Photobiology Research Group

Headed by Dr Vivienne Reeve, the group has successfully maintained a breeding colony of unique strains of hairless mice suitable for use as in vivo models for studying the responses of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. The research is focussed on understanding the mechanisms by which UV radiation suppresses systemic immunity, and on devising strategies for immunoprotection that will ultimately reduce the risk of the development of skin cancer.

• Characterising the alterations in skin cytokines, enzymes, genomic damage and immune responsiveness that lead to susceptibility to skin cancer progression.
• Mechanistic studies of the role of UV radiation-induced oxidative damage to the skin and the natural skin antioxidant components such as haem oxygenase and metallothionein.
• The relevance of oxidative stress to photoageing, apoptosis, and to skin cancer development, and possible application of antioxidant protective strategies.
• Mechanistic studies of UVA and UVB waveband interactions in development of skin damage, immunosuppression and skin cancer.
• Testing various flavonoid phytochemicals for UV protective properties.
• Comparisons of different UV absorbers found in commercial sunscreens for immunoprotection against UV radiation.
• Development of mouse models of human autoimmune diseases.

National Health and Medical Research Council: The regulatory mechanism of haem oxygenase protection against photoimmunosuppression and skin cancer. (V.E. Reeve).

National Health and Medical Research Council: Photoprotection by vitamin D and its analogs. (R. Mason, G.M. Halliday, V.E. Reeve).

Biosceptre International Ltd.: Testing anti-tumour properties of a specific antibody. Australian Research Council Linkage Project: Novel therapeutics for autoimmune disease using mouse screening models. Industry Partner: Novogen Ltd.

Dr Vivienne Reeve BSc PhD
Senior Research Director
Phone: +61 2 9351 2084
Email:v.reeve@vetp.usyd.edu.au

Dr Munif Allanson
Phone: +61 2 9351 7100
Email:

Diane Titmuss DipAppSci
Research Assistant
Phone: +61 2 9351 7116
Email:

Nicole Painter DipAppSci
Research Assistant
Phone: +61 2 9351 7116
Email: