PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2021 - RESEARCH PROJECTS HONOURS, MASTERS AND PHD - School of Biomedical ...
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P H A R M A CO LO G Y A N D
T H E R A P E U T I CS
2021
R E S E A R C H P R OJ E C TS
H O N O U R S , M A ST E R S
AND PHD
WELCOME
It is a great pleasure to introduce you to the research projects that are on offer by
the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics for 2021.
Most projects offered will be in our spacious, high quality research laboratories on the
8th and 9th floors of the Medical Building. The remainder will be conducted in affiliated
Research Institutes with external supervisors and co-supervision by Department staff.
The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Honours and Masters Course
is directed at students with above average academic ability. The year is a transition
year from formal lectures and teaching, to self-directed learning and exploration of
your own scientific problem. We will introduce you to skills in communication, data
analysis and assessment of scientific papers. Your supervisor and laboratory staff will
guide you through the challenges, strengthen your technical skills and introduce you
to the excitement of research - its rewards and its disappointments. You will have the
opportunity to use the latest in equipment and work alongside other researchers to
expand biomedical knowledge. The Honours and Masters “Experience” will require
self-motivation and discipline, and you will learn a lot about your own problem-solving
ability.
It is not a simple task to select a project, laboratory and supervisor. We suggest you
talk to several potential supervisors, as well as to their current Honours, Masters
Students or Graduate Researchers, to gain some appreciation of the research
problems being addressed and the related techniques. You will find them friendly
and welcoming! We hope you will join us in Pharmacology & Therapeutics for the
2021 Honours and Masters Year. We aim to give you the best opportunity to ‘have a
go’ at solving a research problem, teach you important skills for future employment
in various biomedical vocations and provide a solid basis for those who want to go
further in a research career. Very best wishes for the next step in your journey!
Associate Professor Christine Wright
Honours & MBiomedSci Co-ordinator
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
FMDHS, The University of Melbourne
2
3
HOW TO APPLY
HONOURS How long is Honours? STEP 3: Project Preference
Honours is a one-year course consisting Once you have submitted an online course
What is Honours?
of 75 points of research and 25 points application, you will receive an email
Honours is a fourth-year undergraduate of coursework, that commences mid- within 3 working days with your personal
course that consists of a combination of a February and finishes in November. login details to access the Honours Project
research project and coursework subjects.
How to apply Preference System - SONIA. Please follow
The course is designed to develop the
the instruction in the email to set up your
student’s capacity to solve problems, to STEP 1: Contact Potential Supervisor(s)
password and select your preferences for
analyse data, to read and think critically,
Decide which departments, institutes, projects offered within MDHS departments.
and to communicate clearly.
supervisors and projects you wish to apply You may select up to 4 project preferences
Honours can give you a taste of what for and make contact with the relevant in Round 1 or 3 project preferences in
working as a scientist would be like as supervisor. Round 2 and 3. You must only preference
a career, allows you to demonstrate projects after making contact with the
academic excellence in an area of special Applicants must contact potential relevant supervisor(s). You are allowed to
interest to you, and provides an entry supervisors either before or soon after log into Sonia to change your preferences
point for further research higher degree submitting an online application for entry any time by the closing date.
study (i.e. PhD). These skills are highly to an MDHS Honours course. Department
and Institute Honours project booklets More information including application
sought after by employers in biological,
and websites, the individual information dates and online application link:
medical and industrial areas.
sessions held by departments and http://mdhs-study.unimelb.edu.au/
What are the entry requirements? institutes are ways of helping you to make degrees/honours/apply-now#apply-now
To be considered for entry, applicants initial contact with potential Honours
must have completed a suitable supervisors. However, if you are seriously
undergraduate degree (Bachelor of considering a project you should arrange
Biomedicine, Bachelor of Science or to meet your potential supervisor more
equivalent) with a major in a relevant formally to get a much better idea about
discipline with a WAM (weighted average the project and their expectations.
mark) of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent. STEP 2: Online Application
Students who have completed or are due Lodge an online application
to complete a Bachelor of Biomedicine
at the University of Melbourne should 1. Apply online and select either the
apply to complete Biomedicine Honours. Returning Applicants, Current Students
Students who have completed or are due and Previous Students or First Time
to complete a Bachelor of Science at the Applicants. Do not select the First
University of Melbourne or an equivalent Time Applicants option if you have
course at another institution should apply previously completed study or applied
to complete Science Honours. to any program at The University of
Melbourne.
Meeting the minimum Faculty level is not a
guarantee of admission and students must 2. Select ‘MDHS Specialisations’ as
be accepted by a supervisor before entry requirement response in the online
into the course. application form.
3. Provide original or certified
transcript(s) for any study not
undertaken at The University of
Melbourne. You are not required
to provide transcripts for study
undertaken at this university.
4
MASTER OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
What is the Master of Biomedical Note How to apply
Science? 1. Apply online and select either Current
• Quotas may be applied to the
The Master of Biomedical Science at the degree as a whole, or to individual Students and Previous Students or First
University of Melbourne is a coursework disciplines, and preference may be Time Applicants. Do not select the First
master’s degree incorporating a given to applicants with evidence of Time Applicants option if you have
substantial research project. This course appropriate preparation or potential previously completed study or applied
is an alternative to the Honours as a PhD to undertake research. to any program at The University of
pathway. Students undertake a major • Entry is subject to the capacity Melbourne.
research project and discipline-specific of a participating department to 2. Provide original or certified transcript(s)
coursework subjects. In addition, a suite of provide adequate supervision in a for any study not undertaken at The
professional business and communication research project appropriate to the University of Melbourne.
subjects are offered to complement and interests and preparation of the
enhance the research undertaken and to individual student and is subject to Selecting a Project
progress students’ career opportunities. the agreement of an academic staff Once you have submitted an online course
The course encourages students to think member to supervise the project. application, you will receive an email with
innovatively and provides an awareness • Students entering this course are your personal login details to access the
of the health and economic benefits of expected to organise an academic Master of Biomedical Science Project
biomedical research. Graduates of this supervisor in the relevant academic Preference System - SONIA. Please follow
course gain an understanding of the unit, and select a research project, as the instruction in the email to set up your
research process, specialist knowledge part of the application process. You password and review projects offered
and professional skills that are attractive will be provided with a list of current within MDHS departments. You must make
to employers. projects once your application has direct contact with the supervisor and
been assessed and deemed eligible. obtain permission to work on their project
What are the entry requirements? The theme and scope of the research before submitting your project preference.
