Home /
Research /
Laboratory and Community Genetics / Mitochondrial & Metabolic Research
Mitochondrial & Metabolic Research
A/Professor David Thorburn
David Thorburn is an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow who completed a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Sydney prior to postdoctoral training with Professor Ernest Beutler at California’s Scripps Clinic. His lab is primarily involved in researching the genetic basis of mitochondrial energy generation disorders, but also acts as the national referral centre for the diagnosis of mitochondrial disease in children. He has a particular interest in understanding how mitochondrial DNA mutations are passed on from mothers to their children, and translating this knowledge into approaches for prenatal diagnosis and prevention, such as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. He is also interested in the roles of nuclear genes in mitochondrial disease and his lab has identified several novel “disease” genes and developed two mouse models of mitochondrial disease. These are being used to improve our understanding of the precise disease mechanisms and to trial dietary and pharmaceutical treatment strategies. David supervises PhD and Honours students, is on the editorial board of the journal Mitochondrion and is the current president of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia.
A/Professor David Thorburn
Mitochondrial & Metabolic Research
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
10th Floor, Royal Children's Hospital
Flemington Road
Parkville
Victoria 3052
Australia
T
+61 3 8341 6235
F
+61 3 8341 6212
E
david.thorburn@mcri.edu.au