Browse Research Staff by Research Area Professor Minoti Apte     South Western Sydney Clinical School Statement of Interests: Pancreatitis is a major complication of alcohol abuse. The pathogenesis of alcohol-induced pancreatic injury is a major interest. Pancreatic fibrosis is a characteristic feature of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Mechanisms responsible for pancreatic fibrogenesis, in particular the role of pancreatic stellate cells in the fibrosis of chronic pancreatitis as well as pancreatic cancer is being studied. National and international collaborations have been set up to study the role of pancreatic stellate cells in the local and distant spread of pancreatic cancer. More... Dr Trudie Binder     School of Medical Sciences - Department of Pharmacology Statement of Interests: Therapy for inflammatory arthritis, in particular opioid analgesics and bisphosphonates. Rheumatoid arthritis a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder, with a world wide distribution and is associated with significant pain and disability. Models of arthritis are used to investigate the immunopharmacological mechanisms by which opioids and bisphosphonates mediate their anti-arthritic actions and the therapeutic potential of combinational therapy. More... Dr David Brown     St Vincent's Clinical School Statement of Interests: In the field of inflammation I have clinical and research interests. Clinically, I am interested in the consequences of inflammatory diseases on the CNS, vasculitides as well as treatment of connective tissue diseases. My research interests are in several areas including chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. I am also actively researching the role of the immunity in cancer and neuroinflammatory diseases. More... Dr Rajkumar Cheluvappa     St George Clinical School Statement of Interests: Inflammatory Bowel Disease More... Associate Professor Andrew Day     School of Women's and Children's Health Statement of Interests: Host pathogen interactions in the gut and gastrointestinal inflammatory responses with regards to Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Helicobacter pylori infection. Roles of S100 proteins in gut inflammation. Roles of other inflammatory mediators in the gut. Host responses to infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and the contributions played by gastrointestinal epithelial cell cytokines during infection Roles of probiotics and nutriceuticals in gastrointestinal diseases More... Dr Nick Di Girolamo     School of Medical Sciences - Department of Pathology Statement of Interests: Our current research program focuses on understanding how excessive solar ultraviolet radiation triggers diseases of the eye including pterygia, tumours of the limbus and conjunctiva, and how specific enzymes called the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to the development of such lesions in man. These studies utilize cell culture models and fresh human tissue specimens. The second arm of our research program focuses on identifying, isolating and cultivating human fetal and adult corneal stem cells to help us understand how the ocular surface is replenished under normal physiological conditions and following trauma and to devise alternative transplantation strategies to treat patients with corneal stem cell deficiencies. The third arm of our research program focuses on associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in MMP genes with common epithelial tumours such as colorectal, prostate, and breast. We have recently identified one such polymorphism in the collahenase-1 (MMP-1) gene promoter as a potential prognostic indicator in patients with colorectal carcinoma. More... Dr Donna Dinnes     Centre for Vascular Research Statement of Interests: - More... Dr Jonathan Erlich     Prince of Wales Clinical School - Department of Medicine Statement of Interests: Areas of interest include; renal disease and it vascular consequences; the interaction of the tissue factor thrombin protease coagulation cascade and inflammation and vascular remodelling. In particular models of renal ischaemia reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, renal fibrosis have been examined. Our current main focus has been on the role of the protease activated receptors in renal reperfusion injury, their potential role in organ preservation and post transplant renal dysfunction. More... Dr Ross Grant     School of Medical Sciences - Department of Pharmacology Statement of Interests: 1) Investigation of the role of oxidative stress and NAD metabolism on brain cell death and cellular degeneration. More... Professor Michael Grimm     St George Clinical School - Department of Medicine Statement of Interests: A number of research projects in the Department of Gastroenterology, St George Clinical School, and the Inflammatory Diseases Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences. The research areas include the following : cross-regulation of chemokines and chemokine receptors; immunopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease; novel therapeutic strategies in inflammatory bowel disease; mucosal immunity and lymphocyte trafficking; regulatory T lymphocytes and other mechanisms controlling