Cancer researcher humbled by major award

Dr Susan Clark from the Sydney Cancer Centre and the Garvan Institute has been awarded a major international prize for her contribution to DNA methylation research over the last 10 years.

Worth AUD$84,800, the Preis Biochemische Analytik is awarded annually by the German United Association for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

"It came out of the blue," said Clark, who admitted she was a little overwhelmed by the accolade. "I felt quite humble to think that the last decade of my work would be recognised by such a prestigious award."

Clark's research has involved the development and use of bisulphite DNA sequencing to understand the importance of DNA methylation in development and cancer. Bisulphite sequencing is a technology that is now regarded internationally as the best method for detecting methylation in a DNA sequence.

Clark entered her field of research in 1991, when she started working with Dr Marianne Frommer at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. "Marianne Frommer played the pioneering role in both the concept and initial demonstration that it could be used for detailed methylation analysis," said Clark. "I really think that we should share the prize."

DNA methylation involves the addition of methyl groups to DNA nucleotides and is an essential process in normal development. It also plays a role in silencing gene expression by changing chromatin structure. In disease states, such as cancer, DNA methylation is one of the earliest detectable changes.

Clark's team is now investigating DNA methylation during cancer initiation, and cancer diagnosis and treatment, among other areas.

Clark said the original bisulphite technology was never patented, so much of the intellectual property had come from its modification or application.

One of its applications has been taken up by Berlin-based company Epigenomics, which specialises in methylation as a way of diagnosing cancer. Clark said Epigenomics was currently working with Roche on a methylation diagnostic assay -- it appears likely that prostate cancer will be one of the first diseases in which this technology is be applied as a diagnostic.