Research Output per year
Personal profile
Biography
Steven is a molecular immunologist dissecting the exquisite assembly and function of antiviral immune systems and host-virus interplay to develop new antiviral technologies and lead collaborative, international research efforts.
Steven's work investigates the molecular mechanisms that control the innate immune system and methods by which viruses manipulate these mechanisms to facilitate their replication. By targeting multifunctional host proteins, viruses can factorially enhance their replication by favourably manipulating multiple host cell processes at once. Drawing upon a wide range of techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, virology and structural biology, Steven's vision is to leverage such evolutionary ‘strengths’ of viruses against them, to design new kinds of antiviral therapies that are effective yet resilient against virus escape.
Research interests
RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) sense virus components inside infected cells to trigger an antiviral state. In turn, viruses subvert immune and other host cell processes in order to replicate.
Steven's primary research interests include innate immune signalling and viral immune evasion, post-translational regulation of RNA-binding proteins and immune receptors, post-transcriptional regulation of RNA and translating biomedical research into new technologies and treatments.
Steven is a specialist in recombinant protein expression, purification and biochemical characterisation, molecular biology and cloning techniques, confocal microscopy and cell and virus culture.
Monash teaching commitment
Steven has trained hundreds of students across 20 units in the principles and applications of biochemistry and molecular biology in the study and treatment of human disease. Steven has also directly supervised one BCH3990 final year biochemistry research student.
Education/Academic qualification
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, PhD, MONASH UNIVERSITY
Biochemistry, B.Sc(Honours First Class), MONASH UNIVERSITY
Chemistry, Immunology, B.Sc, MONASH UNIVERSITY
Philosophy, Dip.A, MONASH UNIVERSITY
Research area keywords
- molecular immunology
- nuclear transport
- virology
- post-translational modifications
- innate immunity
- host-pathogen interactions
Network
Recent external collaboration on country level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots.
Research Output 2009 2019
Recognition by host nuclear transport proteins drives disorder-to-order transition in Hendra virus v
Atkinson, S. C., Audsley, M. D., Lieu, K. G., Marsh, G. A., Thomas, D. R., Heaton, S. M., Paxman, J. J., Wagstaff, K. M., Buckle, A. M., Moseley, G. W., Jans, D. A. & Borg, N. A., 10 Jan 2018, In : Scientific Reports. 8, 1, 17 p., 358.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Dynamic nucleolar targeting of dengue virus polymerase NS5 in response to extracellular pH
Fraser, J. E., Rawlinson, S. M., Heaton, S. M. & Jans, D. A., Jun 2016, In : Journal of Virology. 90, 12, p. 5797-5807 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Ubiquitin in the activation and attenuation of innate antiviral immunity
Heaton, S. M., Borg, N. A. & Dixit, V. M., 11 Jan 2016, In : Journal of Experimental Medicine. 213, 1, p. 1-13 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review Article › Other › peer-review
Ivermectin is a specific inhibitor of importin alpha/beta-mediated nuclear import able to inhibit replication of HIV-1 and dengue virus
Wagstaff, K. M., Sivakumaran, H., Heaton, S. M., Harrich, D. & Jans, D. A., 2012, In : Biochemical Journal. 443, 3, p. 851 - 856 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Prizes
MPG Best Poster Award
Steven Heaton (Recipient), 12 Jul 2018
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
ASMR Best Poster Award
Steven Heaton (Recipient), 1 Jun 2018
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Sparrho Early Career Researcher Prize
Steven Heaton (Recipient), 9 Sep 2017
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Activities 2010 2019
Inaugural Charles Cole Minisymposium
Steven Heaton (Invited speaker)Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
meRNA Symposium
Steven Heaton (Speaker)Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
ANZSCDB Victoria Annual Meeting
Steven Heaton (Speaker)Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
ComBio 2018
Steven Heaton (Speaker)Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
Awaji International Forum on Infection and Immunity (AIFII) 2018
Steven Heaton (Invited speaker)Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to conference
Press / Media
Monash University Student Wins Early Career Researcher Prize
16/10/17 → 5/12/17
5 items of Media coverage, 1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Research