PANCREATIC AND LUNG CANCERS DRIVEN BY MUTATIONS IN THE CANCER GENE KRAS
Dr Mara Zeissig, Group Head, T Cell Immunotherapy Laboratory
Tumour Inflammation and Immunotherapy Program
SAiGENCI – South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute, Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Adelaide, Australia | December 2025
Dr Mara Zeissig is a recently appointed Lab Head within the Tumour Inflammation and Immunotherapy Program at the South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI).
Her research focuses on studying immune evasion mechanisms in lung and pancreatic cancers to identify novel ways to increase response to immunotherapy. Her expertise is in genetically engineered mouse models of lung cancer, CRISPR-Cas9 screening technologies and T cell based immunotherapies (e.g Checkpoint inhibitors).
Dr Zeissig obtained her PhD at the University of Adelaide in 2020 with Prof Andrew Zannettino, where her research focused on the role of chemokine receptor CCR1 in the dissemination of the hematological malignancy multiple myeloma. She then undertook postdoctoral studies at Monash University with Prof Tony Tiganis, focusing on the role of protein tyrosine phosphotases PTPN2 and PTP1B on anti-tumour immunity in melanoma, breast, colon and liver cancers. In 2022 she joined the lab of Prof Kate Sutherland at WEHI. Here she conducted sophisticated CRISPR-Cas9 in vitro and in vivo screening to identify genetic determinants that influence response to KRAS inhibitors, and to identify novel immunotherapy targets in KRAS-mutant lung cancer. Her research has been published in high-impact journals including Science Advances (2022) and Cancer Discovery (2022). Dr Zeissig has been the recipient of numerous career awards and grants, including a Victorian Cancer Agency ECR Fellowship (2023-2026) and a Cure Cancer Research Grant (2023).
Immunotherapies such as CAR T cell therapy or Immune checkpoint inhibitors all harness the ability of cytotoxic T cells to recognise and kill tumour cells. However, approx. 80% of solid cancer patients do not respond to immunotherapy. This is due to both tumour intrinsic and extrinsic evasion mechanisms, the most crucial of these being 1) the immunosuppressive microenvironment that leads to T cell exhaustion and 2) loss of antigen and/or checkpoint ligand expression on tumour cells rendering the tumour unrecognisable by T cells. Importantly, there may be additional, undiscovered immune evasion mechanisms that could be exploited for immunotherapy.
Dr Zeissig’s lab is focused on understanding how cancers evade the immune system to identify new ways to enhance response to immunotherapy. In particular, her team work on lung and pancreatic cancers driven by mutations in the cancer gene KRAS. They utilise a range of tools including genetically engineered preclinical models of cancer, analysis of immune cell subsets, single-cell profiling and molecular biology techniques. They also harness large-scale genetic screening using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to find previously unknown targets and mechanisms that regulate response to immunotherapy.
Source: Supplied
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3264-6546
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Paediatric haemorrhage and airway procedures
Dr Shane George is a paediatric critical care physician working in paediatric emergency medicine and paediatric intensive care at Gold Coast University Hospital. He is the clinical lead for children’s critical care research for Gold Coast Health, and is a Senior Lecturer at The University of Queensland and Griffith University.
Associate Professor George is also an active clinician researcher on topics that span both emergency medicine and PICU practice including safety in emergency intubation, sepsis, haemostatic resuscitation in children and respiratory support therapies.
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Antimicrobial technologies & drug delivery platforms
Dr Aaron Elbourne is an ARC DECRA Fellow, Jack Brockhoff ECR Fellow, and Associate Professor within the School of Science at STEM Hub. A leader in nanomaterials, soft matter science, and interface research, Aaron’s work addresses critical challenges in health and the environment.
With a strong focus on translational research, Aaron’s work bridges the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. His leadership in creating innovative technologies, fostering academic-industry partnerships, and empowering future researchers underscores his commitment to advancing science and creating a meaningful impact.
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Investigating invasive lobular carcinoma and metaplastic breast cancer sub-types
Assoc Prof McCart Reed is the scientific lead on an MRFF-funded (Medical Research Future Fund) genomics program investigating the potential for the application of Whole Genome Sequencing in the breast cancer care pathway in Australia, ‘Q-IMPROvE’. She applies genomics and spatial transcriptomics methodologies to archival clinical samples to understand the differences between tumour types and their potential for treatment. Amy is passionate about clinical research, biobanking and precision oncology. In addition to her breast cancer research portfolio, she is on the steering committee for the Brisbane Breast Bank and the Scientific Advisory Board for Breast Cancer Trials.
