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Growth Factor Signalling

 

Head

Craig Harrison

 

Research Officers

Yogeshwar Makanji

Kelly Walton

 

Students

Justin Chen

Peter Nicholls

Irene Papageorgiou

Courtney Simpson

Emily Kelly

 

Research Assistant

Karen Chan

 

Growth Factor Signalling

Craig Harrison
Laboratory Head
Craig Harrison PhD
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About this Laboratory

The TGF-β family of proteins plays crucial roles throughout development and in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis in adult life. Our group is exploring the mechanisms that govern the availability of active TGF-β ligands and the consequences of dysregulated TGF-β signalling.

Related to Research Themes

Cancer , Genes & Healthy Development

 

Current Research

  • Inhibin A and B in the reproductive system - Inhibin A and inhibin B, members of the TGFβ family, are essential regulatory factors in mammalian reproduction. This program aims to determine their mechanisms of action.

  • TGF-β signalling pathway disorders - Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), a member of the TGF-β superfamily, plays important roles in diverse developmental and homeostatic processes. Targeted disruption of TGF-β2 results in perinatal lethality and a wide range of developmental defects. In this project, we are focusing on the molecular interactions that mediate the assembly, secretion, ECM localisation and activation of TGF-β2.

  • Myostatin and muscular dystrophy - The use of broad-spectrum TGF-β antagonists may be an effective strategy for promoting muscle growth in a variety of myopathies, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy.