Stephen Fitter

Dr Stephen Fitter

NHMRC Grant-Funded Researcher (B)

School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

College of Health

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

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.

 

 

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

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

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 Scopus9 WoS9 Europe PMC3
2025 Duggan, J., Yu, L., Fitter, S., Kumorkiewicz-Jamro, A., Vandyke, K., Bulone, V., & Zannettino, A. (2025). Apple Pomace Polyphenols Extracted by Deep Eutectic Solvent Ameliorate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW264.7 Murine Macrophages and Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages. ACS Food Science and Technology, 5(4), 1354-1364.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2
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, 43(4), 1385-1399.
DOI Scopus5 WoS3 Europe PMC3
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 Vk*MYC transplant model of multiple myeloma. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 1-15.
DOI Scopus6 WoS6 Europe PMC4
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 Scopus10 WoS12 Europe PMC12
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 Scopus5 WoS5 Europe PMC4
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 Scopus4 WoS4 Europe PMC4
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 Scopus19 WoS21 Europe PMC17
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 Scopus7 WoS6 Europe PMC8
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 Scopus17 WoS16 Europe PMC16
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 Scopus20 WoS17 Europe PMC15
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 WoS4 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 Scopus35 WoS30 Europe PMC32
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 Scopus57 WoS53 Europe PMC52
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 Scopus81 WoS77 Europe PMC74
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 Scopus21 WoS19 Europe PMC16
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 Scopus36 WoS36 Europe PMC35
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 Scopus35 WoS33 Europe PMC29
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 Scopus20 WoS17 Europe PMC21
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 Scopus26 WoS26 Europe PMC23
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 Scopus57 WoS52 Europe PMC54
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 PMC13
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 Scopus87 WoS81 Europe PMC76
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 PMC48
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 Scopus52 WoS50 Europe PMC46
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 Scopus130 WoS116 Europe PMC99
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 Scopus74 WoS62 Europe PMC52
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 WoS35 Europe PMC36
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 WoS48 Europe PMC43
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 Scopus146 WoS135 Europe PMC123
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 Scopus107 WoS99 Europe PMC84
2005 Fitter, S., & James, R. (2005). Deconvolution of a complex target using DNA aptamers. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 280(40), 34193-34201.
DOI Scopus38 WoS29 Europe PMC24
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 Scopus160 WoS148 Europe PMC136
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 Scopus35 WoS35 Europe PMC27
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 Scopus108 WoS98 Europe PMC90
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 Scopus159 WoS152 Europe PMC137
1999 Fitter, S., Sincock, P. M., Jolliffe, C. N., & Ashman, L. K. (1999). Transmembrane 4 superfamily protein CD151 (PETA-3) associates with β1 and α(IIb)β3 integrins in haemopoietic cell lines and modulates cell-cell adhesion. Biochemical Journal, 338(1), 61-70.
DOI Scopus105 WoS97
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 PMC83
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 Scopus13 WoS14 Europe PMC12
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 Scopus107 WoS93 Europe PMC62
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 Scopus66 WoS64 Europe PMC30

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 WoS1
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.

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

 

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
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
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

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2021 - 2025 Principal Supervisor Calorie Restriction and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Targeting Obesity-Driven Disease Through Dietary and Pharmacological Interventions Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Alanah Loretta Bradey
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

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