Dr Eric Smith

  • Biography/ Background

    Employment

    2009 - present
    Tutor
    School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. 

    2002 - present
    Senior Research Officer (HEO-7)
    Discipline of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.

    1993 - 2002
    Technical Officer (HEO-5)
    Department of Surgery, The University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

    1987 - 1993
    Technical Assistant Grade 1
    Department of Surgery, The University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

  • Qualifications

    PhD, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia.

    Bachelor of Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia.

    Associate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia.

    Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia.

  • Awards & Achievements

    Winner of 2007 inaugural Faculty of Health Science Postgraduate Research Expo Poster Presenter Award.
    "DNA methylation in oesophageal disease".

  • Research Interests

    Oesophageal Cancer and Barrett's Oesophagus

    Cancer of the oesophagus is the 6th most common form of cancer, with more than a 1,000 cases diagnosed in Australia each year.  Worldwide, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of the disease.  In Western societies adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus is increasing in incidence more rapidly than any other cancer.  It develops as a result of gastric reflux, which affects up to 40% of the population.  Because diagnosis is almost always made late in the course of these cancers its outcome is dismal, with fewer than 20% of patients surviving five years.  Earlier diagnosis is important to improve survival.  Through national and international collaborations we have research interest in both forms of the cancer.

    The main aim of our laboratory is improving diagnostic and therapeutic options in these cancers through understanding their molecular and genetic basis.  Current projects focus on mechanisms which control gene expression.  We are screening for new genes which are silenced by DNA methylation in cancer, using whole genome screening approaches.  We are currently determining the function of a number of these genes, what initiates their methylation, and how the methylation may be reversed.  We are determining which microRNAs have altered expression in malignant and premalignant tissues, and the role of methylation in the regulation of microRNA expression.

    We are exploring the contribution that methylation or microRNAs may make to the development or progression of cancer.  We are also determining if methylation or altered microRNA expression can be normalised by current or novel therapies.

  • Research Funding

    2010 The Cancer Council SA Research Grant (1005078):  Dissecting out what influences the progression from non-dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus to invasive oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Drew PA, Jamieson GG, Ruszkiewicz AR, Underwood T, Smith E, Kelly JJ. $86,394.

    2009 The Cancer Council SA Research Grant (565194): Improving diagnosis and treatment of reflux and cancer of the oesophagus by studying changes in microRNAs. Jamieson GG, Drew PA, Smith E, Ruszkiewicz AR, Kelly JJ, Liu J-F. $72,250.

    2007 The Cancer Council SA Research Grant (453588): Barrett's oesophagus: insights from and into fundoplication and oesophagectomy. Jamieson GG, Drew PA, Devitt PG, Ruszkiewicz AR, Smith E, Liu J-F, Kelly JJ. $71,750.

    2007 RAH/IMVS Research Committee Project Grant: The expression of miRNAs in oesophageal disease. Jamieson GG, Devitt PG, Drew PA, Smith E, Kelly JJ, Thompson S. $19,720.

    2004-2006 NHMRC Project Grant (275504): Barrett's oesophagus and reflux oesophagitis: efficacy of medical vs surgical management. Watson DI, Drew PA, Ruszkiewicz A, Jamieson GG, Bianco-Miotto T, DJ Hussey. $500,250.

    2004 RAH/IMVS Research Committee Clinical Project Grant: Application for the purchase of a tissue microarrayer for the construction of tissue microarrays for use in studies into colorectal and oesophageal cancer. Jamieson GG, Ruskiewicz AR, Drew PA, Smith E. $10,000.

    2003-2007 US NIH Grant (CA 001833-03): Molecular epidemiology of Barrett's esophagus and cancer. Whiteman DC, Drew PA, Gotley D, Green AC, Hayward NK, Jamieson GG, Parsons PG, Pavey SJ, Purdie DM, Smithers BM, Watson DI, Webb PM. US$265,000 pa.

    2003 RAH/IMVS Research Committee Clinical Project Grant: Discovery of new genes important in Barrett's oesophagus and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus by in vitro demethylation of cell and tissue cultures. Bianco-Miotto T, Jamieson GG, Watson DI, Smith E, Drew PA. $20,000.

    2002-2004 NHMRC Project Grant (207740): Ablative therapies for Barrett's oesophagus - evaluation of new clinical and experimental therapies. Watson DI, Jamieson GG, Tan L-W, Drew PA, Schoeman M. $300,000.

    2002 The University of Adelaide Small Research Grants: A novel model for studying the effects of aspirin on proliferation, apoptosis and implantation of tumour cells in vivo. Jamieson GG, Watson DI, Drew PA, Smith E. $7,445.

  • Publications

    An autocrine TGF-{beta}/ZEB/miR-200 signaling network regulates establishment and maintenance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
    Gregory PA, Bracken CP, Smith E, Bert AG, Wright JA, Roslan S, Morris M, Wyatt L, Farshid G, Lim YY, Lindeman GJ, Shannon MF, Drew PA, Khew-Goodall Y, Goodall GJ.
    Mol Biol Cell    . 2011 Mar 16.

    Reversal and prevention of arsenic-induced human bronchial epithelial cell malignant transformation by micoRNA-200b.
    Wang Z, Zhao Y, Smith E, Goodall GJ, Drew PA, Brabletz T, Yang C.
    Toxicol Sci. 2011 Feb 2.

    The effects of high-dose esomeprazole on gastric and oesophageal acid exposure and molecular markers in Barrett's oesophagus.
    Abu-Sneineh A, Tam W, Schoeman M, Fraser R, Ruszkiewicz AR, Smith E, Drew PA, Dent J, Holloway RH.
    Aliment Pharmacol Ther    . 2010 Oct;32(8):1023-30. 

    A comparison of primary oesophageal squamous epithelial cells with HET-1A in organotypic culture.
    Underwood TJ, Derouet MF, White MJ, Noble F, Moutasim KA, Smith E, Drew PA, Thomas GJ, Primrose JN, Blaydes JP.
    Biol Cell    . 2010 Dec;102(12):635-44.

    The effect of long-term control of reflux by fundoplication on aberrant deoxyribonucleic acid methylation in patients with Barrett esophagus.
    Smith E, Kelly JJ, Ruskiewicz AR, Sullivan T, Jamieson GG, Drew PA.
    Ann Surg    . 2010 Jul;252(1):63-9.

    Quantitation of DNA methylation by melt curve analysis.
    Smith E, Jones ME, Drew PA.
    BMC Cancer    . 2009 Apr 24;9:123.

    Methylation of CLDN6, FBN2, RBP1, RBP4, TFPI2, and TMEFF2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
    Tsunoda S, Smith E, De Young NJ, Wang X, Tian ZQ, Liu JF, Jamieson GG, Drew PA.
    Oncol Rep    . 2009 Apr;21(4):1067-73.

    Similarity of aberrant DNA methylation in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
    Smith E, De Young NJ, Pavey SJ, Hayward NK, Nancarrow DJ, Whiteman DC, Smithers BM, Ruszkiewicz AR, Clouston AD, Gotley DC, Devitt PG, Jamieson GG, Drew PA.
    Mol Cancer    . 2008 Oct 2;7:75.

    Methylation of TIMP3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
    Smith E, De Young NJ, Tian ZQ, Caruso M, Ruszkiewicz AR, Liu JF, Jamieson GG, Drew PA.
    World J Gastroenterol    . 2008 Jan 14;14(2):203-10.

    Immune activation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
    Liebregts T, Adam B, Bredack C, Röth A, Heinzel S, Lester S, Downie-Doyle S, Smith E, Drew P, Talley NJ, Holtmann G.
    Gastroenterology    . 2007 Mar;132(3):913-20. Epub 2007 Jan 26.

    Metallothionien 3 expression is frequently down-regulated in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma by DNA methylation.
    Smith E, Drew PA, Tian ZQ, De Young NJ, Liu JF, Mayne GC, Ruszkiewicz AR, Watson DI, Jamieson GG.
    Mol Cancer    . 2005 Dec 13;4:42.

    Aspirin and indomethacin for the prevention of experimental port-site metastases.
    Kinugasa S, Smith E, Drew PA, Watson DI, Jamieson GG.
    Surg Endosc    . 2004 May;18(5):834-8. Epub 2004 Apr 6.

    Decreased phagocytic capacity of autotransplanted splenic tissue.
    Smith E, J De Young N, Drew PA.
    ANZ J Surg    . 2003 Nov;73(11):894-6.

    Method for optimizing methylation-specific PCR.
    Smith E, Bianco-Miotto T, Drew P, Watson D.
    Biotechniques    . 2003 Jul;35(1):32-3.

    Tumor implantation during laparoscopy using different insufflation gases - an experimental study using cultured cancer cells.
    Ludemann, Watson, Smith, Ellis, Jamieson.
    Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol    . 2003 Nov;12(6):310-4.

    Preparation and biological evaluation of 99m-Tc-stannous fluoride colloid-labelled leucocytes in rats.
    Tsopelas C, Smith E, Drew PA, Bartholomeusz FDL.
    Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals 2003;46:751-763.

    Immune cell subpopulations in regenerated splenic tissue in rats.
    Smith E, De Young NJ, Drew PA.
    Aust N Z J Surg    . 1999 Jul;69(7):522-5.

    Fat distribution and changes in the blood brain barrier in a rat model of cerebral arterial fat embolism.
    Drew PA, Smith E, Thomas PD.
    J Neurol Sci    . 1998 Apr 1;156(2):138-43.

    Cerebral arterial fat embolism in the rabbit.
    Drew PA, Helps SC, Smith E.
    J Neurol Sci    . 1995 Dec;134(1-2):15-20.

     

     

    CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

    Smith E, Thompson SK, Ruszkiewicz AR, Jamieson GG and Drew PA. Genome-wide and CpG-island DNA methylation profiles differentiate between oesophageal adenocarcinomas from patients with or without Barrett's oesophagus.
    Presented: 5th Australian Medical and Health Research Congress, Melbourne, November 14 - 18 2010.

    Smith E, Ruszkiewicz AR, Jamieson GG and Drew PA.  Expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 is regulated by promoter DNA methylation and is associated with poor prognosis in oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
    Presented: 5th Australian Medical and Health Research Congress, Melbourne, November 14 - 18 2010.

    Underwood TJ, Derouet MF, White MJ, Noble F, Coates PJ, Smith E, Drew PA, Thomas G and Blaydes JP.  A comparison of primary oesophageal squamous epithelial cells with HET-1A in organotypic cultures.
    Presented: 5th Australian Medical and Health Research Congress, Melbourne, November 14 - 18 2010.

    Smith E, Ruszkiwewicz AR and Drew PA. Two variants of esophageal adenocarcinoma distinguished by their methylation profile.
    Presented: Epigenetics 2009 Australian Scientific Conference, Melbourne, December 1 - 4, 2009.

    Smith E, Kelly JJ, Jamieson GG and Drew PA.  Antireflux surgery reduces aberrant DNA methylation in Barrett oesophagus.
    Presented: 4th Australian Medical and Health Research Congress, Brisbane, November 16 - December 21 2008.

    Kelly JJ, Jamieson GG, Myers JC, Smith E, Drew PA and Ruszkiewicz AR. Changes in oesophageal mucosa in patients 5 or more years after a fundoplication for Barrett's oesophagus.
    Presented: International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, 11th World Congress, Budapest, September 10-13, 2008.

    Phillis K, Smith E, De Young N, Drew P. Methylation of Wnt associated genes in carcinoma cell lines.
    Presented: ASMR Medical Research Week, Adelaide, June, 2007.

    Kelly J, Drew P, Smith E, Myers J, Game P, Devitt P, Watson D and Jamieson G. Changes in oesophageal mucosa in patients 5 or more years after a fundoplication for Barrett's oesophagus.
    Presented: Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons for Great Britain and Ireland, Annual Meeting, Cardiff, 27-28 September, 2007.

    Tsunoda S, Smith E, De Young NJ, Tian, Z-Q, Liu J-F, Jamieson GG and Drew PA. Aberrant methylation of follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
    Gastroenterology 132 (Supplement 2), 636, 2007. Presented: Digestive Diseases Week, Washington DC, 2007.

    Smith E, De Young NJ, Ruszkiewicz AR, Devitt PG, Jamieson GG and Drew PA. Novel aberrantly methylated genes in esophageal adenocarcinoma.
    Gastroenterology 132 (Supplement 2), 322, 2007. Presented: Digestive Diseases Week, Washington DC, 2007.

    Drew PA, Smith E, De Young NJ, Phillis SJ, and for the Study of Digestive Health. Novel genes methylated in the oesophageal adenocarcinoma cell line OE33.
    Presented: 3rd Australian Medical and Health Research Congress, Melbourne, November 26 - December 1 2006.

    Smith E, Drew PA, Abu-Sneineh A, Tam WC, Ruszkiewicz AR, Schoeman MN, Dent J and Holloway RH. Suppression of acid reflux with double-dose esomeprazole for 6 months does not alter DNA methylation in patients with Barrett's esophagus.
    Gastroenterology 130 (Supplement 2), A265, 2006. Presented: Digestive Diseases Week, Los Angeles, 2006.

    Smith E, Nancarrow DJ, Pavey S, Hayward NK, De Young NJ, Kelly JJ, Whiteman DC, Smithers BM, Gotley DC and Drew PA. Gene promoter methylation of ID4 And ARL4D in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
    Gastroenterology 130 (Supplement 2), A565, 2006. Presented: Digestive Diseases Week, Los Angeles, 2006.

    Kelly JJ, Smith E, Drew PA, Phillis SR, Ruszkiewicz AR and Jamieson GG. DNA methylation in the esophageal mucosa of patients 5 or more years after a fundoplication for Barrett's esophagus.
    Gastroenterology 130 (Supplement 2), A8, 2006.Presented: Digestive Diseases Week, Los Angeles, 2006.

    Smith E, Caruso M, Tian Z-Q, Liu J-F, Kelly JJ, Ruszkiewicz AR and Drew PA. No methylation or reduction in the expression of TIMP3 in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus from a region of high incidence in China.
    Gastroenterology 130 (Supplement 2), A415, 2006. Presented: Digestive Diseases Week, Los Angeles, 2006.

    Liebregts T, Adam B, Bredack C, Roth A, Heinzel S, Smith E, Drew P and Holtmann G. The link between meal related symptoms and cytokine release in patients with functional dyspepsia.
    Gastroenterology 130 (Supplement 2), A625, 2006. Presented: Digestive Diseases Week, Los Angeles, 2006.

    Smith E, Tsopelas C, Drew PA and Bartholomeusz FDL. Distribution of 99mTc-stannous fluoride colloid (SFC) in human blood as measured by an in vitro assay employing anti-CD15-antibody-magnetic beads.
    Presented: Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine 35th Annual Scientific Conference, Melbourne, 2005.

    Bianco-Miotto T, Smith E, Drew PA, De Young NJ, Watson DI and Jamieson GG. Methylation in oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
    Proceedings of The Surgical Research Society of Australasia, 2003, Abstract P15. Presented: The Surgical Research Society of Australasia, Melbourne, 2003.

    Smith E, Pavey S, De Young NJ, Bianco-Miotto T, Drew PA, Hayward N, Watson DI and Jamieson GG. Microarray transcriptional profiling reveals novel methylated genes in Barrett's associated adenocarcinoma cell lines.
    Proceedings of The Surgical Research Society of Australasia, 2003, Abstract P19. Presented: The Surgical Research Society of Australasia, Melbourne, 2003.

    Smith E, Zi-Quang T, Bianco-Miotto T, De Young NJ, Drew PA, Watson DI and Jamieson GG. Methylation of MT-3 promoter in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
    Proceedings of The Surgical Research Society of Australasia, 2003, Abstract 4.2. Presented: The Surgical Research Society of Australasia, Melbourne, 2003.

    Bianco-Miotto T, Smith E, Drew PA, and Watson DI. Methylation of the APC promoter in adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus.
    Proceedings of the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress, 2002, abstract #2634 (ISSN 1447-6010). Presented: 1st Australian Health and Medical Research Congress, Melbourne, 25-29 November, 2002.

    Smith E, Bianco-Miotto T, Drew PA, Watson DI, Jamieson GG and Dobrovic A. Methylation of the APC promoter in oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
    Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 17 (Suppl), A186, 2002. Presented: Australian Gastroenterology Week, Gastroenterological Society of Australia, Adelaide, 15-18 October, 2002.

    Tsopelas C, Smith E, Drew PA, and Bartholomeusz FDL. Altered splenic uptake in the biodistribution of 99mTc-stannous fluoride colloid in rats.
    Presented: Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine 31st Annual Scientific Conference, Hobart, 18-22 May, 2001.

    Drew PA, Smith E, Thomas PD and Mclennan G. Neutrophil and mononuclear cell adherence and cytotoxicity in ARDS.
    Presented: 7th World Congress for Microcirculation, Sydney, 19-22 August, 2001.

    Smith E, De Young NJ and Drew PA. Phagocytic potential of cells from splenic autotransplants in vitro.
    Presented: Australasian Society for Immunology 30th Annual Scientific Meeting, Sydney, 2000.

    Drew PA, Smith E and Thomas PD. Behavioural changes in a rat model of cerebral arterial fat embolism.
    Presented: Australian Neuroscience Society, 18th Annual Meeting, Canberra, 1998.

    Drew PA, Smith E. and Thomas PD. A model of fat embolism syndrome in the rat.
    Presented: Australian and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting on Intensive Care, Adelaide, 1998.

    Drew PA, Smith E and Thomas PD. Endotoxin in a rat model of cerebral arterial fat embolism.
    Presented: Australian and New Zealand Societies for Microbiology, International Meeting, Christchurch, 1996.

    Smith E, Drew PA and Thomas PD. Blood brain barrier damage in a rat model of cerebral arterial fat embolism.
    Presented: The Federation of Immunological Societies of Asia Oceania, First Congress, Adelaide, 1996.

    Drew PA, Smith E, Thomas PD and Devitt PG. Cerebral arterial fat embolism in the rat.
    Presented: Australian and New Zealand Microcirculation Society Eighth Symposium, Auckland, 1995.

    Drew PA, Devitt PG, Smith E and Thomas PD. Cerebral arterial fat embolism: a rat model.
    Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery 65, 425, 1995. Presented: Surgical Research Society of Australasia, Sydney, 1994.

    Drew PA, Smith E, Dillon T, Thomas PD, McLennan G and Faris IB. Neutrophil and mononuclear cell activity in ARDS.
    Intensive Care Medicine 20, S93, 1994. Presented: 3rd International Conference on the Immune Consequence of Trauma, Shock and Sepsis, Munich, 1994.

    Drew PA, Helps SC and Smith E. Cerebral arterial fat embolism in the rabbit.
    Proceedings of the Australian Neuroscience Society 5, 241, 1994. Presented: Australian Neuroscience Society 14th Annual Meeting, Sydney, 1994.

    Smith E, Drew PA, Thomas PD, Dillon T, McLennan G and Faris IB. Neutrophil degranulation in patients at risk of ARDS.
    Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 22, 226, 1994. Presented: Australian and New Zealand 18th Annual Scientific Meeting on Intensive Care, Perth, 1993.

  • Professional Interests

    DNA methylation
    microRNA
    Oesophageal cancer
    Barrett's oesophagus
    Gastrointestinal diseases

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Entry last updated: Saturday, 4 Jun 2011