Personal profile

Biography

The endocrine system controls cell-cell communication and coordinates almost all our daily activities. Abnormalities in hormones, receptors and cell signalling pathways underpin many common diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. We are studying the actions of two important steroid hormones, cortisol (a glucocorticoid) and aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid) that are secreted by the adrenal gland and regulate important aspects of systemic physiology and homeostasis, in humans and other mammals. Cortisol has many homeostatic roles in a wide range of tissues both during embryogenesis, particularly the developing lung. Premature babies have underdeveloped lungs and require treatment with synthetic glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids exert their effects by binding to the intracellular glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, GR and MR respectively. Both are members of the nuclear receptor super-family of ligand dependent nuclear transcriptional regulators. We utilize a range of molecular, biochemical and genetic techniques in both cell-based and animal systems to investigate these cell signalling pathways and their specific roles.

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):

  • SDG 1 - No Poverty
  • SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Education/Academic qualification

Biochemistry, PhD, University of Melbourne

Award Date: 31 Dec 1987

Biochemistry, BSc(Hons), University of Melbourne

Award Date: 31 Dec 1982

Research area keywords

  • steroid receptors
  • steroids
  • lung development
  • nuclear receptors
  • SDR enzymes
  • hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or