Epigenetics and Mitochondrial Biology.
Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland
About Us
With life expectancies increasing around the world, neurodegenerative disorders and other late-onset inflictions represent an enormous disease burden on individuals, families, and society. Mitochondria are tiny organelles within our cells that burn the calories we eat with the oxygen we consume to produce storable chemical energy for our cellular functions. Mitochondrial health has been intimately linked to neurodegeneration and ageing in general. Interestingly, these organelles contain their own DNA genome (mtDNA), which is very different in terms of structure and function to the nuclear genome. Because mtDNA is exposed to potent and chronic sources of damaging free radicals and constantly undergoes replication in each cell, it accumulates molecular lesions and copying errors over time. A gradual build of mistakes has been proposed to contribute to the progressive nature of late-onset diseases. Moreover, these defects can be inherited and cause a range of devastating metabolic disorders called mitochondrial diseases that primarily affect cells and organs that are energetically demanding (such as the brain and muscles). Unfortunately, these mutations are not reparable and the diseases are currently incurable.Our lab uses cutting edge molecular genetic techniques in the highly successful model organism C. elegans to understand the fundamental mechanisms neurons and other cell types use to counter the effects of mtDNA mutations.
In addition, we are focusing our attention on other fundamental aspects of mtDNA mutations, such as their distribution in different cell types. Interestingly, we recently discovered that certain cell types are prone to propagating mtDNA mutations moreso than others. We are currently performing experiments to understand how.
We are also interested in epigenetic mechanisms that mitochondria may utilise for their function. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we anticipate that novel opportunities for treating mitochondrial associated diseases will become apparent.
In addition, we are focusing our attention on other fundamental aspects of mtDNA mutations, such as their distribution in different cell types. Interestingly, we recently discovered that certain cell types are prone to propagating mtDNA mutations moreso than others. We are currently performing experiments to understand how.
We are also interested in epigenetic mechanisms that mitochondria may utilise for their function. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we anticipate that novel opportunities for treating mitochondrial associated diseases will become apparent.
Recent Highlights
March 2025: Michael gives his last talk to QBI before his next exciting chapter at Harvard University! The talk was on protecting cells from genetic damage.
December 2024: Anne Hahn wins the 'QBI Best Student Research Paper' award. Congratulations!
October 2024: Michael publishes a helpful tool for finding the right genetic markers.
22 August 2024: How and which mitochondrial mutations might be inherited? Congratulations to Anne Hahn for a publication in Cell Metabolism. Well done!
8 July 2024: SUSTech-UQ Joint Centre for Neuroscience and Neural Engineering Symposium. Today, we also welcome a Masters student, Yixin.
July 2024: Congratulations to Steve, who was awarded the Ross Crozier Medal for outstanding contributions to the field of genetics research by mid-career Australasian scientist.
6 November 2023: Chai Chee is conferred! Congratulations, Dr Ng :D
23 October 2023: We welcome Sasheen to the lab as a research assistant.
23 August 2023: Steve was awarded an ARC Future Fellowship! This will fund important research into the microbiome and mitochondria.
18 July 2023: Michael's new paper is out in Nature Cell Biology! Click here to see it.
14 July 2023: Congratulations to Dan for being awarded the University Medal for an oustanding BAdSc(Hons) degree!
24 - 28 June 2023: Chai Chee and Anne attended the 24th International C. elegans Conference.
4 May 2023: Tessa's review is out now! Well done, Tessa!
