October Genomics and Health Seminar

This month we will hear from two speakers – Ian Peall and Dr Heidi Sutherland.

Developing 3D models of the stem cell niche to study HSPGs in adult human neurogenesis 

Presented by Ian Peall

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are ubiquitous proteins, located on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. HSPGs have been identified as key proteins in neural development and neurogenesis in murine models, but their role in adult human neurogenesis is yet to be fully understood. Ian’s group is aiming to study these proteins in humans utilising human stem cell models in both 2D and 3D cell culture. By furthering our understanding of adult human neurogenesis, we may then be able to apply these results in the form of stem cell therapies for neurological disorders.

Identifying new genes and epigenetic factors in migraine

Presented by Dr Heidi Sutherland

Migraine is a severe, disabling neurological disorder with a complex etiology. The factors and mechanisms involved in migraine are not well understood, limiting the ability to diagnose and treat patients. Environmental factors contribute to and can trigger migraine, but there is a strong genetic basis to the disorder with both polygenic and monogenic forms. This talk will present some of the studies being undertaken in our laboratory using sequencing and functional approaches to identify genes involved in migraine, with a particular focus on ion channels, transporters and circadian genes, as well as investigating the role of epigenetic factors.

 

Speaker bios

Ian Peall

Ian’s journey into research was not the standard path. After finishing high school, Ian became a painter and decorator, before travelling the world and eventually landing a job in the mining industry doing seismic surveying, which peaked his interest into going to  study geophysics. Ian ended up completing a Diploma in laboratory technology at TAFE, and then went on to study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at QUT. He is currently a PhD student in our Centre, and Ian’s project is centred around the development of 3D models to study the role HSPGs play in neural lineage specification.

Dr Heidi Sutherland

Heidi is a researcher in molecular biology and genetics, with an interest in how genomic information orchestrates the complicated processes associated with the development and life of an organism. Heidi had been working in the fields of gene expression, epigenetics, nuclear structure and function, mouse development and human genetics, completing a PhD at The University of Sydney, followed by a post-doc at the MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh, UK. Heidi is now a Senior Research Fellow at QUT, investigating the genetic basis of complex human traits and disorders.

Details:

Start Date: 11/10/2021 [add to calendar]
Start Time: 12:00PM
End Date: 11/10/2021
End Time: 1:00PM
Register: