ABSTRACT
It has been well established that epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in cell
differentiation and maintenance of cell function. Not surprisingly, corruption of epigenetic
machinery always results in disastrous consequences including oncogenesis. Our
research is focused on the epigenetic factor, histone variant H2A.B, that is mainly
expressed during spermatogenesis and is involved in the activation of gene expression
and mRNA splicing in post meiotic germ cells. Our recent studies have demonstrated
another, rather unique behaviour for a histone variant being actively involved in core
histone mRNA degradation. On the other hand, our studies of ectopic upregulation of the
H2A.B histone variant in Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) show that it plays a role in HL
pathogenesis. HL derived cells are “addicted” to H2A.B expression and downregulation of
H2A.B results in HL cell death. We are currently developing a novel therapeutic approach
for HL treatment that specifically targets H2A.B in cancer cells sparing normal tissues
containing H2A.B. Today’s talk will be based on our current research findings that show the
unique and multifaceted nature of histone variants in cancer and normal cell differentiation.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Dr Soboleva graduated as a biochemist from Moscow State University and moved to
Australia after receiving a highly competitive International Postgraduate Research
Scholarship from the Australian Government, to study nucleocytoplasmic transport of
deubiquitinating enzymes with Dr Rohan Baker. After graduation, Dr Soboleva moved into
the field of cytokine biology, investigating how the cytokines activate their receptor systems
under the mentorship of Prof Young. Later on, she joined Prof Tremethick’s laboratory at
the ANU, where she discovered a histone variant, H2A.B.Dr Tanya Soboleva is currently a
leader of the Germ Cell and Cancer Epigenetics Group at the John Curtin School of
Medical Research, ANU. Our group’s interests lie in the fields of epigenetics of
spermatogenesis and the involvement of testis specific epigenetic regulators in cancer.
The research approach that the Soboleva group follows is to translate our basic findings of
normal physiological function of the spermatogenic epigenetic factors to the understanding
of how their aberrant activation contributes to carcinogenesis. Dr Soboleva’s ideas and
data formed a backbone for 4 successful NHMRC project grants, and more recently she
was successful at obtaining two NHMRC Ideas grants, ACT Cancer Council and Bootes
Foundation grants as a lead CI.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
The Monash BDI and MPCCC have partnered together to deliver
cancer seminars aimed at enhancing our focus for education and identifying opportunities for
further research amplification via new collaborations.
