Personal profile
Biography
Kate received her PhD from the University of Melbourne, and the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute investigating the interactions between mitochondrial biology, cell death and immune signalling. Her research employed advanced imaging techniques including live-cell lattice light-sheet microscopy (LLSM), live 3D-SIM, electron cryo-tomography and correlative light and electron microscopy to visualise – for the first time – the release of DNA from the mitochondria (mtDNA) during apoptosis.
Kate has since become an NHMRC Early Career Fellow, Group Leader at Monash University’s Biomedical Discovery Institute and Co-Director of the Monash BDI Advanced Bioimaging Centre. Her group blends biochemistry and cell biology with state-of-the-art microscopy techniques (both light microscopy and electron microscopy) to understand the mechanisms and consequences of mtDNA release and mitochondrial behavior in cellular and animal models of disease.
McArthur Group: https://www.monash.edu/discovery-institute/mcarthur-lab
Monash BDI Advanced BioImaging: https://www.monash.edu/discovery-institute/research/advanced-bioimaging
External positions
Visiting Scientist, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)
1 Jan 2018 → 31 Dec 2018
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Investigating mtDNA as a danger signal across the tree of life
McArthur, K. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI))
ARC - Australian Research Council, Monash University – Internal Department Contribution
21/02/25 → 20/02/28
Project: Research
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The next great escape – how does mtDNA become extracellular?
McArthur, K. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)) & Ryan, M. (Chief Investigator (CI))
1/01/25 → 31/12/27
Project: Research
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Mito Foundation Conference Grant
McArthur, K. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)) & Formosa, L. (Chief Investigator (CI))
1/05/23 → 15/12/24
Project: Other
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Exploring the anti-apoptotic and apoptosis-unrelated functions of MCL-1 during embryonic and blood cell development to advance MCL-1 inhibitors in clinical trials for cancer
Brinkmann, K. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)) & McArthur, K. (Chief Investigator (CI))
1/01/23 → 31/12/25
Project: Research
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Putting the brakes on mitochondrial fusion to prevent escape of mitochondrial DNA
McArthur, K. & Ryan, M. T., 20 Mar 2025, In: Nature. 639, 8055, p. 582-584 3 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment / Debate › Other › peer-review
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Relative importance of the anti-apoptotic versus apoptosis-unrelated functions of MCL-1 invivo
Brinkmann, K., McArthur, K., Malelang, S., Gibson, L., Tee, A., Elahee Doomun, S. N., Rowe, C. L., Arandjelovic, P., Marchingo, J., D’Silva, D., Bachem, A., Monard, S., Whelan, L. G., Dewson, G., Putoczki, T. L., Bouillet, P., Fu, N. Y., Brown, K., Kueh, A. J. & Wimmer, V. C. & 4 others, , 4 Sept 2025, In: Science. 389, 6764, p. 1003-1011 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
7 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
Exposure of the inner mitochondrial membrane triggers apoptotic mitophagy
Saunders, T. L., Windley, S. P., Gervinskas, G., Balka, K. R., Rowe, C., Lane, R., Tailler, M., Nguyen, T. N., Ramm, G., Lazarou, M., De Nardo, D., Kile, B. T. & McArthur, K., Mar 2024, In: Cell Death and Differentiation. 31, 3, p. 335-347 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access46 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
mtDNA caught in the act again
McArthur, K. & Kile, B. T., Feb 2024, In: Nature Cell Biology. 26, 2, p. 177-178 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment / Debate › Other › peer-review
1 Link opens in a new tab Citation (Scopus) -
Epigenetic Activation of Plasmacytoid DCs Drives IFNAR-Dependent Therapeutic Differentiation of AML
Salmon, J. M., Todorovski, I., Stanley, K. L., Bruedigam, C., Kearney, C. J., Martelotto, L. G., Rossello, F., Semple, T., Arnau, G. M., Zethoven, M., Bots, M., Bjelosevic, S., Cluse, L. A., Fraser, P. J., Litalien, V., Vidacs, E., McArthur, K., Matthews, A. Y., Gressier, E. & De Weerd, N. A. & 15 others, , Jun 2022, In: Cancer Discovery. 12, 6, p. 1560-1579 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access29 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)
Prizes
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Best Oral Presentation - AussieMit Conference
McArthur, K. (Recipient), 2016
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Best Oral Presentation - Young Investigator Forum on Cell Death
McArthur, K. (Recipient), 2016
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Discovery Award for Best Publication
McArthur, K. (Recipient), 2018
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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In Memory of Neil Lawrence Prize, 2018 Centenary Institute Medical Innovation Award
McArthur, K. (Recipient), 3 Oct 2018
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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People's Choice Award for Best Oral Presentation - Invited Speaker 19th International Microscopy Congress
McArthur, K. (Recipient), 2018
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Forbeck Forum: Targeting Mitochondria in Cancer (Immuno)Therapies
McArthur, K. (Organiser) & Galluzzi, L. (Organiser)
2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
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Light Microscopy Australia National Conference
McArthur, K. (Organiser)
2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
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AussieMit 2024
McArthur, K. (Organiser) & Formosa, L. (Organiser)
26 Nov 2024 → 1 Dec 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to workshop, seminar, course
Press/Media
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BAK/BAX macropores facilitate mitochondrial herniation and mtDNA efflux during apoptosis
Kile, B. T. & McArthur, K.
24/02/18 → 23/08/18
2 items of Media coverage, 1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Research