Dr. Helen Abud

Biography

Helen Abud studies the delicate balance within the intestine, focusing on how stem cells help replace the intestinal lining. Overactive stem cells can lead to bowel cancer, while underactive cells result in a loss of the intestinal lining. Her research aims to identify pathways that control intestinal stem cell production, which could lead to future treatments. As a trained developmental biologist, she is particularly interested in the processes involving cell renewal in the intestines, which maintain a healthy lining necessary for proper nutrient absorption and waste elimination. Her work is intricately linked to understanding cancer stem cells and their role in initiating tumours, providing valuable insights that could improve treatment protocols for bowel cancer patients. Helen collaborates with medical professionals to explore cellular markers that correlate with tumour severity and utilizes advanced techniques, such as growing organoid cultures, to test individual tumour responses to drugs. Her dedication to the field has earned her a leadership role in the Australian Society of Stem Cell Research and positions her as a key contributor to significant research projects addressing poor prognosis cancers. Helen's innovative approaches aim not only to further the academic investigation but ultimately to enhance clinical outcomes for patients suffering from serious gastrointestinal diseases.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards