Guy Lyons

Biography

Dr Lyons' research aims to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes contribute to the formation of squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, the cornea and the head and neck region. We are interested in the mechanisms involved in the progression from benign tumours, which are non-invasive and usually easily treated, to malignant tumours, which spread invasively from the site of origin and are difficult to treat successfully. Cancer is a disease of mutating genes, and evolutionary principles apply to it. We are investigating the roles of genes in the ecology of tumours: those that regulate the interactions of cancer cells with each other, with non-malignant stromal cells and with the extracellular matrix. We are particularly interested in the genetic basis of symbiotic relationships between tumour clones that drive invasion and metastasis. In collaboration with investigators at the UCSD, University of Queensland and University of Sydney, we have developed novel in silico, in vitro and in vivo models for exploring the nature of clonal evolution during carcinoma development and the evolutionary consequences of expressing particular classes of cancer associated genes. This research encompasses a broad range of molecular and cell biological methods and analyses, including cell culture, plasmid and virus vector construction, whole genome sequencing, live-cell imaging and intravital microscopy.

Research Interest

 Guy's goal is to apply innovative technologies and theories from cellular, molecular and evolutionary biology to understanding the big issues of cancer biology: what drives its progression from normal cell to malignancy, and how it spreads through the body.