthos, Andrew CW Zannettino, Stephen Fitter.

Description of patent: Methods and Products for Enriching and Isolating Stem Cells. Patent assigned to Mesoblast Ltd.

Applicability/Impact: Identification and characterisation of the STRO-1 antigen a marker of mesenchymal precursor cells. Purification of MPC for clinical applications.

Patent: WO 2010/019997 A1: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 2008

Status: Granted

Inventors: Andrew Zannettino and Stan Gronthos

Description of patent: Monoclonal antibody STRO-4 selection of mesenchymal precursor cells. Patent assigned to Mesoblast Ltd.

Applicability/Impact: First reagent for isolation of MPC for pre-clinical ovine and human clinical studies. Patent granted in USA and AU.

Patent: W02006/108229 A1: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 2006

Status: Granted

Registered in names of Inventors: Andrew Zannettino, Stan Gronthos and Paul Simmons.

Description of patent: Isolation of adult multipotential Cells by tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase. Patent assigned to Mesoblast Ltd.

Applicability/Impact: Novel stem cell marker developed into a GMP reagent for clinical human trials. Patent granted in USA, AU, EP, CA, HK.

In addition to the Mesoblast Ltd-related patents, I am also a substantive inventor of the following patents:

Patent: PCT 1809946.5

Status: PCT filed June 2018, UK IPO

Registered in names of Inventors: Gareth Davies (UCB Biopharma SPRL), Andrew Zannettino, Duncan Hewett, Kimberley Clark, Kate Vandyke and Bill Panagopoulos (The University of Adelaide), (Simon Leedham) Oxford University Innovation Limited.

Description of Patent: Prevention and treatment of cancer

Applicability/Impact: Use of Gremlin 1 antagonists to prevent and treat cancer

Patent: PCT/AU2016/050438

Status: Granted

Registered in names of Inventors: Andrew Zannettino, Stephen Fitter, Stan Gronthos

Description of patent: Methods and products for enriching and isolating stem cells. Patent owned by the University of Adelaide.

Applicability/Impact: Describes HSC70 as a stem cell antigen and the use of anti-HSC7 reagents to isolate and enrich for stem cells

Patent granted in USA, AU, EP, CA, HK.

  • Appointments

    Date Position Institution name
    2023 - ongoing Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Adelaide
    2019 - 2023 Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Partnerships) University of Adelaide
    2019 - 2023 Executive Director of Research Strategy Central Adelaide Local Health Network
    2019 - 2019 Interim Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Adelaide
    2019 - 2020 Director, Health and Biotech Industry Engagement Priority, Division of Research and Innovation University of Adelaide
    2018 - 2019 Deputy Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Adelaide
    2015 - 2019 Associate Dean - Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Adelaide
    2015 - ongoing Principal Senior Research Fellow, Myeloma Research Laboratory, Cancer Theme South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
    2012 - ongoing Professor of Experimental Haematology University of Adelaide
    2011 - 2012 Affiliate Professor, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Science University of Adelaide
    2010 - 2010 ASH Abstract Reviewer American Society of Haematology
    2008 - 2012 Research Manager, Division of Haematolgy SA Pathology/Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science
    2008 - 2012 Co-Head, Regenerative Medicine Program, Bone and Cancer Laboratories, Hanson Institute and the Division of Haematology Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science
    2007 - 2012 Chief Medical Scientist, Laboratory Head and Research Manager, Bone and Cancer Laboratories, Department of Haematology SA Pathology/Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science
    2007 - 2010 Affiliate Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Science University of Adelaide
    2006 - 2012 Head of the Myeloma Research Program, Bone and Cancer Laboratories, Hanson Institute and the Division of Haematology Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science
    2005 - 2005 Site reviewer, Myeloma Program University of Sheffield, Leukemia Foundation - United Kingdom
    2004 - 2006 Principle Medical Scientist and Laboratory Head, Myeloma and Mesenchymal Research Group, Division of Haematology Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science/Hanson Institute
    2000 - 2003 Senior Medical Scientist, Matthew Roberts Foundation Laboratory, Division of Haematology Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science/Hanson Institute
    1997 - 1999 NH&MRC Research Officer, Matthew Roberts Foundation Laboratory, Division of Haematology Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science
  • Awards and Achievements

    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    1999 Award Young Investigator Award Hanson Centre for Cancer Research Australia -
    1998 Award Johnson and Johnson Young Investigator award Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedics Research Society Australia -
    1992 Award Postgraduate Scholarship Award University of Adelaide Australia -
  • Education

    Date Institution name Country Title
    1997 University of Adelaide Australia PhD
    1992 University of Adelaide Australia Honours (First Class)
    1991 University of Adelaide Australia BSc (Hons)
  • Research Interests

Research Funding

Since establishing my laboratory in 2000, I have been awarded in excess of AUD $35 million in funding. Of note, as a CI, I have been awarded a total of 22 NHMRC grants. In addition, I have been awarded competitive grants from Cancer Australia, Leukemia Lymphoma Society (US), Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Cancer Council, Australian Cancer Research Fund and the International Myeloma Foundation, as detailed below. Furthermore, I have received industry funding from sources including Mesoblast Ltd, Celgene, Novartis, Zimmer and Johnson & Johnson. A list of the NHMRC, ARC and other awarded grants are provided below.

Grant Title Funding Initiative Role First Year Funded Number of Years Total Amount ($) of Grant
Summary of NHMRC Funding
Bone marrow macrophages: “Resident Evil” in the establishment and progression of multiple myeloma Research Support Project Grant CIA 2018 3 570,585.00
Myeloma Plasma Cell Dormancy - 'Eradicating the Sleeping Giant' Research Support Project Grant CIB 2018 3 834,428.00
Tyrosine kinase receptor c-ros-oncogene 1 mediates Twist-1 haploinsufficiency induced craniosynostosis in children: A novel therapeutic target Research Support Project Grant CIB 2017 3 562,863.00

Targeting skeletal mTORC1 as a novel approach for the treatment of diet-induced insulin resistance

Research Support

Project Grant

CIA

2016

3

586,979.00

Why is the bone marrow a “hot-spot” for myeloma plasma cell metastasis: are there Gremlins in the system?

Research Support

Project Grant

CIA

2016

3

651,979.00

The role of ephrinB1 reverse signalling in osteogenic differentiation during skeletal development and osteoporosis

Research Support

Project Grant

CIB

2015

3

548,347.00

Understanding clonal evolution in multiple myeloma

Research Support

Project Grant

CIA

2014

3

647,111.00

Twist-1 inhibits MSC osteoblast differentiation during osteoporosis

Research Support

Project Grant

CIB

2013

3

466,044.00

Is mTOR a novel target for the treatment of osteoporosis?

Research Support

Project Grant

CIA

2012

3

543,675.00

EphB-ephrinB mediates MSC bone regeneration

Research Support

Project Grant

CIB

2012

3

591,010.00

The Role of Hypoxia and Myeloma Disease Progression

Research Support

Project Grant

CIA

2010

3

594,582.00

Twist-1 Regulation of MSC Growth and Development

Research Support

Project Grant

CIB

2010

3

594,582.00

Novel strategies for the treatment of bone cancer

Research Support

Project Grant

CIC

2009

3

456,304.00

Control of premature bony fusion in skull development

Research Support

Project Grant

CIC

2008

3

555,855.00

Role of TWEAK in bone remodelling

Research Support

Project Grant

CIE

2007

3

566,947.00

The role of factors that regulate early processes of bone cell development

Research Support

Project Grant

CIB

2007

3

485,929.00

Chemokines and Myeloma Disease Progression

Research Support

Project Grant

CIA

2007

3

665,897.00

The role of human osteoblasts in osteoclast formation

Research Support

Project Grant

CIC

2004

3

436,450.00

Skeletal disease mediated by haematological malignancy

Research Support

Project Grant

CIA

2004

3

432,750.00

The cells and molecules involved in the formation and activity of human osteoclasts

Research Support

Project Grant

CID

2001

3

326,036.00

Drug resistance in leukaemia

Research Support

Project Grant

CIC

2001

3

362,545.00

The Molecular Mechanisms of Bone Destruction in Multiple Myeloma

Research Support

Project Grant

CIA

2001

3

212,036.00

                                                                                             Summary of Other Funding

Grant Title

Funding

Source

Role

First Year Funded

Number of Years

Total Amount ($) of Grant

Using novel high-precision proteomic analysis to discover biomarkers that identify smouldering myeloma patients at high-risk of progression to active multiple myeloma.

Research Support

Cancer Australia - Priority-Driven Collaborative Cancer Research

CIB

2020

2

199,720.00

Serum CTX-1 levels to predict smouldering myeloma patients at high-risk of progression to multiple myeloma: a prospective clinical trial

Research Support

Bone Health Foundation

CIB

2020

1

25,000.00

Targeting Macromolecule Biosynthesis in Cancer by in vivo Flux Measurement of Primary Cells for Rational Drug Development

Infrastructure Support

SAHMRI Beat Cancer - Project Infrastructure Grant

 

CID

2020

1

87,000.00

A new drug delivery system to improve the quality of life and survival of patients with the blood cancer multiple myeloma

Research Support

Tour De Cure –Early Career Research Grant

CIC

2020

1

50,000.00

N-cadherin inhibitors as vascular disrupting agents: increasing drug delivery to tumours and improving quality of life for cancer patients

Research Support

Cancer Australia - Priority-Driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme

CIB

2019

2

198,596.00

The Role of the Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Myeloma development

Research Support

Leukaemia Foundation - National Research Program

CIA

2019

3

596,199.00

Investigating the mechanisms by which bone-specific mTORC1 inhibition protects mice against diet-induced insulin resistance

Research Support

Diabetes Australia Research Trust

CIA

2019

1

60,000.00

ACRF Centre for Integrated Cancer Systems Biology

Infrastructure Support

Australian Cancer Research Fund

CIB

2019

1

2,500,000.00

Single cell sequencing to discover tumour-associated changes in the bone microenvironment of myeloma patients: identification of prognostic markers and novel therapeutic targets

Research Support - Brian D. Novis Senior Research Grant

International Myeloma Foundation

CIA

2019

1

110,000.00

Research Consortium Program for Agricultural Product Development

Research Support

Premier's Research and Industry Fund

CIB

2019

5

5,214,000.00

Stromal Cell-Derived Gremlin1 to Control Multiple Myeloma Disease

Research Support

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

CIA

2018

3

780,000.00

The role of novel paediatric B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) blast cell-derived factors on blast cell and stromal cell biology

Research Support

Women’s and Children’s Health Foundation

CIA

2017

2

201,412.00

Adelaide GSEx Flow Cytometry Facility

Infra-structure Support

Australian Research Council

CIC

2017

N/A

480,000.00

Mechanisms governing mobilisation and dissemination in multiple myeloma: the role of hypoxia and the CCR1/CXCR4 axis

Research Support

Cancer Australia - Priority-Driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme

CIB

2017

2

199,454.00

Localized treatment of solid tumours with cytotoxic T cells

Research Support

THRF - Project Grant

CIB

2017

1

125,000.00

Skeletal endocrine signalling in the regulation of glucose metabolism

Research Support

Australian Research Council

CIA

2016

3

379,400.00

Validation of a novel therapeutic target in multiple myeloma

Research Support

RAHRC - NHMRC Near Miss Grants

CIA

2016

1

100,000.00

A Tough Resilin based Hydrogel Platform for Repair and Regeneration

Research Support

Australian Research Council

CIB

2016

3

358,000.00

Bone Marrow Recovery in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Research Support

Women’s and Children’s Health Foundation

CIA

2015

2

226,426.00

Cooperating genetic changes that drive MM development: the role of SAMSN1 and GLIPR1 tumour suppressor gene

Research Support

Cancer Council of South Australia

CIA

2015

1

75,000.00

Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients in complete remission post-autograft: correlation with risk of relapse?

