Associate Professor Bryan Fry heads up the Venom Evolution Lab within the School of Biological Science at The University of Queensland. He obtained his PhD from The University of Queensland before undertaking postdoctoral research at National University Singapore, returning to Australia on an ARC postdoctoral fellowship at The University of Melbourne in 2004, where he subsequently took up an ARC QEII fellow in 2007 before returning to The University of Queensland on an ARC Future Fellowship in 2011. While snakes are his first love, his research team investigates a wide array of venomous animals including komodo dragons, octopuses, centipedes, spiders, scorpion, jellyfish and even venomous mammals such as the world’s only venomous primate (the slow loris). His research has taken him to more than 40 countries, including Antarctica.
Natural compounds have been utilised for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The toxic secretions of venomous animals have evolved over millions of years of evolutionary time to induce paralysis and systematic breakdown of homeostasis in prey, in addition to aiding in defence against predators. In the process, a remarkable arsenal of biochemical components has been developed, including toxins with astonishing specificity and affinity for various types of cells and receptors, many of which participate in essential physiological pathways. Hence, venoms and toxins have been perceived as rich sources of novel biochemical compounds for use in drug design and development. Although biased towards a narrow range of taxa, modern toxinological research has focussed on utilising these fascinating biochemical compounds not only in elucidating the intricate mechanisms of life but also to aid in the development of lifesaving pharmaceutical drugs. Understanding the complex evolutionary mechanisms shaping different venom components is essential for the development of highly effective drugs. A multidisciplinary approach, spanning methods such as transcriptomics, proteomics, bioactivity testing and molecular evolution analyses has the potential to unravel the true biodiversity of toxins and provide invaluable information for drug design and development.
Event Manager: Mitchell Piercey
Phone: (02) 6201 9462
Associate Professor Bryan Fry heads up the Venom Evolution Lab within the School of Biological Science at The University of Queensland. He obtained his PhD from The University of Queensland before undertaking postdoctoral research at National University Singapore, returning to Australia on an ARC postdoctoral fellowship at The University of Melbourne in 2004, where he subsequently took up an ARC QEII fellow in 2007 before returning to The University of Queensland on an ARC Future Fellowship in 2011. While snakes are his first love, his research team investigates a wide array of venomous animals including komodo dragons, octopuses, centipedes, spiders, scorpion, jellyfish and even venomous mammals such as the world’s only venomous primate (the slow loris). His research has taken him to more than 40 countries, including Antarctica.
Natural compounds have been utilised for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The toxic secretions of venomous animals have evolved over millions of years of evolutionary time to induce paralysis and systematic breakdown of homeostasis in prey, in addition to aiding in defence against predators. In the process, a remarkable arsenal of biochemical components has been developed, including toxins with astonishing specificity and affinity for various types of cells and receptors, many of which participate in essential physiological pathways. Hence, venoms and toxins have been perceived as rich sources of novel biochemical compounds for use in drug design and development. Although biased towards a narrow range of taxa, modern toxinological research has focussed on utilising these fascinating biochemical compounds not only in elucidating the intricate mechanisms of life but also to aid in the development of lifesaving pharmaceutical drugs. Understanding the complex evolutionary mechanisms shaping different venom components is essential for the development of highly effective drugs. A multidisciplinary approach, spanning methods such as transcriptomics, proteomics, bioactivity testing and molecular evolution analyses has the potential to unravel the true biodiversity of toxins and provide invaluable information for drug design and development.
Shine Dome,9 Gordon Street Australian Capital Territory false DD/MM/YYYYEvent Manager: Mitchell Piercey
Phone: (02) 6201 9462
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