research

comparative development

summary

The comparative development group uses the chicken embryo to study developmental processes, focussing on gonadal and limb development.  Using standard and cutting edge techniques in molecular and developmental biology.

group leader(s)

Craig SmithDr Craig Smith
Comparative Development
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Royal Children's Hospital
Flemington Road
Parkville Victoria 3052

T + 61 3 8341 6353
E craig.smith@mcri.edu.au

group leader biography

current research projects

Project 1   

The genetic regulation of gonadal development in the chicken embryo, with emphasis on the sex-linked DMRT1 gene. This work complements the human and mouse sex determination research carried out by the Molecular Development Group, headed by Andrew Sinclair.

Project 2   

Dissecting molecular pathways leading to testis versus ovary development, using Chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify direct targets of key sex genes, such as DMRT1, FOXL2 and B-catenin.

Project 3

The evolution of forelimbs, in avian models. This is a collaborative project with Professor David Lambert at Griffith University. By comparing chicken and emu embryos, which have fully developed and vestigial wings, respectively, we are studying howgenetic pathways control forelimb (wing) development. This project has implications for our understanding of limb abnormalities in humans.

Project 4   

Developing sex-reversed lines of chickens, a collaborative project with CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratories in Geelong.                                              

team members

  • Katie Ayers - Research Officer
  • Justin Chue - PhD Student (UoM Paeds)
  • Luke Lambeth - Senior Research Officer

publications

  • Bannister SC., Smith CA., Roeszler KN., Doran TJ., Sinclair AH., Tizard MLV. Manipulation of Estrogen Synthesis Alters MIR202*Expression in Embryonic Chicken Gonads. BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 85 (1) : 22 - 30(2011) PubMed
  • Chue J., Smith CA. Sex determination and sexual differentiation in the avian model. FEBS JOURNAL 278 (7) : 1027 - 1034(2011) PubMed
  • Cutting AD., Bannister SC., Doran TJ., Sinclair AH., Tizard MV., Smith CA. The Potential role of microRNAs in regulating gonadal sex differentiation in the chicken embryo. Chromosome research (2011)
  • Lambeth LS., Smith CA. Disorders of Sexual Development in Poultry. SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT 6 (40969) (2011) PubMed
  • White S., Ohnesorg T., Notini A., Roeszler K., Hewitt J., Daggag H., Smith C., Turbitt E., Gustin S., van den Bergen J., Miles D., Western P., Arboleda V., Schumacher V., Gordon L., Bell K., Bengtsson H., Speed T., Hutson J., Warne G., Harley V., Koopman P., Vilain E., Sinclair A. Copy Number Variation in Patients with Disorders of Sex Development Due to 46,XY Gonadal Dysgenesis. PLOS ONE 6 (3) (2011) PubMed

competitive funding

Poultry Cooperative Research Centre for Chicken Sex Determination (2011- 201)
Australian Research Council  (2011-2013) Forelimb development in avian embryos.
Australian Research Council (2011-1013) The DMRT1 gene and avian sex determination.
Australian Research Council  (2011- 2014)
Future Fellowship (Craig Smith)
Poultry Cooperative Research Centre for Chicken Sex Determination (2011- 2012)

collaborations & affiliations

Professor Andrew Sinclair and Dr Thomas Ohnesorg, Molecular Development Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Dr. Tim Doran. John Lowenthal and David Cummins, CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratories, Geelong
Dr. David Lambert, Dept of Life and Environmental sciences, Griffith Univ, QLD
Prof. Peter Koopman, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, QLD.
Dr. Stefan White, Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Genomics Laboratory.