Biomedical and Human Biology

Genome biology

Genomes encode organisms, and we are interested in how the genetic information in genomes produces the diverse phenotypes we see. To achieve this, we look at what genomes are made up of, what activities occur in genomes and what these activities do, and how genomes evolve.

Infection, Immunology, lymphatics, and cancer therapy

We have a strong interest in generating chemical and biological therapeutics for the treatment of medical conditions that alter the immune and lymphatic systems and a range of different cancers and infectious diseases. Our researchers have expertise in cell analysis techniques sorting, bioinformatics, molecular biology, chemistry, physiology and imaging.

Molecular genetics and inherited disease

We use genetic, molecular, and bioinformatics tools in a variety of organisms to improve outcomes in health, agriculture and ecological systems. Our research spans from neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions to monogenetic skin conditions and cellular immunotherapies, and from gene editing, insertion mutants, RNA Sequencing and epigenetic analysis to understanding natural populations and endangered species.

Neuroscience

Our interests cover a breadth of development, from the neonatal period through to the ageing brain. We have interdisciplinary expertise which spans the discovery of genetic variants and their impact on neuronal function, the characterisation of cellular and animal models of neurological disorders and human brain tissue pathology, the analysis of the metabolic state of the brain, and the development of novel therapies and pharmacological interventions.

Nutrition, metabolism, cell signalling and physiology

We aim to understand how diet and metabolic processes contribute to human health and the development of metabolic disorders. Through understanding metabolic mechanisms, we aim to enhance diet, accelerate drug discovery efforts and identify new therapeutic strategies to treat metabolic disorders.

Stem cell biology

Our research focuses on human adult stem/stromal cell, specifically in skin and adipose tissue. We recently discovered mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) with stem cell properties in human skin. Our current research investigates the role of MPCs in tissue repair and regeneration and aims to develop new treatments for skin diseases and unhealed wounds.