Germ Cell Development and Epigenetics Research Group Head

Centre for Reproductive Health
Hudson Institute of Medical Research

Professor Patrick Western’s research is focused on understanding epigenetic processes underlying ovary function, reproductive health and the impact of transmitted epigenetic information on the next generation.

Prof Western leads the Germ Cell Development and Epigenetics Group within the Centre for Reproductive Health at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research. Using genetic and pharmacological models, the Germ Cell Development and Epigenetics Group's work is focussed in two primary areas: 1. Epigenetic programming in the germline and the impacts of germline epigenetic information on offspring development.s 2. Epigenetic mechanisms that regulate ovarian development and function and female reproductive health. 

Work in the Germ Cell Development and Epigenetics Group combines discovery science with clinical models aimed at providing mechanistic information required for understanding the impacts of epigenetic programming on reproductive health and disease inheritance. Their work includes determining potential interactions between epigenomic drugs, reproductive health, the germline epigenome and subsequent outcomes in offspring.

Prof. Western completed his PhD on temperature dependent sex determination in American alligators under the supervision of Professors Andrew Sinclair and Jennifer Graves. He then completed postdoctoral training in Professor Azim Surani’s laboratory at the Wellcome Trust Gurdon Institute, Cambridge University, where he studied epigenetic reprogramming and the reacquisition of pluripotency in differentiated somatic cells, embryonic stem cells and germ cells. He continued his work with the ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development where he pursued an interest in sex-specific gonad and germ cell development with a focus on the regulation of pluripotency and differentiation in early germ cells.