Research Support

SA Pathology RAH Contributing Haematologists’ Committee Fund

CIB

2015

1

30,000.00

Understanding clonal evolution in multiple myeloma

Research Support

Ray and Shirl Norman Trust- HSCGB

CIA

2014

3

300,000.00

An improved technology for isolating human adult stem cells for regenerative therapies

Research Support

Adelaide Research and Innovation- Commercial Accelerator Scheme Fund

CIA

2013

1

100,000.00

Understanding the mechanisms of aberrant bone formation in Saethre-Chotzen syndrome patients with Twist-1 mutations

Research Support

Research, Robinson Institute Collaborative Grant

CIB

2013

1

65,000.00

South Australian Blood Cancer Tumour Bank

Infra-structure Support

SA Cancer Research, Medvet, Community donor

CID

2013

3

980,000.00

Australian Cancer Research Foundation South Australian Innovative Cancer Imaging And Therapeutics Facility

Infra-structure Support

Australian Cancer Research Foundation

CIC

2013

1

2,800,000.00

Is elevated N-cadherin expression a poor prognostic indicator in multiple myeloma patients?

Research Support

Cancer Australia and Leukaemia Foundation

CIA

2012

3

528,666.00

Does Modifying the bone marrow stromal micro-environment alter the disease course of multiple myeloma?

Research Support

Cancer Council of South Australia

CIA

2012

1

99,171.00

Efficacy of Targeting the mTOR and PI3 Kinase Pathways as a Treatment Modality for Myeloma

Industry Research Support

Novartis Pharma-ceuticals International

CIA

2011

1

65,000.00

Development of a Comprehensive Data Base for Myeloma and Related Disorders

Industry Support

Celgene Australia

CIB

2011

2

120,000.00

Seed Grant for the Establishment of a Multiple Myeloma and Related Disorders Database

Research Support

Cancer Council of South Australia

CIB

2011

1

35,000.00

Is mTOR a novel target for the treatment of osteoporosis?

Research Support

Research, Robinson Institute Collaborative Grant

CIA

2011

1

75,000.00

Abl Kinase Inhibition as a Novel Therapy for Myeloma-Associated Bone Loss

Research Support

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - TRP

CIA

2009

3

750,000.00

Abl Kinase Inhibition as a Novel Therapy for Malignancy-Associated Bone Loss

Research Support

Cancer Council of South Australia

CIA

2009

1

93,000.00

Kodak chemiluminescence and gel imaging system (4000MM Pro Image Station).

 

Infra-structure Support

University of Adelaide/NH&MRC Equipment Grant

CIF

2008

1

55,000.00

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition as a Potential Modality to Control Osteolytic Bone Disease: A New Role for Imatinib Mesylate and Second Generation Bcr-Abl Inhibitors

Industry Research Support

Novartis Pharma-ceuticals International

CIA

2007

3

470,000.00

Development of Strategies For The Therapeutic Use of Mesenchymal Precursor Cells For Cartilage Repair

Industry Support

Mesoblast Ltd

CIB

2006

2

320,692.00

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells (MPC) for the repair of critical size defects in an ovine tibial model

Industry Support

Mesoblast Ltd

CIB

2006

1

725,000.00

A Preclinical trial of the potential for cultured mesenchymal precursor cells to restore extracellular matrix and normal mechanical function to degenerate intervertebral discs

Industry/

Research Support

Mesoblast Ltd/ AusIndustry Grant

CIC

2006

2

794,850.00

BIR (Bortezomib Induction and Reinduction) Study

Clinical Trial and Research Support

Johnson & Johnson

CIB

2006

2

445,875.00

Can The Level of Stromal-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1α) In Myeloma Patients Predict if They Will Develop Osteolytic Bone Disease?

Research Support

Cancer Council South Australia

CIA

2005

1

149,416.00

The Use of Aptamer-Based technologies to Identify Immuno-dominant Epitopes of Factor VIII Which are Responsible for the Development of Anti-Factor VIII Antibodies (Inhibitors)

Research Support

IMVS-Contributing Haematologist Committee Fund

CIA

2005

1

30,000.00

Can The Level of Stromal-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1α) In Myeloma Patients Predict if They Will Develop Osteolytic Bone Disease?

Research Support

Royal Adelaide Hospital-IMVS Research Fund-Clinical Project Grants

CIA

2004

1

23,500.00

Mechanisms of Increased Microvessel Density (MVD) In Multiple Myeloma

Research Support

IMVS-Contributing Haematologist Committee Fund

CIA

2004

1

36,000.00

Can The Level of Stromal-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1α) In Myeloma Patients Predict if They Will Develop Osteolytic Bone Disease?

Research Support

RAH/IMVS Clinical Research Grants

CIA

2004

1

18,500.00

 

Utilisation of human osteoblast and osteoclast co-culture models to study anti-resorptive and anabolic agents

Industry Support

Ely Lilly

CIC

2004

1

15,000.00

Research and Services Agreement

Industry/Research Support

Angioblast Ltd/ Mesoblast Ltd

CIB

2003

3

300,000.00

The Efficacy of Mesenchymal Precursor Cells to Repair Cardiac Defects

Industry Support

Angioblast Systems, Ltd

CIA

2003

2

100,000.00

Characterisation of RANKL and OPG production by human osteoblastic cells

Industry Support

Ely Lilly

CIB

2002

1

20,000.00

Tantalum and osteointegration

Industry Support

Zimmer

CIC

2002

1

45,000.00

Novel Interaction of the Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Protein DLK with the Growth Arrest-Specific Gene Product GAS-1: Implications for Adipocyte Differentiation

Research Support

IMVS/RAH Research Fund

CIB

2001

1

11,000.00

Characterisation of Novel Drug-Resistance Proteins in Human Leukaemic Cells

Industry Support

Medvet Pty Ltd

CIC

2000

1

110,000.00

The Identification and Characterization of Novel Regulators of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation and Lineage Commitment

Industry Support

Zymogenetics Inc., Seattle, Washington

CIA

1999

1

90,000.00

 

As a supervisor/mentor, I aim to provide an environment that:
  • Promotes strategic, independent, creative and critical scientific thinking;
  • Encourages a strong work ethic and a disciplined approach;
  • Supports the development of rigor in experimental design;
  • Encourages a sense of project ownership;
  • Promotes confidence and leadership;
  • Encourages effective interpersonal skills; and
  • Teaches effective written and verbal communication skills.
Teaching:

As a former full-time Medical Scientist in the Department of Haematology, SA Pathology/Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and Level E Affiliate Titleholder in the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Adelaide, I provided leadership in teaching and supervision in my daily interactions with post-doctoral scientists, research assistants, undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students. Furthermore, during this period, I provided numerous guest lectures (BBTech students, Uni SA; BHlthSci and MBBS, Uni Adelaide) and successfully mentored numerous honours, masters, PhD and medical students (as part of Department of Medicine’s 4th Year Research Program).

In addition to graduate and post-graduate teaching, since joining the University of Adelaide as Professor of Experimental Haematology, I present undergraduate lectures in courses offered by the Faculty of Health and Medical Science ([FHMS] Medicine, Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology and Dentistry), Faculty of Science ([FS] Masters program, stem cells) and the University of Sydney (tissue engineering). I provide Honours workshops relating to thesis writing, career opportunities and career development. I also host Physiology III (BHlthSci, FHMS) and Principals and Practice of Research III (BSc Advanced, FS) students in my laboratory for small group discovery and research training.

