Dr Stephen Fitter

NHMRC Grant-Funded Researcher (B)

School of Biomedicine

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

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

My Research
Career
Publications
Grants and Funding
Supervision
Contact

Research

I am currently involved in a number of projects including (1) examining the role of the mTORC1 complex in skeletal development and mesenchymal stem cell lineage determination (2) projects examining the role of osteoblastic-mTORC1 in B-cell development and glucose homeostasis (3) a project examining the role of bone marrow stroma in the pathology of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Appointments

Date	Position	Institution name
2013 - ongoing	Research Fellow Level B	University of Adelaide
2006 - 2013	Post doctoral research scientist	Myeloma Research Program, Bone and Cancer Laboratories, Hanson Institute and Division of Haematology, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science

Education

Date	Institution name	Country	Title
2006	Flinders University, Adelaide	Australia	Doctor of Philosophy
1996	University of Adelaide, Adelaide	Australia	Master Qualifying
1990	Flinders University, Adelaide	Australia	Bachelor of Science

Journals

Year	Citation
2025	Kumorkiewicz-Jamro, A., Pachulicz, R. J., Fitter, S., Górska, R., Duggan, J., Vandyke, K., . . . Zannettino, A. C. W. (2025). Atriplex hortensis var. 'rubra' extracts and purified amaranthin-type pigments reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Food Chemistry, 462, 14 pages. DOI
2024	Lill, C. B., Fitter, S., Zannettino, A. C. W., Vandyke, K., & Noll, J. E. (2024). Molecular and cellular mechanisms of chemoresistance in paediatric pre–B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Cancer and Metastasis Reviews, 15 pages. DOI
2022	Bradey, A. L., Fitter, S., Duggan, J., Wilczek, V., Williams, C. M. D., Cheney, E. A., . . . Zannettino, A. C. W. (2022). Calorie restriction has no effect on bone marrow tumour burden in a VkMYC transplant model of multiple myeloma. Scientific Reports*, 12(1), 1-15. DOI Scopus5 WoS3 Europe PMC3
2021	Tangseefa, P., Martin, S. K., Chin, P. Y., Breen, J., Mah, C. Y., Baldock, P. A., . . . Zannettino, A. C. W. (2021). The mTORC1 complex in pre-osteoblasts regulates whole-body energy metabolism independently of osteocalcin. Bone Research, 9(1), 10-1-10-17. DOI Scopus5 WoS3 Europe PMC6
2021	Fitter, S., Bradey, A. L., Kok, C. H., Noll, J. E., Wilczek, V. J., Venn, N. C., . . . Revesz, T. (2021). CKLF and IL1B transcript levels at diagnosis are predictive of relapse in children with pre‐B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. British Journal of Haematology, 193(1), 171-175. DOI Scopus4 WoS1 Europe PMC3
2021	Tangseefa, P., Martin, S. K., Arthur, A., Panagopoulos, V., Page, A. J., Wittert, G. A., . . . Zannettino, A. C. W. (2021). Deletion of Rptor in preosteoblasts reveals a role for the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) complex in dietary-induced changes to bone mass and glucose homeostasis in female mice. JBMR Plus, 5(5), 1-14. DOI Scopus2 WoS1 Europe PMC1
2020	Xie, J., Shen, K., Jones, A. T., Yang, J., Tee, A. R., Shen, M. H., . . . Proud, C. G. (2020). Reciprocal signaling between mTORC1 and MNK2 controls cell growth and oncogenesis.. Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS, 78(1), 249-270. DOI Scopus15 WoS13 Europe PMC9
2020	Friend, N. L., Hewett, D. R., Panagopoulos, V., Noll, J. E., Vandyke, K., Mrozik, K. M., . . . Zannettino, A. C. W. (2020). Characterization of the role of Samsn1 loss in multiple myeloma development. FASEB BioAdvances, 2(9), 554-572. DOI Scopus5 WoS1 Europe PMC4
2018	Martin, S., Fitter, S., El Khawanky, N., Grose, R., Walkley, C., Purton, L., . . . Zannettino, A. (2018). mTORC1 plays an important role in osteoblastic regulation of B-lymphopoiesis. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 14501-1-14501-10. DOI Scopus16 WoS14 Europe PMC13
2018	Tangseefa, P., Martin, S., Fitter, S., Baldock, P., Proud, C., & Zannettino, A. (2018). Osteocalcin-dependent regulation of glucose metabolism and fertility: skeletal implications for the development of insulin resistance. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 233(5), 3769-3783. DOI Scopus18 WoS13 Europe PMC11
