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About the Molecular Proteomics laboratory
The Molecular Proteomics laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular function of nano-sized biological extracellular vesicles (EVs) and how their intercellular signalling is important in normal cardiac physiology and pathologies, with the goal of engineering EVs to overcome limitations in their therapeutic application and identifying new deliverable therapeutic targets. The advanced molecular and micro-functional assay approaches developed in our lab have identified novel regulators of secretome (cell-derived secreted factors) and EV biology, integrating advanced mass spectrometry-based proteomics to decipher key regulators and networks remodelled in various models of cardiovascular disease. Given the heart's limited regenerative capacity, developing strategies to restore lost cardiac tissue remains a critical, unmet challenge in cardiovascular medicine.
Extracellular vesicles are nano-sized, cell-derived signalling mediators, packaging and transferring key molecular cargo to target cells. They have emerged as an innovative cell-free regenerative strategy due to their ability to deliver therapeutic cargo.
Our team develop multi-disciplinary strategies to define and understand the form and function of EVs, the heart as a signalling organ, and innovative proteomic technologies to understand mechanistic underpinnings of complex biology (regulation of complex cell-specific processes) and develop therapies that impact human disease. This includes application of multi-omics to understand the complex molecular changes (protein modifications) in heart health and as therapeutic strategies in vascular and cardiac disease. Such innovations have led to pre-clinical and clinical utility, including commercialisation, with significant engagement with national/international industry networks in biotechnology/proteomics and regenerative medicine fields.
In these applications, the Molecular Proteomics team incorporates advanced proteomics, systems biology, cell signalling, molecular biology, nanomaterials, nanobiotechnology, regenerative cell biology, and experts in molecular therapies with the goal of identifying new deliverable therapeutic targets, therapeutic strategies to understand vascular and cardiac disease, and ultimately, facilitate effective engineered approaches for next generation cell-free cardiac therapy.
Positions available
We offer projects in each of these areas, and a specific topic will be designed to cater for the interests and skills of a candidate. A prospective student will be a part of a successful multidisciplinary research team of molecular biologists, cell biologists, proteomics, nanomaterials, extracellular vesicles, and clinical scientists, and will gain experience in quantitative omics technologies (including proteomics), cardiovascular disease, cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry.
We have University placements through La Trobe University and University of Melbourne. Contact us for more information...