My abilities as a post-graduate educator and supervisor are manifest in the following outcomes:

  • Completions - 100% student completions
  • Awards for Excellence - Former students have received awards for excellence, including the University Medal (S Martin), Hugh Gilmore Prize (P Psaltis), Ross Wishart Memorial Award (P Psaltis), Nimmo Prize (P Psaltis), Hanson Institute Clinical Researcher of the Year Award for 2009 (D Harland/White), HSANZ Albert Baikie Memorial Medal (S Martin).
  • Post-Graduate Placements - Former students have been appointed to post-doctoral positions in prestigious institutions including Mt Sinai Hospital, NY (B Pan), Mayo Clinic, MN (P Psaltis), St Jude’s Hospital, TN (J Engler) or have gone onto significant positions in local institutions (D Harland/White, H Tsuji and C Oh).
  • Publications and Presentations - All past and present students have presented their findings at international and national scientific meetings, including oral presentations at major international conferences (American Society of Haematology, American Heart Association) and have published articles in highly cited and prized scientific journals (BLOOD, Cell Stem Cells, JACC), including featured articles in BLOOD, JBMR and JCEM.
Mentoring:

Post-Doctoral Scientist, Research Staff and Peer Training:

I currently supervise 8 post-doctoral scientists (Dr Duncan Hewett, Dr Stephen Fitter, Dr Sally Martin, Dr Kate Vandyke, Dr Jacqueline Noll, Dr Mel Cantley, Dr Bill Panagopoulos; Dr Krzysztof Mrozik), 3 Clinical Research Fellows (Dr Angie Yong, Dr Stanley Cheung, Dr Cindy Lee), 3 Research Assistants (Elyse Bell, Alanah Bradey, Rosa Harmer) and 2 technical officers (Mrs Vicki Wilczek and Mrs Lynda Saunders). Dr Kate Vandyke (Beat Cancer ECR Fellow), Dr Jacqueline Noll (Veronika Sacco Clinical Research Fellow), Dr Bill Panagopoulos (NHMRC ECR Fellow) and Dr Mel Cantley (NHMRC ECR Fellow) are self-funded research fellows, while the remainder of the staff are employed on peer reviewed, competitively awarded grants and industry funds. I advise post-doctoral staff in relation to their long-term career plans; aid with identifying independent research opportunities and encourage their supervision of students. This ensures that postdoctoral staff play an intrinsic role in the “education cycle” and possess the necessary skills for a successful independent research career.

Other Contributions to the Training/Mentoring Process:

In addition to graduate/post-graduate teaching, I also contribute to the formal education process by assessing honours and PhD theses. To date I have assessed in excess of 45 honour theses and 12 PhD theses from local, national and international Universities.

As an inaugural member of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Group (MSAG) of Myeloma Australia (http://www.myeloma.org.au) I contribute to the community’s and clinician’s awareness about myeloma. Furthermore, the MSAG provide guidance on both myeloma and supportive treatment strategies and have co-authored guidelines for the safe use of bisphosphonates (Dickinson M et al, Intern Med J. 2009. May;39(5):304-16; Lee et al., 1. Intern Med J, 47(8), 938-951.) and Multiple Myeloma Clinical Practice Guidelines (coordinated on behalf of the MFA-MSAG by Quach and Prince et al).

I also present lectures to a wide variety of organisations including Rotary Australia, The University of the Third Age, The Greek Women’s Philanthropic Society, The Australian Asian Women’s Association and Myeloma SA (a support group comprised of myeloma sufferers and their carers). I also host numerous guided, interactive tours of the Cancer Theme facilities at the SAHMRI (approximately 10 per year). These community engagement opportunities serve to raise the awareness of research activities being conducted at SAHMRI and the UA.

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2023 Co-Supervisor Investigating mechanisms of relapse in high-risk paediatric pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Caleb Ben Lill
    2022 Co-Supervisor Genetic and biochemical characterisation of the SIK3 mutation, R393H: A causal mutation that helps define a new family of human monogenetic disorders Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Eliana Gloria Stanziano
    2022 Co-Supervisor Lipidomic and metabolomic profiling of the bone marrow microenvironment to understand multiple myeloma disease development Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Miss Mackenzie Rose Skinner
    2022 Co-Supervisor Modelling neurotoxicities following paediatric cancer treatments to improve cognitive outcomes and quality of survival Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Maya Rochelle Davies
    2021 Co-Supervisor Interventions and Novel Treatments for Obesity-associated Pathologies Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Alanah Loretta Bradey
    2021 Principal Supervisor Mechanisms of bortezomib-induced gut dysfunction and novel strategies to mitigate its impact in people with multiple myeloma. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Jacqui Steele Scott
    2021 Co-Supervisor The Role of Myeloperoxidase in Multiple Myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Connor Maxwell Douglas Williams
    2021 Co-Supervisor Investigating the role of Gremlin1 in driving multiple myeloma cancer development and progression Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Emma Anna-Jane Cheney
    2020 Co-Supervisor Changes in the bone marrow microenvironment with progression to multiple myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Miss Laura Joy Trainor
    2020 Co-Supervisor Identification of novel mechanisms that drive the dissemination of multiple myeloma tumour cells Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Hayley Bridget Parkinson
    2020 Co-Supervisor Development and assessment of novel drug delivery strategies to improve the treatment of multiple myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Sadia Munir
  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2019 - 2023 Principal Supervisor The Role of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Senescence in Multiple Myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Natalya Plakhova
    2019 - 2023 Principal Supervisor The TAM receptor family in multiple myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Justine Rachel Clark
    2019 - 2023 Co-Supervisor A Novel Antibiofilm Treatment for Surgical Site Infections Doctor of Philosophy under a Jointly-awarded Degree Agreement with Doctorate Full Time Mrs Laurine Dorothea Kaul
    2017 - 2020 Co-Supervisor CCR1 as a Therapeutic Target in Multiple Myeloma: Preventing Tumour Dissemination and Therapeutic Resistance Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Mara Natasha Zeissig
    2017 - 2020 Principal Supervisor The Role of Osteoblast-mTORC1 in the Regulation of Glucose Metabolism Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Pawanrat Tangseefa
    2017 - 2020 Co-Supervisor Generation and Transcriptomic Analysis of HIF-1Alpha and HIF-2Alpha Knockout 5TGM1 Multiple Myeloma Cells Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Mr Yu Chinn Joshua Chey
    2017 - 2021 Principal Supervisor Macrophages, Myeloma, Mouse Models and Methodologies Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Khatora Shanae Opperman
    2015 - 2019 Principal Supervisor The Role of SAMSN1 in Multiple Myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Natasha Friend
    2015 - 2020 Principal Supervisor The Role of Gremlin1 in Multiple Myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Kimberley Claire Clark
    2015 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Smart Materials for Cartilage and Bone Tissue Engineering Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Jiabin Zhang
    2014 - 2018 Principal Supervisor A Genomic Approach Towards an Understanding of Clonal Evolution and Disease Progression in Multiple Myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ankit Kumar Dutta
    2013 - 2017 Principal Supervisor The Role of TWIST1 in Multiple Myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Chee Man Cheong
    2012 - 2018 Principal Supervisor N-cadherin: Regulation, Role and Therapeutic Targeting in Multiple Myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Krzysztof Mrozik
    2011 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction-Induced Ventricular Dysfunction Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr James David Richardson
    2011 - 2018 Co-Supervisor Investigating the Role of HIF-1 and HIF-2 Transcription Factors in Multiple Myeloma Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Natalia Magdalena Martin
    2010 - 2018 Principal Supervisor The Role of mTORC1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate Determination, Osteoblast Differentiation and Skeletal Development Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Mary Patricia Matthews
    2009 - 2013 Co-Supervisor The Role of TWIST-1 in the Regulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Growth, Fracture Repair and Bone Loss Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Lachlan Cooper
    2007 - 2011 Co-Supervisor Cell Lineage, Cell Maturity and BCR-ABL: Factors Which Influence Imatinib Uptake in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Jane Engler
    2007 - 2010 Principal Supervisor The Effects of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition on Bone Remodelling Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Kate Vandyke
    2006 - 2010 Co-Supervisor The Cardiovascular Reparative Properties of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Precursor Cells Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time APrf Peter Psaltis
    2005 - 2012 Co-Supervisor Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Repair of the Injured Growth Plate in Young Rats Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Carmen Macsai
    2005 - 2009 Principal Supervisor Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Increased Angiogenesis in Multiple Myeloma: A Role for CXCL12 Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Sally Martin
    2004 - 2008 Co-Supervisor Factors which Impact on the Response of CML Patients to ABL Kinase Inhibitor Therapy: A Study of Imatinib and Nilotinib Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Prof Deborah Lee White
    2002 - 2004 Principal Supervisor Mechanisms of Skeletal Disease Mediated by Haematological Malignancies Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Beiqing Pan
    2001 - 2002 Principal Supervisor CLINICAL MEDICINE Master of Medical Science Master Full Time Miss Beiqing Pan
  • Board Memberships

    Date Role Board name Institution name Country
    2020 - 2020 Member Ministerial Advisory Board - Health and Medical Industries Department of Industry and Skills, Government of South Australia Australia
    2020 - ongoing Member Ministerial Implementation Board – Health and Medical Industries Department of Industry and Skills, Government of South Australia Australia
    2019 - ongoing Member Board Health Translation SA (HTSA) Australia
    2019 - ongoing Member Board Adelaide BioMed City Australia
    2015 - 2019 Member Board of Directors Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre, University of Adelaide Australia
    2014 - ongoing Member Advisory Board Robinson Research Institute (RRI), University of Adelaide Australia
  • Committee Memberships

    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2019 - ongoing Chair Research Advisory Committee Adelaide BioMed City Australia
    2016 - ongoing Member ARCPOH Expert Advisory Committee University of Adelaide Australia
    2014 - 2018 Member NHMRC Assigners Academy National Health and Medical Research Council Australia
    2014 - 2015 Chair Research Committee, School of Medical Science University of Adelaide Australia
    2012 - ongoing Member Bioscience Pillar Committee South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2012 - 2012 Member Robinson Institute Transition Management Committee University of Adelaide Australia
    2012 - 2012 Member Leukaemia Foundation National Research Program Assessment Panel Leukaemia Foundation Australia
    2011 - 2011 Member Reshaping the Robinson Task Force, Robinson Institute University of Adelaide Australia
    2010 - 2015 Member Scientific Advisory Committee Bone Health Foundation Australia
    2010 - 2013 Member Fellowships and Scholarships Committee Leukaemia Foundation of Australia Australia
    2009 - 2012 Member Medical Assessment Classification Committee SA Pathology Australia
    2007 - 2012 Co-Chair Institutional Biosafety Committee SA Pathology/Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science Australia
  • Memberships

    Date Role Membership Country
    2019 - ongoing Member Beat Cancer Project Executive Management Group Australia
    2012 - ongoing Member Cell Reprogramming Australia (CRA) Australia
    2010 - ongoing Member Centre for Personalised Cancer Medicine, University of Adelaide Australia
    2010 - ongoing Member Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Adelaide Australia
    2010 - ongoing Member Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology Australia
  • Offices Held

    Date Office Name Institution Country
    2020 - ongoing Non-executive director AusHealth Pty Ltd Australia
    2012 - 2012 Cancer Biology and Oncology GRP National Health and Medical Research Council Australia
    2010 - 2010 Oncology GRP National Health and Medical Research Council Australia
    2006 - ongoing Cell Biology GRP National Health and Medical Research Council Australia
  • Review, Assessment, Editorial and Advice

    Date Title Type Institution Country
    2018 - 2019 NHMRC Ideas Grant Review Panel Grant Assessment National Health and Medical Research Council Australia
    2013 - 2017 Subject Matter Expert and Assessor, Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF) Grant Assessment CSIRO Australia
    2010 - 2010 Subject Matter Expert, Facilities and Laboratory Operations Advice South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Australia
    2006 - ongoing Medical and Scientific Advisory Group Advice Myeloma Foundation of Australia Australia
  • Position: Executive Dean
  • Phone: 83135193
  • Email: andrew.zannettino@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Helen Mayo North, floor 3
  • Org Unit: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

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