Microbial and Molecular Diversity
The Neilan Laboratory is a world leader in the molecular biology and biochemistry of toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and other microbes of environmental and biomedical significance.
This research is both fundamental and applied, with outcomes including improvements to water quality monitoring and management, as well as the production of novel compounds of biomedical value. Focus areas include the discovery, characterisation and manipulation of natural product pathways, including those for cyanobacterial toxins as well as UV-blocking compounds and food preservatives.
Research
Novel ultraviolet radiation filters from extreme environments
Current synthetic ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-filtering compounds are toxic to marine life and persist in the environment for many years. Using a synthetic biology approach, we are exploring microorganisms from high UVR ecosystems, such as hot and polar deserts, as a source of novel biosunscreens that are safe for use across a variety of cosmetic, health and industrial applications.
Industrial applications of cyanobacterial toxins
Cyanobacteria produce a variety of potent toxins, which pose a significant threat to food and water quality. However, due to their specific inhibition of certain eukaryotic enzymes, these toxins are also valuable research tools and drug leads. For example, the neurotoxic saxitoxins have shown clinical promise as long-lasting and non-addictive pain blockers. We are using synthetic biology to characterise, modify and express cyanotoxin biosynthesis pathways to provide a sustainable source of highly pure toxin analogues for industry and research.
Microbial endophytes as a novel source of bioactive compounds
Plants harbour a diverse range of microbial symbionts within their tissues that promote growth and provide resistance to pests, diseases, drought, and salinity. By characterising the microbial and molecular diversity in these ‘endophyte’ communities, we aim to discover novel microorganisms, enzymes and bioactive compounds of industrial significance, including biopesticides, antibiotics, plant growth promotors, and heavy metal-binding molecules.
Biosynthetic hooks for enigmatic marine toxins
Many species of marine microalgae and cyanobacteria produce potent neurotoxins, some of which are transferred via the food web to fish, molluscs and other marine animals. Our integrated genomic and synthetic biology approach, targeting key biosynthesis genes, will reveal pathways for the production of these toxins. In addition to providing unprecedented insight into toxin ecology and biosynthesis, the data generated will enable improved management of seafood safety and provide a foundation for the future development of novel neuroactive diagnostic tools and therapeutics.
Global analysis of specialised metabolism in Cyanobacteria
Previous genomic studies on Cyanobacteria have focused mostly on their capacity to synthesise toxins. We are using the latest bioinformatic tools to screen for known and novel biosynthetic gene clusters. This curated dataset will be used to prioritise strains, enzymes and compounds of ecological, industrial and biomedical significance. Additionally, this investigation will advance our fundamental understanding of the natural history and evolutionary trajectory of specialised metabolism in these ancient and ecologically significant photosynthetic prokaryotes.
Environmentally sensitive insect control technologies
Despite the aggressive nature of Ae. vigilax and the continuous increase in Ross River Virus (RRV) transmission across Australia, there are no available reports on the biological control of either Ae. vigilax or RRV transmission. Using a synthetic biology approach, this study will investigate bacterial ‘parasites’ as potential extracellular and intracellular control agents of Ae. vigilax and RRV.
Mitigating the risk of freshwater cyanobacterial blooms
Freshwater cyanobacterial blooms impact the quality and utility of potable and recycled water, posing a significant risk to the economy, the environment and public health. To understand the causes of cyanobacterial blooms and the risk they pose, we are using the latest -omic techniques to examine how the microbial communities within these systems interact with each other and their surrounding environment to form blooms and produce toxins and other harmful metabolites. Such knowledge will inform risk assessments and strategies for the mitigation of future bloom events, improving the security of our increasingly valuable water resources.
AMR and metal co-resistance
Our research program investigates microbial community evolution, persistence, and resistance in polluted, and hospital‑associated environments. We focus on how both antimicrobial and metal resistance are maintained within complex microbial communities, enabling survival and adaptation under chronic selective pressure. By characterising these resistance dynamics, we seek both to inform strategies for mitigating antimicrobial resistance in healthcare environments and to explore opportunities to exploit microbial resilience for environmental remediation and related applications.
Uncovering Hidden Viruses at the One Health Interface
This project uses metatranscriptomic sequencing to characterise the diversity of viruses circulating in flying foxes and mosquitoes in regional New South Wales. By mapping these viromes and identifying viruses with zoonotic potential, it aims to build a One Health–informed surveillance framework to support early detection and prevention of emerging infectious diseases.
Our people
Staff
Dr Verlaine Timms
Senior Research Fellow/Casual Academic/Casual Academic/Casual Academic
School of Science
- verlaine.timms@newcastle.edu.au
- 0240550775
PhD students
- Bianca Renee Palombi
- Emily Green
- Erik Baker
- Joseph Sahakian
- Louis Nightingale
- Mitchell Aafjes
- Nicola Elliott
- Saroj Dulal
- Winnifred Duk
Honours Students
- Boris Chiu
- Ella Feeney
- Luke Rees
Partners
ARC Center of Excellence in Synthetic Biology
The ARC Center of Excellence in Synthetic Biology is a world-leading research centre.
Diagnostic Technology
Diagnostic Technology is an Australasian company based in Sydney.
HMRI - Immune Health Program
The HMRI Immune Health Research Program brings together scientists, researchers, and clinicians in a collaborative effort to develop innovative solutions for health challenges related to the immune system.
HMRI - Infection
Our Infection Research Program helps to better prevent, understand, and treat severe infectious diseases that impact our communities.
Additional Partners include:
- NSW Health (Hunter New England District)
- John Hunter Hospital
- NSW Health Pathology- John Hunter Hospital
Contact us
Enquiries
| Phone: | +61 2 4921 5080 |
| Email: | CESE-SOSC@newcastle.edu.au |
Or connect with us online
Gallery
Symbiotic cyanobacteria in ascidians (a class of sessile filter-feeding invertebrates).
Cyanobacteria bloom at Ross Wallbridge Reserve, Raymond Terrace.
Cyanobacteria growing on an agar plate.
Aedes vigilax (saltmarsh mosquito), an aggressive biter and vector of Ross River virus.
Cissus sterculiifolia for the study of microbial endophytes.
Leaves, stems and roots of Cissus sterculiifolia for the study of microbial endophytes.
Scanning electron microscope image of symbiotic microbes
Stromatolite reef, formed by cyanobacteria, at Shark Bay in Western Australia.
xScanning electron microscope image of symbiotic microbes.
Cyanobacteria bloom at Ross Wallbridge Reserve, Raymond Terrace.
Stromatolite reef, formed by cyanobacteria, at Shark Bay in Western Australia.
Cyanobacteria growing on an agar plate.
Image of two ducks next to a green pond
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.