gastrointestinal immunity; the role of the appendix in gut immunity and IBD More... Dr Gilles Guillemin     St Vincent's Clinical School Statement of Interests: Involvement of tryptophan (an essential amino acid) and its derived molecules (kynurenines) in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Prion diseases and Down syndrome. We are collaborating with neuroscientists in Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, USA and Japan. More... Dr Cristan Herbert     School of Medical Sciences - Department of Pathology Statement of Interests: Asthma and in vivo models of the disease. Specific interest in the role of Th17 cell cytokines in the development of airway wall remodelling. Also interested in the effect of novel drug treatments on asthmatic lesions. More... Dr Gregory Katsoulotos     St George Clinical School - Department of Medicine Statement of Interests: More... Professor Levon Khachigian     Centre for Vascular Research Statement of Interests: Cardiovascular disease and cancer remain the most prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of these and a myriad of related diseases is underpinned by molecular and cellular changes in our blood vessels. Professor Levon Khachigian’s research is uncovering key networks of transcriptional control and inducible gene-regulatory circuits that lead to vascular disease. The group is also developing new experimental drugs that have the potential to treat a diverse range of health problems, from cancer and inflammation through to eye and heart disease. Professor Khachigian’s research program has two major objectives: 1. To better understand how harmful genes are controlled in vascular cells. This arm investigates signaling and transcriptional mechanisms of pro-inflammatory cytokine-dependent gene expression, post-translational mechanisms that modify protein behavior, proteinase control, the isolation and characterization of new genes induced or repressed by vascular cell injury, and the molecular control of vascular cell migration and proliferation. The group has considerable expertise in animal models of neointima formation, angiogenesis, tumor growth, myocardial ischemia, and inflammation. 2. To develop new vascular therapeutic agents. The lab is harnessing the outcomes of its fundamental research by pioneering the development of novel “anti-gene-” and “gene-therapeutic” strategies targeting key regulatory genes in a myriad of vascular disorders. This involves strategic collaborations with a range of clinical specialists, academics and drug development consultants. -------> PhD and Hons projects are available in both these research streams in Khachigian Lab in 2010. If you’re interested, please email l.khachigian@unsw.edu.au asap, sending your CV. More... Professor Steven Krilis     St George Clinical School - Department of Medicine Statement of Interests: Research in the Department has focussed on 2 broad areas, autoimmune disease and mast cell biology. In the autoimmune area, animal experiments designed to elucidate the cause of thrombosis and miscarriage in women with the antiphospholipid syndrome. The assessment of Beta 2-glycoprotein I function in humans and experiments utilising beta 2-GPI knockout mice that have been derived in the Department. Epitope mapping of autoantibodies from patients with recurrent miscarriage and thrombosis. Collaborative work with researchers at the Harvard University, Boston, USA, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China, University of Brest, France, Sapporo University, Japan and University of Athens, Greece, University of Pennsylvania and the NIH, USA. The role of Beta 2-glycoprotein I in in-vitro and in-vivo angiogenesis is currently being investigated using a Matrigel and tumour animal models with Beta 2GPI knockout mice. The role of Beta 2GPI in cholesterol metabolism is being assessed using C57BL/6 Beta 2GPI+/+ and -/- mice fed a western diet. The 2nd area is involved with mast cells and their effect in asthma. Cloning and generating knockout mice of a novel mast cell specific RasGRP4. RasGRP4 knockout mice have defects in mast cell differentiation and expression of FcεR1 and c-Kit. Defining gene mutations in patients with mastocytosis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Identifying the receptor on mast cells for IL-16. The role of mast cells and basophils in HIV-1 infection. Collaborative work with biologists at the Millennium Institute at Westmead is concerned with HIV-1 infection in mast cells and basophils and with biologists at the Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA is concerned with elucidation of the role of mast cell specific proteases in inflammation, asthma and cancer. More... Professor Rakesh Kumar     School of Medical Sciences - Department of Pathology Statement of Interests: In vivo and in vitro models of the cellular biology and immunopathology of respiratory disease. Major focus is the role of cytokines and growth factors in the pathogenesis of chronic asthma and acute exacerbations, using novel experimental models in mice. Ongoing collaborations with colleagues at the University of Newcastle/Australian National University, using gene-targeted mice and drug/antibody treatments to study the contribution of specific cytokines to inflammation, remodelling and airway hyper-reactivity; and the influence of early-life infections on the severity of chronic disease and susceptibility to acute exacerbations. Expertise in morphometry and immunohistochemistry has led to involvement in various other collaborative projects e.g. related to pancreatic disease and hepatitis. More... Dr Juliana Lamoury     Centre for Immunology Statement of Interests: 1) Potential of bone marrow-derived stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis; 2) Prospects of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders such as Krabbe disease; 3) Expression of chemokines and their receptors within the CNS and their involvement in inflammation and neuropathogenesis. More... Dr John Langlands     School of Medical Sciences - Drug Development Unit Statement of Interests: More... Dr Daniel Avi Lemberg     School of Women's and Children's Health Statement of Interests: Non-Alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) is a term to describe liver damage in obese patients. Currently while their is information as to the inflammatory cascade set-up in this entity; in a collaboration with colleagues at the University of British Columbia (UBC) we are investigating possible pathways that trigger this cascade. There continues to be great uncertainty as to the cause of The Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in children. In collaboration with collleagues at UNSW and UBC we aim to study demographic trends in children with IBD in particular Crohn's Disease and possible microbiological or environmental triggers for this illness. More... Professor Andrew Lloyd     School of Medical Sciences - Department of Pathology Statement of Interests: The goal of the research groups which are led by Professor Lloyd is to understand the cellular and molecular basis of inflammatory processes in human infectious diseases. In particular, Professor Lloyd's research groups are seeking to define the role of cytokines, notably the chemoattractant cytokines (chemokines) in regulation of lymphocyte trafficking. The groups are focussed on studies of the pathogenesis of hepatitis C infection, and the characteristics of the host response to other infections includi ng Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus and Coxiella burnetii - the causative agent of Q fever. The scope of the research extends from laboratory studies of the basic biology of genes relevant to disease pathogenesis through to clinical and epidemiological studies in humans. The research includes cellular and molecular immunology techniques, and includes in vitro as well as in vivo studies in animal models of disease More... Professor Patrick McNeil     South Western Sydney Clinical School - Department of Medicine Statement of Interests: Patrick McNeil heads a research group exploring mast cell biology and novel inflammatory pathways in rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune connective tissue diseases, especially focusing on molecular mechanisms of inflammation. He has a long term focus on mast cell proteinases including characterisation of novel human tryptase genes, and the role of mast cell proteinases in rheumatoid arthritis. More recently he has research programs investigating expression of LLIR's in rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis. More... Dr Gila Moalem-Taylor     School of Medical Sciences - Department of Anatomy Statement of Interests: Damage to the nervous system is often associated with chronic neuropathic pain symptoms including spontaneous pain, increased sensitivity to painful stimuli (hyperalgesia), and pain perceived in response to normally non-painful stimuli (allodynia). Such pain is extremely debilitating and difficult to treat. My current research focuses on the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain, with particular emphasis on how immune cells and inflammatory mediators influence chronic pain following peripheral nerve injury or autoimmune inflammation in the nervous system. More... Ms Nalini Pather     School of Medical Sciences Statement of Interests: In the field of medical education, collaborative work with collegues as Macquarie University and in South Africa and the USA is concerned with curriculum design and assessment. In the field of cell biology, collaborative work with colleagues in South Africa relates to wound healing and the role of keratinocyte and fibrocyte cell migration. In the field of tissue regeneration, collaborative work at the University of New South Wales focusses on the role of angiogenesis on muscle regeneration and stem cell therapy. In the field of clinical anatomy, collaborative work with clinicians in South Africa and USA is concerned anatomy in relation to new endoscopic surgical procedures. More... Dr Philip Peake     Prince of Wales Clinical School Statement of Interests: Adiponectin is an adipocyte specific hormone with insulin sensitising, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties. Research concerns its behaviour in renal and other diseases, its physiochemical structure, and its interactions with other molecules, including those of the complement system. More... Associate Professor Bill Sewell     St Vincent's Clinical School - Department of