To be considered for entry, applicants project is negotiated between the Once your project has been endorsed, you
must have completed a suitable student and supervisor prior to will be allocated to this project in SONIA.
undergraduate degree with a major in a commencement of the course.
More information including application
relevant discipline with a WAM (weighted
How long is the Master of dates and online application link:
average mark) of at least H3 (65%) or
Biomedical Science? https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/
equivalent. Meeting this requirement does
The Masters is a two-year (full time) course courses/graduate/master-of-biomedical-
not guarantee selection.
consisting of 125 points of research and 75 science/how-to-apply/
points of coursework. The course can be
commenced at the start of the year or at
mid-year.
Difference between Honours and the Master of Biomedical Science
Honours Masters
Duration 1 year (full time) 2 years (full time), part time available
Level Undergraduate Graduate
CSP (commonwealth supported places) Yes Limited
available?
PhD Scholarship scoring Considers marks from 3rd year of Only Master’s marks are considered
Bachelor’s degree and Honours marks
International Market recognition Australian Honours degree may not be Recognised as a graduate
recognised overseas, as many countries do Master’s degree
not have an equivalent degree.
5
6
RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREES
What is a PhD? What are the entry requirements? Choosing a supervisor and research area
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a three- To be considered for entry into a PhD, A critical element of success is choosing
year supervised research degree with the applicants must have completed a research area that interests you.
possibility of up to 12 months extension. A Departmental websites have information
• a four-year Bachelor's degree
candidate may be required to supplement on the range of research areas on offer, as
(BSc Hons, BBiomed Hons) in a
their research with enrolment in additional well as areas of interest of academic staff
relevant discipline which includes
subjects if considered necessary. The members who can supervise your project.
a substantial research component
research is written up as a thesis (80,000 –
equivalent to at least 25% of one year It is very important for you to talk to
100,000 words) and examined by external full time study and achieved a supervisors as well as current or previous
experts in the field. minimum WAM of 80% (university of students. It is one thing to be interested in
What is a MPhil? Melbourne) or equivalent; or the project but you need to get along with
A MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is similar • a Master's degree in a relevant your supervisor too. If possible, try to get
to a PhD but carried out over a shorter discipline which includes a some work experience in the lab to get an
period of time of 18months to 2 years. substantial research component idea about the environment.
The research work is written up as a equivalent to at least 25% of one year
of full time study and achieved a For future information regarding Research
thesis (30,000 – 40,000 words) which Higher Degrees at the University of
demonstrates your knowledge and minimum weighted average of 80% or
(University of Melbourne) equivalent. Melbourne see the following links:
contribution to the field of research.
To be considered for entry into a MPhil, https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/
applicants must have completed courses/graduate/doctor-of-philosophy-
medicine-dentistry-and-health-sciences/
• a four-year Bachelor's degree
(BSc Hons, BBiomed Hons) in a https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/
relevant discipline which includes a courses/graduate/master-of-philosophy-
substantial research component mdhs-biomedical-science/
equivalent to at least 25% of one
year full time study and achieved a How to apply
minimum WAM of 75% or higher; or 1. Review the list of prospective projects
• a Master's degree in a relevant and supervisors in this handbook
discipline which includes a or online at biomedicalsciences.
substantial research component unimelb.edu.au/departments/
equivalent to at least 25% of one pharmacology#research
year of full-time study and achieved
2. Identify projects of interest and contact
a minimum weighted average of
the project supervisor to explain your
(University of Melbourne) 75% or
research interests and provide your
higher.
curriculum vitae (CV) can academic
transcripts.
3. Once confirmed a project and
supervisor apply online at study.
unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/
graduate-research
7
SCHOLARSHIPS
Honours Graduate degrees
Honours applicants who accept and enrol The Melbourne Scholarships Program
in an Honours course will automatically is one of the most generous and
be considered for available Honours comprehensive in Australia, with a
Scholarships. These are awarded on wide range of scholarships available for
academic merit. domestic and international students.
There are many different types of
Highly ranked full-time students who have
scholarships available, with some
enrolled in an MDHS program through
varying in value, duration and eligibility.
the Bachelor of Biomedicine (Degree with
Most University of Melbourne graduate
Honours) and the Bachelor of Science
students have scholarships to aid with
(Degree with Honours) and demonstrated
living expenses and course fees. Some
a level of financial needs will automatically
scholarships also assist with relocation
be considered for an Frances Elizabeth
fees and insurance costs whilst studying at
Thomson Trust Scholarship. The
the University of Melbourne.
Scholarship will award eligible students
with a one- off payment of $5,000. mdhs. Graduate Research Scholarships for
unimelb.edu.au/study/ scholarships/n/ domestic and international students
frances-elizabeth-thomson are awarded on a competitive basis. If
successful, students must also meet
The Dept. of Pharmacology and
the entry requirements for a Doctoral
Therapeutics offers financial support
degree at the University of Melbourne.
for Honours/Masters students to attend
More details on the different types
and present their research at a scientific
of scholarships available, what they
conference commonly, The Australasian
cover and eligibility can be found here:
Society of Clinical and Experimental
scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/
Pharmacologists and Toxicologists
graduate-research-scholarships
(ASCEPT).
8
9
PROJECTS 10
ANDERSON GROUP
Contact: Dr. Andrew Jarnicki
Therapeutics and translation Immunopharmacology
Email: andrew.jarnicki@unimelb.edu.au
Location: Department of Molecular mechanisms Cellular Imaging and
Pharmacology and Therapeutics of disease Structural Biology
Lung Health
Our research is focused on understanding the molecular basis of chronic degenerative lung diseases, in
particular severe refractory asthma, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD), Asthma-COPD Overlap, the
COPD-lung cancer interface and fibrotic lung diseases. We are interested in understanding the reasons why
lung disease becomes chronic and resists the normal processes that help resolve tissue damage, as well as
why the damaged lung is so susceptible to subsequent infections. Our research also focuses on developing
and testing experimental medicines in preclinical models. We work with leading clinicians/researchers at
the RMH and internationally to translate our basic findings into useful medicines.
Project: Understanding the role of the Project: Using machine learning to Project supervisor
microbiome in lung viral infections improve the characterisation and Dr. Robert O’Donoghue
This project addresses a major but much quantification of fibrotic lung.
Project co-supervisors
under-appreciated problem- vaccinations Pulmonary fibrosis is severe untreatable Professor Gary Anderson
do not work well in patients suffering feature of some acute and chronic lung Dr. Andrew Jarnicki
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease diseases, it has recently been recognised as
(COPD). COPD afflicts 1 in 20 Australian a consequence of severe COVID-19-induced Project Availability
and is the 5th leading cause of death pneumonia. Fibrosis is essentially scar tissue • PhD
(AIHW 2019). Globally COPD afflicts more that replaces functional lung tissue and is a • Honours
than 300 million people and is the third feature of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) • Master of Biomedical Science
leading cause of death. An overwhelming where it is progressive in nature and always
proportion of disease burden is due to causes the demise of the patient. Fibrosis is Project: Pharmacokinetic and
infection. It is now clear that there is a also observed in Acute Respiratory Distress pharmacodynamic analysis of
strong reciprocal association between gut Syndrome (ARDS) where it develops rapidly, fluorescently tagged molecules with
health and distal diseases, and that the does not usually progress but can leave different molecular weights in healthy
manipulation of the gut microbiome and its patients with permanent lung damage and respiratory diseased mouse
subsequent metabolite production affects and lifelong reduced physical capacity. models
immunity and disease outcomes, including The current pre-clinical models of Aim of this project: To examine lung
altering vaccine potency. Diet, antibiotic pulmonary fibrosis have a poor record permeability and cellular uptake to
exposure, and smoking are the main in translating successful treatments different molecular weight molecules in
factors affecting microbiota composition. from the laboratory to clinic, in part, due healthy and respiratory diseased mouse
The aim here is to determine how diet can to their inability to mimic molecular or models in preparation for screening
alter the gut microbiome, and how this cellular mechanisms that occur during therapeutic drug compounds.
affects immune responses to a flu vaccine. tobacco smoking, viral infections and the
Antibody production, critical early gene development of fibrotic lung diseases such Techniques: The student will learn animal
expression and alterations in flu specific as IPF. We are interested in developing handling, tissue isolation and dissection.
immune cell responses will be examined. pre-clinical models that better represent Histological skills including tissue
these molecular and cellular mechanisms sectioning, staining and microscope
Project supervisor imaging. Biochemistry skills including
to improve and develop fibrosis treatments
Dr. Andrew Jarnicki ELISA assay and western blotting.
that will be successful in the laboratory and
Project co-supervisors the clinic. Project supervisor
Professor Gary Anderson Dr Joe Ciccotosto
The aim of this project is to combine ‘wet lab’
Dr. Joe Ciccotosto
methods with machine learning to improve Project co-supervisors
Dr. Robert O’Donoghue
the characterisation and quantification of Dr. Andrew Jarnicki
Project Availability fibrosis in mouse models with real world Dr Robert O’Donoghue
• PhD relevance to IPF and ARDS. You will use a Prof Gary Anderson
• Honours number of laboratory techniques including
• Master of Biomedical Science in vivo disease modelling, tissue culture, Project Availability
QPCR, western blotting and FACs as well as • PhD
machine learning methodologies using the • Honours
facilities located within the Biological Optical • Master of Biomedical Science
Microscopy Platform (BOMP). 11CRACK AND
TAYLOR GROUP
Contact: Professor Peter Crack
Email: pcrack@unimelb.edu.au Neurodegeneration Cell Signalling
Location: Department of Pharmacology
Neurotrauma Biomedical neuroscience
and Therapeutics
Neuroinflammation Infection and Immunity
The Crack and Taylor group is run by Professor Peter Crack and Dr Juliet Taylor. The Neuropharmacology
laboratory looks to understand how fundamental cellular signalling pathways can predispose the brain to
exacerbated neurotrauma or neuropathology. In understanding how these pathways contribute to neural
dysfunction we may be able to identify novel therapeutics that can be used to combat traumatic brain
injury, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Project: Innate immunity, cytokines, prostaglandins, free radicals new targets for therapeutic intervention
neuroinflammation and chronic and complement, which in turn induce into acute neurological conditions such
neurodegeneration – a focus on chemokines and adhesion molecules, as stroke and neurotrauma and chronic
Alzheimer’s disease recruit immune cells, and activate glial neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s
A major new area of research in our cells. Activation of the innate immune disease.
laboratory is the role that the innate system is an important component of
Skill acquisition: In vivo disease models,
immune system plays in the progression this inflammatory response. We have
histology, immunohistochemistry,
of chronic neuronal pathology. It is now discovered that neuroinflammation
morphometry, quantitative PCR, FACS
appreciated that the central nervous is mediated by the generation of
analysis of cell populations, cell and
system (CNS) does exhibit features type-I interferons. Type-I interferons
tissue culture, ELISA, molecular biology
of inflammation, and in response to are the master regulators of the
and western blotting.
injury, infection or disease, resident neuroinflammatory response seen in
CNS cells generate inflammatory Alzheimer’s disease. The molecular Project supervisor
mediators, including proinflammatory mechanisms that are influenced by the Professor Peter Crack
type-I interferon signalling comprises
Project co-supervisor
Dr Juliet Taylor
Project Availability
• PhD
• Honours
• Master of Biomedical Science
12Project: Understanding traumatic Project: The use of bioactive matrices Project: The role of neuroinflammation
brain injury to treat traumatic brain injury in Parkinson’s disease
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents the Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive
major cause of death in young individuals represents the major cause of death neurological disease that is characterized
in industrialised countries. Despite the in young individuals in industrialised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons,
improvement of neurosurgical procedures countries. Despite the improvement primarily in the substantia nigra. The loss of
as well as critical care management, of neurosurgical procedures as well as these neurons leads to a motor handicap,
morbidity and mortality are still high critical care management, morbidity and associated depression, pain and general
and approximately 25% of these patients mortality are still high and approximately decreased quality of life. The mechanism
remain with permanent disabilities 25% of these patients remain with for the loss of the dopaminergeric neurons
becoming a familiar, social and economic permanent disabilities becoming a is unknown although it is hypothesised
burden for society. A better understanding familiar, social and economic burden that protein mis-folding, oxidative stress
of events occurring in the brain after for society. There are no treatments and neuro-inflammation may contribute
traumatic brain injury is essential available for traumatic brain injury. We to the cell death. We hypothesise that the
to identify ways to limit the damage are investigating the use of biomaterials neuroinflammatory response triggers
and ultimately improve the outcome. to re-direct the brain’s endogenous deleterious events (eg, oxidative stress and
This project will focus on the role that neural stem cells to facilitate neural cytokine-receptor-mediated apoptosis),
neuroinflammation plays in the progression repair after TBI. This project will potentiating dopaminergic cell death and
of neural injury after TBI. By altering the determine whether reconstructing contributing to disease progression. This
pathways that control neuroinflammation functional neural circuitry via cell-based project proposes to study the molecular
by either molecular or therapeutic means therapies represents a viable, alternative and cellular events associated with
we are able to influence the outcome after therapeutic strategy to improve clinical neuro-inflammation in an animal model
TBI. The data generated by this project outcome. of PD with a focus on the involvement of
will be used to further understand the neuro-inflammation in the progression
Skill acquisition: In vivo disease models,
molecular pathways that are changed in the of PD. There is a growing body evidence
histology, immunohistochemistry,
brain after TBI. that the gut plays a role in PD. This project
morphometry, quantitative PCR, FACS
will investigate this hypothesis using a
Skill acquisition: In vivo disease models, analysis of cell populations, cell and
combination of gut organoids and gut
histology, immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, ELISA, molecular biology
motility assays. A multi-disciplinary
morphometry, quantitative PCR, FACS and western blotting.
approach using an alpha-synuclein in vivo
analysis of cell populations, cell and tissue
Project supervisor mouse model of PD coupled with in vitro
culture, ELISA, molecular biology, and
Professor Peter Crack studies to investigate the specific molecular
western blotting.
pathways involved will investigate the
Project co-supervisor
Project supervisor role that neuro-inflammation plays in the
Dr Juliet Taylor
Professor Peter Crack progression of PD.
Project Availability
Project co-supervisor Skill acquisition: The techniques involved
• PhD
Dr Juliet Taylor in this project entail a mouse model of PD,
• Honours
immunohistochemistry, primary neural cell
Project Availability • Master of Biomedical Science
culture, ELISA, QPCR analysis, siRNA and
• PhD
western analysis and data analysis.
• Honours
• Master of Biomedical Science Project supervisor
Dr Juliet Taylor
Project co-supervisor
Professor Peter Crack
Project Availability
• PhD
• Honours
• Master of Biomedical Science
13Project: Neuroinflammation and Project: The bioinformatic analysis of
its contribution to an autism-like neuroinflammatory pathways seen in
phenotype Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
There is growing evidence in the Neuroinflammation is increasingly
literature that neuroinflammation plays being attributed to the causation and
a role in cognitive function. Microglial exacerbation of both acute and chronic
activation has been shown to be involved neuropathologies. The emerging field of
in synapse formation and maintenance. bioinformatics will be used to identify
Recent studies have suggested that proteins and signal transduction
neuro-inflammation plays a growing role pathways that contribute to the
in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum production of neuroinflammation. This
disorder (ASD). Previous work from our project be largely in silico based and
laboratory highlights that the type-I will utilize the skills that are provided by
interferon (IFN) system is a master the core bioinformatics facility located
regulator of neuroinflammation in both in the Melbourne Brain Centre under
acute and chronic neuropathology. This the guidance of Dr Victoria Perreau.
project will utilise a well-established This approach enables hypothesis
genetic mouse model of autism and generation through leverage of
investigate if there is any attributable genomic, transcriptomic, phenotypic
effect to type-I IFN signalling in the and proteomic datasets to understand
progression of the autism like phenotype complex systems. The student will focus
in this mouse. on understanding complex interplay of
signal transduction networks that control
Skill acquisition: In vivo disease models,
the neuroinflammatory response.
histology, immunohistochemistry,
morphometry, quantitative PCR, FACS Skill acquisition: Bioinformatics, systems
analysis of cell populations, cell and biology, pathway analysis.
tissue culture, ELISA, molecular biology
Project supervisor
and western blotting.
