Prof. Eileen McLaughlin
| Work Phone | (02) 4921 2005 |
|---|---|
| Fax | (02) 4921 7949 |
| Eileen.McLaughlin@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Position |
Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
|
| Office | V201B PVC Unit LS, Life Sciences |
Biography
I undertook a PhD at the University of Bristol on the effects of cryopreservation on human gametes and embryos under the supervision of Dr Chris Ford. On completion of my PhD I moved to the Department of Biochemistry on a Wellcome Trust postdoctoral fellowship to work in the lab of Prof Len Hall where I identified genes involved in male fertility and characterised their role in fertilization.
In 2000 I took up a position in the Pest Animal Control CRC in CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems in Canberra where I worked on the development of virally vectored immunocontraception for rabbit control. In 2002 I was recruited to the University of Newcastle where I established my research group. Work in my lab focuses on the RNA binding proteins and their roles in spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis and proteins involved in meiosis. In addition we study cytokines that control the activation of primordial follicles in the mammalian ovary and ovotoxic xenobiotics which cause oocyte loss and early menopause.
I have published in Cell Stem Cell, PNAS, Developmental Biology and Toxicological Sciences . We use a number of mouse models and a wide range of cell and molecular biology techniques to monitor cell signalling dynamics in primary culture, identify novel target proteins, functionally characterise translational repressors and activators and use structural modelling to design inhibitors of these interactions. We collaborate extensively through the ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development as well as with individual groups in the USA and Australia.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Bristol
- Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Glasgow - Scotland
Research
Research keywords
- Ovarian Biology
- Reproductive Sciences
- Spermatogonial Stem Cells
Research expertise
My research in the field of testicular biology has focused on spermatogonial development with particular emphasis on the identification and characterization of key regulators of spermatogonial stem cell replication (HOW), microRNA in germ cells, stem cell maintenance (Musashi), and male germ cell differentiation (c-Kit) and sperm function (Fertilin) (see McIver et al 2012 Human Reproduction Update, Monk et al 2010 Cell Stem Cell, Monk et al PLoS One 2012, Siddall et al 2006 PNAS, Prahbu et al 2006 Reproduction, McLaughlin et al 2001 Molecular Human Reproduction).
In addition we study cytokines that control the activation of primordial follicles in the mammalian ovary and ovotoxic xenobiotics which cause oocyte loss and early menopause ( see Sutherland et al 2012 J Cellular Physiology, Sobinoff et al 2012, 2011, 2010 Toxicological Sciences, Blackmore et al 2004 Biology of Reproduction, Holt et al 2006 Developmental Biology, Hutt et al 2006 Biology of Reproduction, McLaughlin & McIver Reproduction 2009).
In addition my lab has contributed to cell and molecular research in human and animal assisted reproduction with an emphasis on the characterization of gene and protein expression and function in male and female gametogenesis, reproductive tracts, roles in fertilization and as contraceptive targets (McLaughlin et al 2001, Asquith et al 2004, 2005, Nixon et al 2007, 2009, McLaughlin et al 2010, Redgrove et al 2011, Walker et al 2011).
Collaboration
Collaborators include:
Dr Shaun Roman, Dr Brett Nixon, Prof John Aitken, Prof Adam McCluskey (University of Newcastle)
Prof Keith Jones, Dr Janet Holt and Dr Julie Merriman Jones (University of Newcastle)
Dr Gary Hime (University of Melbourne) and Prof Minx Fuller (Standford University)
Prof Kate Loveland & Prof Moira O'Bryan (Monash University)
Dr Darryl Russell and Dr Rebecca Robker (University of Adelaide)
Prof Peter Koopman and Dr Jo Bowles (University of Queensland)
Prof Ken Beagley (QUT) & Dr C Wira (Dartmouth University)
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 060199 | Biochemistry And Cell Biology Not Elsewhere Classified | 55 |
| 060699 | Physiology Not Elsewhere Classified | 30 |
| 111499 | Paediatrics And Reproductive Medicine Not Elsewhere Classified | 15 |
Centres and Groups
Centre
- Hunter Medical Research Institute
- PRC - Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology
- PRC - Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology
- PRC - Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science (RS)
Group
Memberships
Committee/Associations (relevant to research).
- Programme Committee - Society of Reproductive Biology
Invitations
|
Primordial follicle activation and development
University of Adelaide, Australia (Invited seminar speaker) |
2005 |
Administrative
Administrative expertise
University Expertise
Animal Ethics Committee Member
Deputy Head of School of Environmental & Life Sciences
Institutional Biosafety Committee Member
ERA Cluster 8 committee member
Animal Ethics Review Committee Member
Faculty of Science Research and Research Training Committee Member
Manager and Instructor-in-charge of Imaging Suite, Life Sciences Building (2001 - present)
Chair of School Committee Review of Induction Materials for Honours students (2002 - 3)
School Representative for Faculty of Science & IT International Committee (2004 - 2005)
Biological Sciences Representative for School Research Higher Degree Progress Committee (2003 - present)
Coordinator Level 1000 Biology - 500 students and 50 staff and Level 2000 Biology - 100 students and 10 staff
Professional Activities
Reviewer Grant Giving Bodies: NHMRC GRP member, Medical Research Council UK, the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council UK, and the Wellcome Trust. I also review for a number of specialist Reproduction journals.
Positions in Learned Societies: President elect of Society for Reproductive Biology, Chairman of the British Andrology Society (1997-2000) and a Director of the Journal of Reproduction & Fertility (Ltd.).
Committee member: British Fertility Society Association of Clinical Embryologists, Society for Reproductive Biology and the Society for Low Temperature Biology.
Editor: multiple peer reviewed clinical guidelines and am an adviser to the United States of America Congress, Office of Technology Assessment and the UK Government Department of Health and the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority.
Teaching
Teaching keywords
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Immunobiology
Teaching expertise
Senior Lecturer, Tutor & Demonstrator in Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunobiology and Biotechnology
(1000,2000 and 3000level)
Implementation first ever Web-based delivery of all Level 1000 courses via Blackboard.
Overseeing implementation of on-line assessments, and simulated laboratory computer experiments.
Implementation Turnitin anti-plagiarism and collusion educational software for BIOL1000 cohort (2004).
Awarded Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching
University of Newcastle 2006