Dr. Mehbuba Hossain is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Otago, specializing in developmental genetics and epigenetics with a focus on melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and lung cancer. She completed her PhD in Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics at the University of Otago in 2023 and holds a Master of Biomedical Science from Monash University, Australia.
Research Focus and Contributions
Dr. Hossain’s primary research explores the complex interactions between genomic, epigenomic, and immune mechanisms in cancer, particularly melanoma. During her PhD, she discovered distinct DNA methylation patterns in non-responding melanoma patients compared to responders, leading to the identification of potential epigenetic biomarkers. Using a combination of advanced bioinformatics analysis and wet lab techniques, Dr. Hossain investigates how phenotype switching of melanoma cells — where melanoma cells transition from differentiated to invasive — contributes to drug resistance. Her goal is to uncover new therapeutic targets to treat these aggressive cancer cells effectively.
Awards and Distinctions
Dr. Hossain has received numerous awards and scholarships throughout her academic career in recognition of her research excellence. These honours include the prestigious NZ Institute for Cancer Research Trust Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Otago Doctoral Scholarship, and the Monash University Merit Scholarship. In addition, she has secured multiple research grants from the Maurice Wilkins Centre and the Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust, supporting her cutting-edge investigations into cancer genomics and immunotherapy.
Current Research Projects
Dr. Hossain has been involved in several high-impact research projects funded by leading New Zealand institutions, including the Maurice Wilkins Centre and the Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust. Her work focuses on DNA methylation, immune responses in cancer, and the application of single-cell RNA sequencing technologies.
Currently, she is working on a project to isolate circulating tumour cells (CTCs) using the Parsortix® system. This research aims to identify blood-based gene expression markers in cancer patients, helping to understand the molecular drivers of metastasis and immune evasion in melanoma. The ultimate goal is to discover biomarkers that can guide more precise immunotherapy treatments.
In addition, Dr. Hossain is optimising methods such as single-cell RNA sequencing techniques and developing an enzymatic approach to prepare methylation libraries, which is gentler than traditional bisulfite conversion. She is also investigating how metabolic stress influences cancer progression by altering the 3D structure of the genome, a novel area with significant potential to deepen our understanding of tumour biology and identify new therapeutic targets.
Commitment to Cancer Research
Dr. Mehbuba Hossain is an innovative cancer researcher whose work is advancing the understanding of melanoma biology and resistance to therapies. Her commitment to improving patient outcomes through personalised medicine is reflected in her pioneering research on cancer biomarkers and new therapeutic strategies. Dr. Hossain continues to make significant strides in the field of cancer research, with the potential to contribute to more effective treatments for patients worldwide.