Professor Peter Crack
Project supervisor
Project co-supervisors
Professor Peter Crack
Dr Juliet Taylor
Project co-supervisors Dr Victoria Perreau
Dr Juliet Taylor
Project Availability
A/Prof Elisa Hill
• PhD
Project Availability • Honours
• PhD • Master of Biomedical Science
• Honours
• Master of Biomedical Science
14CROUCH LABORATORY
Contact: Assoc. Prof. Peter Crouch
Neurodegeneration Biomedical neuroscience
Email: pjcrouch@unimelb.edu.au
Location: Department of Pharmacology
Cancer in Biomedicine Therapeutics and translation
and Therapeutics
Molecular mechanisms
of disease
The focus of our research is to elucidate the biochemical basis of human disease. We study degenerative conditions
of the central nervous system as well as a diverse range of cancers, and our overarching aim is to generate the
information needed to help develop and test new therapeutic options and to improve patient outcomes through
enhanced disease detection and characterisation. Recent significant achievements include bench-to-clinic
translation of a new drug for motor neurone disease and a first of its kind method for imaging cancer.
To achieve these outcomes, we utilise a and functionality of specific proteins with progressive multiple sclerosis may
broad range of experimental paradigms, which we can relate to what we currently represent opportunity for therapeutic
ranging from cells grown in culture know about the drug’s mechanism of intervention. We have therefore been
through to direct examination of human action. An increased understanding examining tissue samples from people
tissue. Our analytical approaches of these mechanisms will advance our who had progressive multiple sclerosis
span fundamental techniques (enzyme understanding of the causes of motor and also from models of the disease.
activity assays, gene expression analysis, neurone disease and also the opportunity We are using the information we have
histology and western blotting) through for additional therapeutic intervention. generated from our motor neurone
to highly sophisticated techniques such disease research to guide these analyses.
Project supervisor
as quantitative in situ elemental imaging More extensive analysis of multiple
A/Prof Peter Crouch
sclerosis tissue is needed to help us
Project: Understanding the biochemical
Project co-supervisor consolidate the connection between the
basis of motor neurone disease
Dr James Hilton two diseases and therefore to further
Our team has identified an important assess the opportunity to treat the two
biochemical change that occurs in tissue Project availability:
using a single therapeutic strategy.
afflicted with motor neurone disease, • PhD
a fatal disorder of the central nervous • Honours Project supervisor
system for which effective treatments • Master of Biomedical Science A/Prof Peter Crouch
do not yet exist. Moreover, we have Project co-supervisor
demonstrated that therapeutically Project: The connection between Dr James Hilton
targeting this change is protective, and our motor neurone disease and
drug is now in the initial stages of clinical Project availability:
progressive multiple sclerosis
testing. However, a better understanding • PhD
Significant similarities exist between • Honours
of how this biochemical change relates
motor neurone disease and progressive • Master of Biomedical Science
to the decline of functional motor
forms of multiple sclerosis. In pursuing
neurones is still required. We are therefore
our motor neurone disease research, we
examining changes to the abundance
established that some of the similarities
15Project: Capturing the elemental Project: Elucidating the cellular
signature of human disease mechanisms of human disease in vitro
All biological material is defined by its Determining the biochemical changes
elemental constituents (carbon, sulphur, that occur in human disease-affected
phosphorous, etc.) and the onset and tissue is an essential part of our research,
progression of human disease can but analysing human tissue is rarely
therefore be detected and characterised amenable to the level of experimental
by measuring changes to the abundance manipulation that is needed to elucidate
and anatomical distribution of these the cellular mechanistic pathways that
elements. We measure these changes cause the disease. In our laboratory we
using a quantitative elemental imaging therefore complement our human tissue
technique known as laser ablation analyses with cell culture experiments
inductively coupled plasma mass in which specific phenomena can be
spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). We analyse controlled and examined in detail. We
sections of biological material via LA- grow cells in the laboratory then we
ICP-MS and the information generated expose them to the conditions needed to
provides an ‘elemental image’ of the induce a response comparable to what
disease. We use LA-ICP-MS to identify we have identified in the human disease.
the presence of disease (e.g. tumour By analysing the treated cells, we are
detection), to determine the biochemical able to systematically map the sequence
basis of disease (e.g. changes in an of events that lead to disease. This work
elemental co-factor required for specific is essential for identifying and validating
enzyme activities), and to monitor drug therapeutic targets.
uptake and biodistribution.
Project supervisor
Project supervisor A/Prof Peter Crouch
A/Prof Peter Crouch
Project co-supervisor
Project availability: Dr Jeff Liddell
• PhD
• Honours Project availability:
• Master of Biomedical Science • PhD
• Honours
• Master of Biomedical Science
16GUNDLACH GROUP
Contact: Professor Andrew Gundlach
Neurobiology Cell Signalling
Email: andrew.gundlach@florey.edu.au
Location: The Florey Institute of Neuropharmacology Biomedical neuroscience
Neuroscience and Mental Health
Weblink: go.unimelb.edu.au/5b8r Therapeutics and
Neuropsychiatry
translation
My laboratory seeks to increase our understanding of the neurobiology of neuropeptide/G-protein-coupled
receptor (GPCR) systems in health and disease, with the goal of identifying the physiological role of key
neural networks in the brain and developing novel therapeutics for neuropsychiatric disorders. A primary
focus of current projects involving several international collaborations is the relaxin-3/RXFP3 system, and
the inhibitory (GABA) projection- and inter-neurons that express the peptide and its receptor. New initiatives
are targeting the unexplored relaxin/RXFP1 system in brain and its possible roles in neurovascular coupling
and sensory/cognitive processing; and the role of the signalling enzyme, CaMKK2 in regulation of brain and
behaviour. Projects on these topics will provide training in techniques such as neurochemical phenotyping of
target neurons, cell signalling, neuropharmacology, physiology and behaviour.
Project: Relaxin-3/RXFP3 signalling insomnia, anorexia, obesity, drug abuse, Project co-supervisors
in control of arousal and complex chronic pain and depression. In a new Dr Mathias Dutschmann
physiology and behaviour initiative, we are also exploring the A/Prof Akhter Hossain
Neural arousal pathways facilitate potential interaction of RXFP3 and opioid
Project availability:
heightened awareness, attention and signalling in the brainstem, in relation to
• PhD
cognition, and are also implicated in opioid-induced respiratory suppression.
