Featured Researcher: Dr David Croucher
Research Fellow
My research
My research group is focused upon the investigation of network level signalling aberrations induced by oncogenes, specifically how this network behaviour enhances the process of tumourigenesis and leads to therapeutic resistance. We utilise novel techniques to detect and quantitate signal transduction events at both the single cell and population level, whilst collaborating extensively with mathematicians based at Systems Biology Ireland to develop predictive models of these dynamic and complex processes.
Mentor
Professor Walter Kolch, Director, UCD Conway Institute & Systems Biology Ireland
Hometown
Sydney, Australia
Career Path
My PhD research was undertaken at the University of Wollongong in the laboratory of Associate Professor Marie Ranson and focused on the function of the serine protease inhibitor (Serpin) PAI-2, specifically to gain an in-depth understanding of the receptor mediated endocytosis of PAI-2 and the functional consequences for plasminogen activation, cell proliferation and migration. After completing my PhD studies, my work was recognised by receipt of the Premiers Award for Outstanding Cancer Research Scholar from the Cancer Institute of NSW.
My post-doctoral work at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in the laboratory of Professor Roger Daly was funded by the receipt of an Early Career Development Fellowship from the Cancer Institute of NSW. This research focused on dissecting the mechanism of action for various oncogenes, including the F-actin binding protein, Cortactin, and its role in promoting proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and characterisation of the novel pseudokinase SgK269 in basal breast cancer.
In 2011, I moved to Ireland to the laboratory of Prof Walter Kolch at Systems Biology Ireland to undertake further post-doctoral work. This project involved the development a systems level model of the signalling pathway downstream of the neurotrophic receptor TrkA, with a particular focus on its ability to modulate the Myc family of transcription factors and thereby control cell fate decisions in Neuroblastoma.
In April 2012, I was one of 22 early-career scientists to be awarded funding under the first Science Foundation Ireland Starting Investigator Research Grant (SIRG) programme with co-funding from the International Marie Curie COFUND scheme. The four year grant award, which includes provision for a PhD studentship, will allow me to shed light on the fundamental behaviour of signalling pathways in breast cancer using systems biology approaches.
Why UCD Conway?
Systems Biology Ireland, based within the UCD Conway Institute, provides a highly stimulating environment for systems biology research, particularly because of the high degree of collaboration that is encouraged between experimental scientists and mathematicians. Numerous opportunities also exist for experimental scientists to become trained in various aspects of mathematical modelling, just as opportunities exist for mathematicians to learn laboratory skills. Such an environment promotes a greater understanding between these two intertwined disciplines and greatly increases productivity and the quality of research undertaken.
Publications
1. Croucher DR, Saunders DN, Lobov S, Ranson M. (2008) Revisiting the Biological Roles of PAI-2 (SerpinB2) in Cancer. Nature Reviews Cancer. 8(7):535-45.
2. Croucher DR, Rickwood D, Tactacan CM, Musgrove EA, Daly RJ (2010). Cortactin modulates RhoA activation and expression of Cip/Kip cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors to promote cell cycle progression in 11q13-amplified head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells. Molecular and Cellular Biology, 30(21): 5057-70.
3. Croucher DR, Saunders DN, Stillfried GE, Ranson M. (2007) A Structural Basis for Differential Cell Signaling by PAI-1 and PAI-2 in Breast Cancer cells. Biochemical Journal. 408(2):203-10.
4. Croucher D, Saunders DN, Ranson M. (2006) The PAI-2:uPA Complex: A New Ligand for the Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein (LRP). Journal of Biological Chemistry. 281: 10206-10213
5. Cochran BJ, Croucher DR, Lobov S, Saunders DN, Ranson M (2011). Dependence on endocytic receptor binding via a minimal binding motif underlies the differential prognostic profiles of serpinE1 and serpinB2 in cancer. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286(27):24467-75.