Our Research Focus
Genetic and Epigenetic Drivers of CMML/MDS
We aim to comprehensively characterise genetic and epigenetic abnormalities that drive CMML | MDS pathogenesis and leukaemic progression. By employing advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing, genomic profiling and CRISPR-based functional screens, we seek to uncover critical mutations and epigenetic changes responsible for disease initiation and progression.
Translational Models and Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Our research prioritises developing translational models that accurately reflect the biological complexity of CMML and MDS – including genetically modified murine models and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). These models provide critical tools for investigating disease mechanisms and evaluating novel therapeutic interventions. By employing these pre-clinical systems, we will rigorously test treatment strategies – targeting signalling pathways, epigenetic regulators and immune checkpoints – to facilitate rapid clinical translation and improve patient outcomes.
Immune Surveillance and Tolerance of Myeloid Clones
Here, we focus our efforts on understanding the basis by which abnormal myeloid clones subvert immune surveillance often for years at a time. Using CRISPR-based functional screens and mass spectrometry – we seek to identify vulnerabilities that can ‘reboot’ host immunity. Our goal is to seed next-generation immunotherapies that eradicate pre-leukaemic clones before malignant transformation and improve patient survival outcomes.
Recent Publications
Fast facts
MDS refers to a group of bone marrow disorders characterised by ineffective blood cell production and increased leukaemia risk, with cells having abnormal shapes and sizes with irregular nuclei. This disease is largely incurable without a bone marrow transplant.
CMML exhibits overlapping features of both Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). CMML is thus classified as an MDS / MPN disease – showing ineffective blood cell productive (MDS) alongside excessive monocyte proliferation (MPN). Patients with CMML are at an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
Secondary AML refers to leukaemia that develops as progression from a ‘pre-leukaemic’ condition – such as MDS or CMML. Outcomes for those who develop secondary AML are particularly poor relative to those with no previous bone marrow dysfunction. The latency prior to disease transformation provides a rare opportunity to ‘prevent’ leukaemia in patients. Our goal is to shift towards pro-active prevention rather than reactive treatment.
Cancer Discovery
Inhibition of METTL3 Results in a Cell-Intrinsic Interferon Response That Enhances Antitumor Immunity
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-23-0007
7 August 2023
Experimental Haematology
RNA methylation: where to from here for hematological malignancies?
DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2024.104694
9 December 2024
Nature
Non-genetic determinants of malignant clonal fitness at single-cell resolution
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04206-7
10 December 2021
Our team
- Dr Andrew Guirguis – Head, Blood Cancer Drivers & Therapeutics Laboratory | Clinical Haematologist (Austin Health)
- Dr Maryam Nakhjavani – Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Dr Richard Redvers – Laboratory Manager | Research Assistant
- Harrison Moran – Honours Student

