research

molecular signalling

summary

Molecular Signalling Group focuses on two major enzymes, Park9 and telomerase. Park9 is a metal transporter ATPase that is implicated as playing a pivotal role in cellular organelle homeostasis and thus degenerative diseases including Parkinsonism. Telomerase is responsible for nuclear chromosome stability by maintaining telomere integrity and function in cancer and stem cells.

group leader(s)

 Jun -Ping Liu Professor Jun-Ping Liu
  Molecular Signalling
  Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
  Royal Children's Hospital
  Flemington Road
  Parkville Victoria 3052

  T +61 417059187
  E junping.liu@mcri.edu.au

group leader biography

current research projects

Project 1: Nucleotide binding proteins and neurological disorders

The research group recently cloned a novel human ATP-binding protein involved in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's diseases. A gene mutation mouse model as well as various cellular approaches has been developed for in vivo and in vitro studies.  Park9 and obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD). Preliminary data showed that Park9 protein plays a role in OCD, and is implicated in a number of degenerative disorders.

Project 2: Telomeres, cancer and ageing

Cytokine regulation of telomere maintenance: TGF-beta family cytokines induce telomere shortening, tumour cell ageing, and tumour growth inhibition in mice. Further work will investigate the mechanisms in different modes of telomere maintenance and remodelling in order to find strategies to treat cancer and other growth related disorders.

Protein mediating of telomere shortening induced by stress: the enzyme GAPDH in the metabolic pathways is involved in stress-induced cellular aging. A study will continue the significance of GAPDH regulation of telomere homeostasis in ageing.

team members

  • He Li - Senior Research Officer
  • Joyce Tan - Master of Science (UoM Science)
  • Hai Yan Wei - PhD Student (UoM Paeds)
  • xinxing Zhang - VISITING ACADEMIC

publications

  • Nicholls C., Li H., Liu JP. GAPDH: A common enzyme with uncommon functions. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology 192 (29) : 382 - 390(2011) PubMed
  • Nicholls C., Li H., Wang JQ., Liu JP. Molecular regulation of telomerase activity in aging. Protein Cell 2 (9) : 726 - 738(2011) PubMed
  • Sharyn Bayne., He Li., Margaret E E Jones., Alex R Pinto., Michelle van Sinderen., Ann Drummond., Evan R Simpson., Jun-Ping Liu. Estrogen deficiency reversibly induces telomere shortening in mouse granulosa cells and ovarian aging in vivo. Protein Cell 2 (4) : 333 - 346(2011) PubMed

competitive funding

National Health & Medical Research Council
Cancer Council Victoria 

collaborations & affiliations

Prof Andy Choo and Dr Lee Wong, Murdoch Childrens
Prof James Camakaris, University of Melbourne
A/Prof Murat Yücel and  Dr. Benjamin Harrison
Prof Fabienne Mackay and Ms Indzi Katik
Dr Yuanhang Yang, Monash University