Medicine Statement of Interests: Major interest is molecular and cellular biology of allergic inflammation. Particular interests are: (1) Role of cytokines, including Th2 cytokines and GM-CSF, in the pathogenesis of asthma, other allergic diseases and parasite infection; (2) Role of eosinophils in these conditions; (3) In collaboration with A/Prof Andrew Collins, Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, investigation of immunoglobulin E sequences in allergy and parasitic infection; (4) In collaboration with the Pathology Department in St Vincent's Hospital, investigation of novel markers in leukaemia and lymphoma. More... Dr David Simar     School of Medical Sciences - Exercise Physiology Program Statement of Interests: My research interests are mainly focused on the characterisation of metabolic dysfunctions in the immune system and skeletal muscles as well as the critical role played by inflammation in the development of those alterations in metabolic and immune conditions. More... Dr George Smythe     School of Medical Sciences - Department of Physiology Statement of Interests: Neurodegenerative diseases of aging such as Alzheimer's Disease are associated with oxidative and free radical-induced damage to DNA, proteins, and energy metabolism in the CNS, Of particular interest are diagnostic markers of this damage and the role of anti-oxidants, radical scavengers and metal chelators in attenuating the damage. Collaborative work with neuroscientists at St Vincent's and Prince of Wales Hospitals and Monash University is investigating Alzheimer's and other demeting diseases, Other collaborations with neuroscientists in the UK is investigating malaria-induced brain dysfunction. More... Professor Paul Thomas     Prince of Wales Clinical School - Department of Medicine Statement of Interests: Innovative research has emerged from our studies on non-invasive methods of studying airway diseases. We have shown that exhaled nitric oxide is a method by which we can monitor lung diseases such as asthma. In addition, we are studying methods of detecting and monitoring lung diseases such as COPD and lung cancer by using breath analysis. In addition, there is the opportunity to start novel projects in sarcoidosis and the ways in which the lung is affected by diving. The research techniques range from basic molecular biology to clinical trials in the above areas. All the above studies are supported by competitive research grants and any interest in research in the above areas will be encouraged. Many peer-reviewed publications have arisen from these projects, and any participation would be expected to generate presentations and manuscripts. Most ILP students have gained at least one journal article during their study period, while other candidates have achieved more than this. More... Emeritus Professor David Tracey     School of Medical Sciences - Department of Anatomy Statement of Interests: My research is in the processes which underlie neuropathic pain. It is based on the hypothesis that inflammatory mechanisms contribute to the pain arising from nerve damage. The research is centred on the types of cells which are likely to be involved (eg mast cells, neutrophils and macrophages) and the chemical mediators which may be responsible (eg serotonin, nerve growth factor, prostaglandins). More... Associate Professor Julian Trollor     School of Psychiatry - Intellectual Disability Mental Health Statement of Interests: Research projects are available to suit a variety of students at the ILP, Honours, Masters and PhD level. There are 3 broad streams to my current research: 1. Brain Ageing: determinants and correlates of brain ageing with a focus on brain imaging, metabolic, cardiovascular and inflammatory factors, nutrition, and gene-environment inteactions. Study data is derived from two large ageing gohorts, the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study and the Older australian Twins Study. 2. Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry: a number of focus areas including ageing and dementia in intellecutally disabled adults, intellecual disability mental health within the criminal justice system, human rights issues in health care of intellecually disabled adults. 3. Other Neuropsychaitric Disorders: I have an established interest in a variety of neuropsychaitric conditions including the neuropsychiatry of epilepsy, adult ADHD, novel treatments for depression (including VNS)and drug induced movement disorders including NMS. More... Dr Ute Vollmer-Conna     School of Psychiatry - Department of Human Behaviour Statement of Interests: The field of Psychoneuroimmunology, with a particular focus of cytokine-induced changes in behaviour, emotion, motivation and cognition. Additional interests include the effect of genetic polymorphisms on the severity and duration of illness following acute infection. Cross-disciplinary research involves colleagues from Pathology/Immunology, Virology, Psychiatry, Psychology and General Practice. More... Need to update your profile? Click here to login with your Staff ID, prefixed by a lower case "s" (eg s1234567), and UniPass to update your profile. If you have any problems please send an email to .

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