B Science (Hons), PhD
Contact details for Professor Denis Crane
Biography
Denis Crane obtained his PhD from Griffith University, followed by a postdoctoral position at the University of Dusseldorf, Germany working in the field of oxidative stress. He was appointed to a lectureship at Griffith in 1989, and to Professor in 2008.
Denis Crane's research is in the area of molecular cell biology. A major focus has been in understanding the molecular basis of peroxisome biogenesis, and led to the description of one of the first PEX genes, PEX4, and the identification of the P. pastoris, human and mouse PEX13 genes. This research has been expanded into the medical area with the identification of PEX13 as a disease-causing gene of the peroxisome biogenesis disorders. Other research has directly investigated the molecular components required for peroxisome biogenesis using biochemical approaches, and has identified novel interactions between proteins involved in the protein import mechanisms. A collaboration with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, has led to extensive genotype-phenotype studies of the PEX1 gene in Australasian patients with peroxisome biogenesis disorders and assisted with the development of DNA-based diagnostic assays for patients. Current work is also focused on utilising knockout and conditional mouse models of these disorders to investigate the molecular basis of neurodegeneration.
Professor Crane’s research interests include:
- Overall expertise in molecular cell biology, biochemistry, and human genetics
- Development and characterisation of knockout and conditional mouse models of Zellweger syndrome, a severe peroxisome biogenesis disorder
- Molecular basis of neurodegeneration of Zellweger syndrome and other neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on the role of protein aggregation and oxidative stress
- Mechanisms involved in the import of proteins into peroxisomes.
Affiliations
- Eskitis Institute
- School of Biomolecular and Physical Sciences