• Honours
reward signals associated with food- and Studies so far have examined the
• Master of Biomedical Science
drug-seeking behaviour. Established impact of pharmacological treatments
arousal transmitter systems include on respiratory networks, and studies
serotonin neurons in the raphe nuclei, are now required to determine the Project: Rare cortical projection-
dopamine neurons in the ventral relative neuroanatomical distribution neuron function in arousal, sleep and
tegmental area, and orexin (peptide) of the relevant RXFP3 and opioid neuropathology
neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. receptor systems to assess the direct or Experimental and in silico data suggest
Anatomical and functional studies also indirect (network-based) nature of the brain relaxin/RXFP1 signalling regulates
suggest relaxin-3 neurons in nucleus interactions observed. Projects on this neural networks that contribute to
incertus (NI) (image) and the central topic will provide training in techniques arousal, attention, memory, and sensory
grey (CG) represent an arousal pathway such as neurochemical phenotyping of processing; and key characteristics
that modulates behaviours such as neurons (image), neural tract-tracing, cell of cortical ‘relaxin’ neurons and their
feeding, attention (vigilance), motivation signalling detection, neuropharmacology, RXFP1-positive target cells have been
and exploration. Therefore, relaxin-3/ physiology and behaviour. revealed. In mouse cortex, relaxin (not
RXFP3 systems represents a potential Rxfp1) mRNA is expressed by long-
Project supervisor
target for treating conditions such as projecting (somatostatin/GABA) neurons,
Professor Andrew Gundlach
which we hypothesise are capable of
morphological, neurochemical and
synaptic plasticity in response to specific
neural inputs and to acute and chronic
brain injury. In contrast, Rxfp1 mRNA is
expressed by topographically-distributed
inhibitory and excitatory neurons in outer
and deep cortical layers which are likely
targeted by adjacent or distant relaxin
neurons, but their nature and function are
otherwise uncharacterised.
Thus, this project will investigate
populations of cortical neurons that
synthesize the peptide, relaxin, and their
Nucleus incertus neurons contain relaxin-3 peptide (green) and calcium-binding proteins (red/blue) target neurons that express the neural
17membrane receptor, RXFP1. We propose Project: CaMKK2 control of neuronal to lithium. We will also determine the
relaxin/RXFP1 signalling in areas containing function and complex behaviour in neuroanatomical distribution of CaMKK2
sensory, emotional and cognitive circuits health and disease within specific types of neurons (image)
regulates processes, including nerve Our research has revealed that Ca2+- and neural circuits, and the impact of
growth and modification of synapses and calmodulin dependent protein kinase altered CaMKK2 signalling on specific
the surrounding environment, with links to kinase-2 (CaMKK2) is a key regulator downstream targets. These studies
sleep/wake states, and responses to brain of neuronal function and associated will provide an improved mechanistic
injury. We will assess the gene/protein complex behaviour. Mutations that understanding of CaMKK2 function,
expression profile of relaxin- and RXFP1- reduce CaMKK2 expression or activity which is essential to advance our
positive neurons in mouse brain (image), display a strong association with a fundamental biological knowledge of
and the impact of perturbations such as spectrum of human psychiatric disorders, this key neuronal enzyme system, and
sleep deprivation and brain pathology including anxiety, bipolar disorder and to inform novel treatment strategies for
on this profile. In collaborative studies, schizophrenia, indicating that optimal multiple psychiatric conditions.
we will also explore how relaxin alters CaMKK2 activity is essential for normal, Project supervisor
the electrical activity of RXFP1-positive healthy brain development and function. Professor Andrew Gundlach
cortical neurons in mice. These studies Notably, the mood-stabilising drug,
should reveal the therapeutic potential lithium, a major therapy for multiple Project co-supervisor
of a specific brain receptor system for psychiatric illnesses, activates CaMKK2. Dr John Scott
alleviating cognitive and emotional Therefore, understanding central Project availability:
symptoms in neurological disorders. CaMKK2 signalling is of significant • PhD
Project supervisor translational interest. • Honours
Prof Andrew Gundlach However, the neurobiology of CaMKK2, • Master of Biomedical Science
Project co-supervisors including its upstream regulatory
Dr Laura Jacobson inputs, and its downstream signalling
Dr Mohsen Nategh and neural network effects in brain are
not fully understood. In this project,
Project availability: we will study the behavioural profile
• PhD of mice with targeted mutations of a
• Honours regulatory site in CaMKK2 in a range of
• Master of Biomedical Science validated behavioural assays, as well
as the responsiveness of these mice
Relaxin mRNA (red) and nNOS mRNA (green) in a rare CaMKK2 mRNA (white) and BDNF mRNA (green) in excitatory (vGlut2 mRNA, red) neurons in hippocampus
somatostatin neuron (white) in cerebral cortex
18MACKAY GROUP
Contact: Dr Graham Mackay
Neuroinflammation Infection and Immunity
Email: gmackay@unimelb.edu.au
Location: Department of Pharmacology Therapeutics and
Lung Health
and Therapeutics translation
Cell Signalling
Our team is focussed largely around the fascinating mast cell and its role in allergic and non-allergic
disease. In particular, we want to better understand how these cells are activated, the mediators they
release and if we can translate this knowledge to generating new therapeutics.
Project: The role of mast cell-derived Project: MRGPRX2-mediated drug
macrophage migration inhibitory hypersensitivity drug reactions.
factor (MIF) in Alzheimer’s disease Exciting new work has identified that mast
Macrophage migratory inhibitor factor cells have a receptor called MRGPRX2
(MIF) is a multi-functional cytokine that that can be directly activated by many
has both intracellular and extracellular clinically used drugs including certain
actions and possesses enzymatic activity antibiotics. This might explain a significant
alongside the ability to stimulate its number of drug hypersensitivity reactions.
receptor. In this project you will examine However, it is unclear as to why only some
the stimulus-induced release of MIF from individuals react so adversely to these
immune cells that are thought to play an drugs. In this project you will examine
important role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mast cell activation through MRGPRX2
pathology, with a focus on the mast cell. and identify pathways that enhance the
You will also examine the expression of activity of this pathway. This information
MIF in samples taken from animal models will hopefully be of utility in better
of AD and from patients with the disease. understanding, predicting and treating
Combined, the project will lead to a better MRGPRX2-mediated drug hypersensitivity.
understanding of the role of MIF in driving
Project supervisor
the inflammatory neurodegeneration
Dr Graham Mackay
observed in AD.
Project availability:
Project supervisor
• PhD
Dr Graham Mackay
• Honours
Project co-supervisor • Master of Biomedical Science
Prof Peter Crack
Project availability:
• PhD
• Honours
• Master of Biomedical Science
19PETER AND
WANG GROUP
Contact: Professor Karlheinz Peter Cardiovascular Therapeutics and
Email: karlheinz.peter@baker.edu.au pharmacology translation
Location: Baker Heart and Diabetes
Drug design Molecular imaging
Institute
Weblink: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/6ngj Translational and Targeted drug delivery
clinical research
The Peter and Wang group focuses on basic and translational research covering a wide variety of themes,
including cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity and cancer. We study fundamental disease mechanisms
in order to define the key cells and molecules which contribute to the development or outcome of
disease. Using this information, we then design, test and implement novel molecular imaging approaches
using state of the art technologies (magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography,
positron-emission tomography and 3D fluorescence emission computed tomography). We focus on novel
therapeutic approaches, such as biological therapies targeting immune cells; and theragnostics, which
combine both therapeutics and diagnostics into a single platform.
Project: Diagnosis and therapy Aims: This project aims to investigate Project: Activated platelet-targeted
of inflammatory diseases using whether VCAM-1 targeted contrast agents drug therapy
molecular imaging will enhance inflamed vessels using Acute thrombosis causes vessel occlusion
Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart molecular imaging, thereby providing and results in ischemic complications,
attacks and strokes, are major causes a better diagnostic technology. By such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
of death and disability in Australia and harnessing the targeting ability of the Therefore, it is a major cause of death and
worldwide. These events are caused by antibodies, we can then conjugate drugs disability.
chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis onto these antibodies for side-effect free,
targeted drug delivery. Anti-coagulation and anti-thrombotic
and acute thrombosis.
drugs are valuable alternatives for the
The use of small recombinant antibodies Significance: With steadily increasing treatment of these acute events where
for diagnostic molecular imaging health care expenses, a promising invasive/surgical procedure is not
and targeted drug delivery are well translational imaging application can available in a timely fashion. However,
established in our lab. This project would fulfil the need for a cost-effective and the current clinically approved anti-
focus on the Vascular Cell Adhesion non-invasive diagnostic tool. Employing coagulation and anti-thrombotic drugs
Molecule-1 (VCAM-1), which is an a targeted drug delivery approach will have significant drawbacks, including
endothelial surface molecule that is most enable treatment of inflammation that bleeding complications. Thus, their use
strongly and specifically upregulated may prevent downstream catastrophic is highly restricted leaving many patients
during inflammation. For this reason, events of heart attacks and strokes. untreated. The use of small recombinant
this molecule has been chosen as an Project supervisor antibodies for diagnostic molecular
additional target epitope for molecular Dr Xiaowei Wang imaging and targeted drug delivery is well
imaging of inflammation. We propose to established in our lab.
conjugate VCAM-1 targeting recombinant Project co-supervisor
Prof Karlheinz Peter This project would focus on the
antibodies to different contrast agents
development of novel targeted drugs that
for their respective imaging modality. We Project availability: are directed against activated platelets.
would use these recombinant antibodies • PhD
for diagnostic imaging and targeted • Honours When thrombosis occurs, there is a
delivery of pharmacological treatment. • Master of Biomedical Science thunderstorm of platelet activation
Our group has access to a variety of and aggregation. Our targeted drugs
clinically available imaging modalities, will locate these activated platelets
including magnetic resonance imaging and accumulate at the site of the clot.
(MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography This allows a high potency of drugs
(CT) and positron-emission tomography for efficient and safe thrombolytic
(PET), as well as latest preclinical treatment. Due to the targeting
scanners, such as new 19-Flourine MRI properties, we can reduce the overall
technology and 3D fluorescence emission number of drugs needed, therefore there
computed tomography (FLECT). would only be a small concentration of
drugs circulating in the blood. This would
also enable us to eliminate the current
bleeding complications.
20Significance: This novel targeted agent Project supervisor Aims: This project aims to investigate
promises to overcome the current Dr Yung Chih Chen activated platelet targeted contrast
limitations of bleeding complications agents for detection of inflammation,
Project co-supervisor
associated with the clinical thrombolytic cancer and/or thrombosis using
Prof Karlheinz Peter
therapy. It has the potential to break molecular imaging, thereby providing
the fatal link between increased drug Project availability: a better diagnostic technology. By
potency and bleeding complications. • PhD harnessing the targeting ability of the
• Honours antibodies, we can then conjugate drugs
Project supervisor
• Master of Biomedical Science onto them for side-effect free, targeted
Dr Xiaowei Wang
drug delivery.
Project co-supervisors Project: Diagnosis and therapy of Significance: With steadily increasing
Prof Karlheinz Peter cancer, inflammation and thrombotic health care expenses, a promising
Dr Laura Bienvenu diseases. translational imaging application can
Project availability: Activated platelets have been shown fulfil the need for a cost-effective and
• PhD to play an important role in cancer, non-invasive diagnostic tool. Employing
• Honours inflammation and thrombotic diseases. a targeted drug delivery approach will
• Master of Biomedical Science enable treatment of thrombosis.
This project would focus on Glycoprotein
(GP) IIb/IIIa, which plays an important Project supervisor
Project: Understanding the role of the role in the aggregation of platelets. Prof Karlheinz Peter
microbiome in chronic cardiovascular GPIIb/IIIa is the most abundant platelet
inflammation Project co-supervisor
receptor and it undergoes a change in Dr Xiaowei Wang
In recent years it has been demonstrated confirmation when activated. For this
that the microbiome, composed of reason, this molecule has been chosen Project availability:
trillions of microbes inhabiting our as the target epitope for molecular • PhD
bodies, can significantly influence imaging. The use of small recombinant • Honours
disease susceptibility and severity. antibodies for diagnostic molecular • Master of Biomedical Science
Mechanistically, the microbiome has imaging and targeted drug delivery
been shown to elicit this influence are well established in our lab. We
by regulating metabolism and the propose to conjugate activated GPIIb/
immune system. Atherosclerosis is IIIa targeting recombinant antibodies
a disease of chronic inflammation to different contrast agents for their
and metabolic dysfunction, however, respective imaging modality. These
whether the microbiome plays a role in recombinant antibodies can be used for
determining an individual’s susceptibility both diagnostic imaging and targeted
to atherosclerosis or the disease’s delivery of pharmacological treatment.
severity is unknown. This project will Our group has access to a variety of
explore the role of the microbiome in clinically available imaging modalities,
the development of atherosclerosis including magnetic resonance imaging
with a key focus on how the microbiome (MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography
influences the immune system. In (CT) and positron-emission tomography
addition, this research will define and (PET), as well as the latest preclinical
test strategies for the therapeutic scanners, such as new 19-Flourine MRI
manipulation of the microbiome in the technology and 3D fluorescence emission
context of atherosclerosis and chronic computed tomography (FLECT).
inflammation.
21Project: Developing nanoparticles Project supervisor 1. Deep characterisation of adaptive
for targeted theragnostic delivery of Dr Xiaowei Wang immune responses in human and
drug and gene therapeutics . Project co-supervisor
murine cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the Prof Karlheinz Peter 2. Defining the role of sexual dimorphism
leading cause of mortality worldwide. in the immune response in
Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory Project availability:
cardiovascular disease.
disease, is the underlying cause • PhD
of most CVDs. Therefore, early • Honours 3. The role of conventional vs
detection, prevention or regression of • Master of Biomedical Science unconventional T cells in
atherosclerosis may prevent devastating atherosclerosis and myocardial
events such as heart attacks from Project: Immunity, Chronic infarction.
occurring. We will create bio-compatible Inflammation and Cardiovascular 4. Modulating adaptive immunity for the
nanoparticles as contrast agents for Disease treatment of cardiovascular disease.
imaging and drug carriers. These Atherosclerosis is a disease characterised
nanoparticles gives us the flexibility Project supervisor
by the formation of chronically inflamed Prof Karlheinz Peter
to incorporate drugs to increase their lipid laden plaques in medium and large
payload and/or apply them in gene arteries, such as those that supply the Project co-supervisor
delivery. By targeting these nanoparticles heart and brain with blood. The rupture Dr Jonathan Noonan
to the biomarkers of atherosclerosis, we of these plaques causes blood clots
can investigate their functions as novel Project availability:
which can block these arteries and is the
theragnostic (simultaneous diagnosis • PhD
primary cause of myocardial infarction
and therapy) approaches. Therefore, • Honours
(heart attacks), strokes, and most of
this project would also focus on Vascular • Master of Biomedical Science
the cardiovascular disease mortality.
Cell Adhesion Molecule-1, which is one of Despite recognition that inflammation
the endothelial surface molecules most is a key feature of atherosclerosis and
strongly and specifically up-regulated in the most likely cause of plaque rupture,
inflammation. We propose to conjugate it is not fully understood what drives
VCAM-1 targeting recombinant antibodies the chronicity of pro-atherosclerotic
onto nanoparticles for diagnosis imaging immune responses. With a focus on the
and targeted delivery of pharmacological adaptive immune system (T & B cells); we
or genetic treatment. Significance: With aim to deeply characterise the immune
steadily increasing health care expenses, landscape in atherosclerosis using
targeted theragnostic nanoparticles can state-of-the-art technologies, identify
provide early diagnosis and treatment the causes of immune dysregulation and
of atherosclerosis, thereby preventing chronic atherosclerotic inflammation
further CVDs. and define the role these pathways
play in the development and outcome
of cardiovascular disease. There is the
opportunity to pursue several avenues
for research projects, including:
22SCHNEIDER-FUTSCHIK
GROUP
Contact: Dr Elena Schneider-Futschik
Lung Health Neuropharmacology
Email: elena.schneider@unimelb.edu.au
Location: Department of Pharmacology Cardio-Respiratory Infection and Immunity
& Therapeutics
The Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacology group is are interested in the mechanisms of drug action, drug-drug
interactions and drug safety of cystic fibrosis drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Project Cystic fibrosis receptors Project: Cystic fibrosis and
during developmental stages inflammation
The cystic fibrosis modulators have In this study, we will correlate the
transformed clinical outcomes for many functional manifestations of cystic
CF patients by improving survival and fibrosis with pathological changes in
general health. However, the much histopathology; and investigate whether
greater prevalence of CF women reaching administration of ivacaftor, the first CF
childbearing age means increasing gene modulator that has significantly
numbers of women taking these improved the life of patients with CF; is
medications face very difficult decisions beneficial in improving inflammation.
when it comes to having a family. This
Project supervisor
study will aid clinicians in prescribing
Dr Elena Schneider-Futschik
CFTR modulators to pregnant women
on how these drugs will transfer across Project availability:
essential barriers during different • Honours
developmental stages.
Project supervisor
Dr Elena Schneider-Futschik
Project co-supervisor
Norman Saunders
Project availability:
• Honours
• Master of Biomedical Science
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