2018	Fitter, S., & Zannettino, A. C. W. (2018). Osteopontin in the pathophysiology of obesity: Is Opn a fat cell foe?. Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, 12(3), 249-250. DOI Scopus4 WoS3 Europe PMC4
2017	Fitter, S., Gronthos, S., Ooi, S. S., & Zannettino, A. C. W. (2017). The mesenchymal precursor cell marker antibody STRO-1 binds to cell surface heat shock cognate 70. Stem Cells, 35(4), 940-951. DOI Scopus30 WoS24 Europe PMC19
2017	Fitter, S., Matthews, M., Martin, S., Xie, J., Ooi, S., Walkley, C., . . . Zannettino, A. (2017). mTORC1 plays an important role in skeletal development by controlling preosteoblast differentiation. Molecular and Cellular Biology, 37(7), e00668-1-e00668-20. DOI Scopus54 WoS44 Europe PMC41
2015	Martin, S., Fitter, S., Dutta, A., Matthews, M., Walkley, C., Hall, M., . . . Zannettino, A. (2015). Brief report: The differential roles of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Stem Cells, 33(4), 1359-1365. DOI Scopus79 WoS70 Europe PMC65
2015	Martin, S., Gan, Z., Fitter, S., To, L., & Zannettino, A. (2015). The effect of the PI3K inhibitor BKM120 on tumour growth and osteolytic bone disease in multiple myeloma. Leukemia Research, 39(3), 380-387. DOI Scopus20 WoS18 Europe PMC14
2015	Cheong, C., Chow, A., Fitter, S., Hewett, D., Martin, S., Williams, S., . . . Vandyke, K. (2015). Tetraspanin 7 (TSPAN7) expression is upregulated in multiple myeloma patients and inhibits myeloma tumour development in vivo. Experimental Cell Research, 332(1), 24-38. DOI Scopus30 WoS26 Europe PMC26
2015	Gan, Z., Fitter, S., Vandyke, K., To, L., Zannettino, A., & Martin, S. (2015). The effect of the dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 on tumour growth and osteolytic bone disease in multiple myeloma. European Journal of Haematology, 94(4), 343-354. DOI Scopus32 WoS28 Europe PMC23
2013	Thomas, D., Powell, J., Green, B., Barry, E., Ma, Y., Woodcock, J., . . . Guthridge, M. (2013). Protein kinase activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinase regulates cytokine-dependent cell survival. PLoS Biology, 11(3), 1-14. DOI Scopus19 WoS16 Europe PMC17
2013	Vandyke, K., Fitter, S., Drew, J., Fukumoto, S., Schultz, C., Sims, N., . . . Zannettino, A. (2013). Prospective histomorphometric and DXA evaluation of bone remodeling in imatinib-treated CML patients: Evidence for site-specific skeletal effects. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 98(1), 67-76. DOI Scopus24 WoS22 Europe PMC20
2012	Fitter, S., Vandyke, K., Gronthos, S., & Zannettino, A. (2012). Suppression of PDGF-induced PI3 kinase activity by imatinib promotes adipogenesis and adiponectin secretion. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 48(3), 229-240. DOI Scopus53 WoS46 Europe PMC49
2011	Vandyke, K., Fitter, S., & Zannettino, A. (2011). The tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib (SPRYCEL) inhibits chondrocyte activity and proliferation. Blood Cancer Journal, 1(2), E2. DOI Scopus22 WoS21 Europe PMC8
2010	Vandyke, K., Dewar, A., Diamond, P., Fitter, S., Schultz, C., Sims, N., & Zannettino, A. (2010). The tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib dysregulates bone remodeling through inhibition of osteoclasts in vivo. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 25(8), 1759-1770. DOI Scopus84 WoS73 Europe PMC61
2010	Martin, S., Fitter, S., Bong, L., Drew, J., Gronthos, S., Shepherd, P., & Zannettino, A. (2010). NVP-BEZ235, a dual pan class I PI3 kinase and mTOR inhibitor, promotes osteogenic differentiation in human mesenchymal stromal cells. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 25(10), 2126-2137. DOI Scopus53 WoS51 Europe PMC43
2010	Fitter, S., Vandyke, K., Schultz, C., White, D., Hughes, T., & Zannettino, A. (2010). Plasma adiponectin levels are markedly elevated in imatinib-treated chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients: A mechanism for improved insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetic CML patients?. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 95(8), 3763-3767. DOI Scopus50 WoS46 Europe PMC41
2010	Vandyke, K., Fitter, S., Dewar, A., Hughes, T., & Zannettino, A. (2010). Dysregulation of bone remodeling by imatinib mesylate. Blood, 115(4), 766-774. DOI Scopus125 WoS107 Europe PMC80
2009	Gronthos, S., McCarty, R., Mrozik, K., Fitter, S., Paton, S., Menicanin, D., . . . Zannettino, A. (2009). Heat shock protein-90 beta is expressed at the surface of multipotential mesenchymal precursor cells: Generation of a novel monoclonal antibody, STRO-4, with specificity for mesenchymal precursor cells from human and ovine tissues. Stem Cells and Development, 18(9), 1253-1261. DOI Scopus71 WoS61 Europe PMC45
2009	Vandyke, K., Dewar, A., Menicanin, D., To, L., Hughes, T., Zannettino, A., & Fitter, S. (2009). Imatinib mesylate causes growth plate closure in vivo. Leukemia, 23(11), 2155-2159. DOI Scopus37 WoS32 Europe PMC31
2009	Vandyke, K., Dewar, A., Farrugia, A., Fitter, S., To, B., Hughes, T., & Zannettino, A. (2009). Therapeutic concentrations of dasatinib inhibit in vitro osteoclastogenesis. Leukemia, 23(5), 994-997. DOI Scopus49 WoS47 Europe PMC35
2008	Fitter, S., Dewar, A., Kostakis, P., To, L., Hughes, T., Roberts, M., . . . Zannettino, A. (2008). Long-term imatinib therapy promotes bone formation in CML patients. Blood, 111(5), 2538-2547. DOI Scopus142 WoS129 Europe PMC105
2007	Gronthos, S., Fitter, S., Diamond, P., Simmons, P., Itescu, S., & Zannettino, A. (2007). A novel monoclonal antibody (STRO-3) identifies an isoform of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase expressed by multipotent bone marrow stromal stem cells. Stem Cells and Development, 16(6), 953-963. DOI Scopus105 WoS95 Europe PMC77
2005	Fitter, S., & James, R. (2005). Deconvolution of a complex target using DNA aptamers. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 280(40), 34193-34201. DOI Scopus35 WoS27 Europe PMC21
2004	Wright, M. D., Geary, S. M., Fitter, S., Moseley, G. W., Lau, L. M., Sheng, K. C., . . . Ashman, L. K. (2004). Characterization of mice lacking the tetraspanin superfamily member CD151. Molecular and Cellular Biology, 24(13), 5978-5988. DOI Scopus157 WoS145 Europe PMC114
2001	Geary, S., Cambareri, A., Sincock, P., Fitter, S., & Ashman, L. (2001). Differential tissue expression of epitopes of the tetraspanin CD151 recognised by monoclonal antibodies. Tissue Antigens, 58(3), 141-153. DOI Scopus34 WoS34 Europe PMC20
2001	Berditchevski, F., Gilbert, E., Griffiths, M., Fitter, S., Ashman, L., & Jenner, S. (2001). Analysis of the CD1513b1 integrin and CD151tetraspanin interactions by mutagenesis. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 276(44), 41165-41174. DOI Scopus104 WoS93 Europe PMC73
1999	Sincock, P., Fitter, S., Parton, R., Berndt, M., Gamble, J., & Ashman, L. (1999). PETA-3/CD151, a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily, is localised to the plasma membrane and endocytic system of endothelial cells, associates with multiple integrins and modulates cell function. Journal of Cell Science, 112(6), 833-844. DOI Scopus158 WoS149 Europe PMC106
1999	Fitter, S., Sincock, P. M., Jolliffe, C. N., & Ashman, L. K. (1999). Transmembrane 4 superfamily protein CD151 (PETA-3) associates with β<inf>1</inf> and α(IIb)β<inf>3</inf> integrins in haemopoietic cell lines and modulates cell-cell adhesion. Biochemical Journal, 338(1), 61-70. DOI Scopus105 WoS95
1999	Fitter, S., Sincock, P., Jolliffe, C., & Ashman, L. (1999). Transmembrane 4 superfamily protein CD151 (PETA-3) associates with B1 and aIIbB3 integrins in haemopoietic cell lines and modulates cell-cell adhesion. Biochemical Journal, 338(-), 61-70. DOI Europe PMC61
1998	Fitter, S., Seldin, M., & Ashman, L. (1998). Characterisation of the mouse homologue of CD151 (PETA-3/SFA-1) ; genomic structure, chromosomal localisation and identification of 2 novel splice forms. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1398(1), 75-85. DOI Scopus12 WoS13 Europe PMC10
1995	Fitter, S., Tetaz, T. J., Berndt, M. C., & Ashman, L. K. (1995). Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding a novel platelet-endothelial cell tetra-span antigen, PETA-3. Blood, 86(4), 1348-1355. DOI Scopus104 WoS91 Europe PMC60
1992	Fitter, S., Heuzenroeder, M., & Thomas, C. J. (1992). A combined PCR and selective enrichment method for rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes. Journal of Applied Bacteriology, 73(1), 53-59. DOI Scopus64 WoS63 Europe PMC30

Conference Papers

Year	Citation
2018	Tangseefa, P., Martin, S. K., Wilczek, V., Baldock, P., Proud, C. G., Fitter, S., & Zannettino, A. C. W. (2018). Metabolic and reproductive abnormalities in mice with impaired skeletal-mTORC1 function mirror a dietary restriction phenotype. In CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY Vol. 89 (pp. 19). Perth, AUSTRALIA: WILEY.
2016	Asari, K., Heatley, S. L., Sadras, T., Leclercq, T. M., Fitter, S., Kok, C. H., . . . White, D. L. (2016). <i>In Vitro</i> Modeling of Ph-like ALL Fusions Identifies Novel Kinase-Domain Mutations As Mode of TKI-Resistance Implications for Targeted Therapy. In BLOOD Vol. 128 (pp. 5 pages). San Diego, CA: AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. DOI
2008	Vandyke, K., Dewar, A., Diamond, P., Fitter, S., Farrugia, A. N., To, L. B., . . . Zannettino, A. C. W. (2008). Dasatinib (Sprycel™) Inhibits Oteoclast Activity <i>in Vitro</i> and <i>in Vivo</i> Via a C-Fms-Dependent and C-Src-Independent Mechanism. In BLOOD Vol. 112 (pp. 1102-1103). San Francisco, CA: AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY.

Conference Items

Year	Citation
2018	Asari, K., Leclercq, T., Srihari, S., Fitter, S., Yeung, D., Hughes, T., . . . White, D. L. (2018). in vitro modelling of Ph-like ALL uncovers novel genomic alterations associated with TKI-resistance as a consequence of targeted therapy. Poster session presented at the meeting of Childhood Leukaemia and Lymphoma Symposium. Helsinki, Finland.
2017	Asari, K., Sadras, T., Srihari, S., Fitter, S., An, J., Zannettino, A. C., . . . White, D. L. (2017). in vitro Modelling of Ph-like ALL Fusions Uncovers Novel Kinase-domain Mutations as a Mode of TKI-resistance and Potential Consequence of Targeted TKI Therapy. Poster session presented at the meeting of ANZCHOG.
2016	Asari, K., Heatley, S., Leclercq, T., Fitter, S., Zannettino, A., Hughes, T., & White, D. L. (2016). In vitro Modelling of Therapeutic Resistance to Elucidate Mechanisms of TKI-Resistant High-Risk ALL. Poster session presented at the meeting of .. Noosa, QLD.
2016	Asari, K., Heatley, S., Leclercq, T., Fitter, S., Kok, C. H., Zannettino, A., . . . White, D. L. (2016). Investigating Modes of Therapeutic Resistance via In Vitro Modelling of TKI-resistant High-Risk Philadelphia-chromosome-positive and Philadelphia-chromosome-like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Poster session presented at the meeting of Poster Session. Adelaide, SA.

Grants Awarded

2021	Investigators: Zannettino, ACW and Fitter S. Investigator status: Chief Investigator B Title: Development of a novel glucose lowering medication targeting mTORC1 in osteoblasts.	$649,347.00
2014	Investigators: Fitter S, Zannettino, ACW, Gronthos S. Investigator status: Co-investigator Title: An improved technology for isolating human adult stem cells for regenerative therapies. Fund: Commercial Accelerator Fund; Adelaide Research and Innovation	$100,000
2011	Investigators: Zannettino, ACW, Gronthos, Fitter S. Investigator status: Chief Investigator C Title: Defining a role for rictor and raptor in mesenchymal cell fate determination Fund: National Health and Medical Research Foundation	$650,000
2010	Investigators: Fitter S., Matin S, D’Andrea R and Zannettino, ACW. Investigator status: Co-investigator Title: Defining a role for rictor and raptor in mesenchymal cell fate determination Fund: CRC Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Adelaide	$75,000
2009	Investigators: Fitter S., To, LB. and Zannettino, ACW. Investigator status: Co-investigator Title: Defining a role for rictor and raptor in mesenchymal cell fate determination Fund: Contributing Haematologists Cnommittee (CHC), Division of Haematology, IMVS	$20,000
2008	Investigators: Fitter S., Evdokiou A., Hughes TP., and Zannettino, ACW. Investigator status: Co-investigator Title: TKI inhibitors as modulators of leukemia induced bone loss Fund: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Translational research program	$600,000
2006	Investigators: Fitter, S., To, LB. and Zannettino, ACW. Investigator status: Co-investigator Title: Development of a therapeutic aptamer that antagonises SDF-1a (CXCL12) binding to CXCR4. Fund: Contributing Haematologists Committee (CHC), Division of Haematology, IMVS	$27,000

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	Principal 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
2021	Principal Supervisor	Interventions and Novel Treatments for Obesity-associated Pathologies	Doctor of Philosophy	Doctorate	Full Time	Miss Alanah Loretta Bradey

Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

Date	Role	Research Topic	Program	Degree Type	Student Load	Student Name
2017 - 2020	Co-Supervisor	The Role of Osteoblast-mTORC1 in the Regulation of Glucose Metabolism	Doctor of Philosophy	Doctorate	Full Time	Miss Pawanrat Tangseefa
2010 - 2018	Co-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
2007 - 2010	Co-Supervisor	The Effects of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition on Bone Remodelling	Doctor of Philosophy	Doctorate	Full Time	Dr Kate Vandyke

Position: NHMRC Grant-Funded Researcher (B)
Phone: 81284694
Email: stephen.fitter@adelaide.edu.au
Campus: North Terrace
Building: SAHMRI, floor 5 South
Org Unit: Medical Sciences