
Overview
Background
I am a passionate biomedical research scientist leading a multidisciplinary research program focused on advancing wound healing. My work spans the full translational spectrum from uncovering fundamental biological mechanisms to developing clinically relevant prototypes to improve outcomes across the healing continuum, from initial bleeding control to tissue regeneration.
My research draws on expertise in materials science, cell biology and signalling to investigate the dynamic reciprocity between cells and the extracellular matrix and how biophysical cues and biochemical signals together instruct cellular responses. This includes studying both the fundamental biology of wound healing and the complex signalling cascades that govern tissue regeneration with the goal of identifying and developing novel therapeutic agents.
By employing reductionist model systems, we dissect key biological processes to enable the rational design of effective therapeutic prototypes to address unmet clinical needs.
A central focus of the wound healing research program is the control, development and application of fibrin-based biomaterials, which serve as the body’s provisional healing scaffold. Serving as proregenerative, resorbable delivery scaffolds. The formulation with innovative active pharmaceutical ingredients, including next-generation RNA therapeutics and bioactive compounds derived from nature, such as venom-based molecules, repurposing natures innovation for therapeutic use to develop targeted prototypes.
Availability
- Dr Amanda Kijas is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), Flinders University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Uppsala University
Research impacts
I am a passionate biomedical research scientist leading a multidisciplinary research program focused on advancing wound healing. My work spans the full translational spectrum from uncovering fundamental biological mechanisms to developing clinically relevant prototypes that improve outcomes across the healing continuum, from initial bleeding control to tissue regeneration.
My research draws on expertise in materials science, cell biology, and signalling to investigate the dynamic reciprocity between cells and the extracellular matrix and how biophysical cues and biochemical signals together instruct functional cellular responses. This includes studying both the fundamental biology of wound healing and the complex signalling cascades that govern tissue regeneration with the goal of identifying and developing novel therapeutic agents.
By employing reductionist model systems, we dissect key biological processes to enable the rational design of effective therapeutic prototypes to address unmet clinical needs.
A central focus of my program is the control, development and application of biomaterials, especially fibrin-based matrices, which serve as the body’s provisional healing scaffold. These are combined with innovative active pharmaceutical ingredients, including next-generation RNA therapeutics and bioactive compounds derived from nature, such as venom-based molecules, repurposing natures innovation for therapeutic use.
Works
Search Professor Amanda Kijas’s works on UQ eSpace
2010
Journal Article
CK2 phosphorylation-dependent interaction between aprataxin and MDC1 in the DNA damage response
Becherel, Olivier J., Jakob, Burkhard, Cherry, Amy L., Gueven, Nuri, Fusser, Markus, Kijas, Amanda W., Peng, Cheng, Katyal, Sachin, McKinnon, Peter J., Chen, Junjie, Epe, Bernd, Smerdon, Stephen J., Taucher-Scholz, Gisela and Lavin, Martin F. (2010). CK2 phosphorylation-dependent interaction between aprataxin and MDC1 in the DNA damage response. Nucleic Acids Research, 38 (5) gkp1149, 1489-1503. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkp1149
2010
Book Chapter
ATM mediated signaling defends the integrity of the genome
Lavin, Martin F., Gatei, Magtouf, Chen, Philip, Kijas, Amanda and Kozlov, Sergei (2010). ATM mediated signaling defends the integrity of the genome. Handbook of Cell Signaling. (pp. 2171-2183) edited by Ralph A. Bradshaw and Edward A. Dennis. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier Inc.. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-374145-5.00263-1
2009
Journal Article
Human RAD50 deficiency in a Nijmegen breakage syndrome-like disorder.
Waltes, R, Kalb, R, Gatei, M, Kijas, AW, Stumm, M, Sobeck, A, Wieland, B, Varon, R, Lerenthal Y, Lavin, Martin F., Schindler, D and Dörk, T (2009). Human RAD50 deficiency in a Nijmegen breakage syndrome-like disorder.. American Journal of Human Genetics, 84 (5), 605-616. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2009.04.010
2007
Journal Article
A subgroup of spinocerebellar ataxias defective in DNA damage responses
Gueven, N., Chen, P., Nakamura, J., Becherel, O.J., Kijas, A.W., Grattan-Smith, P. and Lavin, M.F. (2007). A subgroup of spinocerebellar ataxias defective in DNA damage responses. Neuroscience, 145 (4), 1418-1425. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.12.010
2006
Journal Article
Aprataxin forms a discrete branch in the HIT (Histidine Triad) superfamily of proteins with both DNA/RNA binding and nucleotide hydrolase activities
Kijas, Amanda W., Harris, Janelle L., Harris, Jonathan M. and Lavin, Martin F. (2006). Aprataxin forms a discrete branch in the HIT (Histidine Triad) superfamily of proteins with both DNA/RNA binding and nucleotide hydrolase activities. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 281 (20), 13939-13948. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M507946200
2003
Journal Article
msh2 separation of function mutations confer defects in the initiation steps of mismatch repair
Kijas, Amanda Wraith, Studamire, Barbara and Alani, Eric (2003). msh2 separation of function mutations confer defects in the initiation steps of mismatch repair. Journal of Molecular Biology, 331 (1), 123-138. doi: 10.1016/S0022-2836(03)00694-6
2003
Journal Article
Crystal structure and biochemical analysis of the MutS dot ADP dot beryllium fluoride complex suggests a conserved mechanism for ATP interactions in mismatch repair
Alani, Eric, Lee, Jae Young, Schofield, Mark J., Kijas, Amanda W., Hsieh, Peggy and Yang, Wei (2003). Crystal structure and biochemical analysis of the MutS dot ADP dot beryllium fluoride complex suggests a conserved mechanism for ATP interactions in mismatch repair. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 278 (18), 16088-16094. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M213193200
2003
Journal Article
Systematic mutagenesis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MLH1 gene reveals distinct roles for Mlh1p in meiotic crossing over and in vegetative and meiotic mismatch repair
Argueso, Juan Lucas, Kijas, Amanda Wraith, Sarin, Sumeet, Heck, Julie, Waase, Marc and Alani, Eric (2003). Systematic mutagenesis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MLH1 gene reveals distinct roles for Mlh1p in meiotic crossing over and in vegetative and meiotic mismatch repair. Molecular and Cellular Biology, 23 (3), 873-886. doi: 10.1128/MCB.23.3.873-886.2003
2001
Journal Article
Origins of the many NPY-family receptors in mammals
Larhammar, Dan, Wraith, Amanda, Berglund, Magnus M., Holmberg, Sara K. S. and Lundell, Ingrid (2001). Origins of the many NPY-family receptors in mammals. Peptides, 22 (3), 295-307. doi: 10.1016/S0196-9781(01)00331-X
2000
Journal Article
Zebrafish genes for neuropeptide Y and peptide YY reveal origin by chromosome duplication from an ancestral gene linked to the homeobox cluster
Söderberg, Charlotte, Wraith, Amanda, Ringvall, Maria, Yan, Yi-Lin, Postlethwait, John H., Brodin, Lennart and Larhammar, Dan (2000). Zebrafish genes for neuropeptide Y and peptide YY reveal origin by chromosome duplication from an ancestral gene linked to the homeobox cluster. Journal of Neurochemistry, 75 (3), 908-918. doi: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2000.0750908.x
2000
Journal Article
Evolution of the neuropeptide Y receptor family: gene and chromosome duplications deduced from the cloning and mapping of the five receptor subtype genes in pig
Wraith, Amanda, Törnsten, Anna, Chardon, Patrick, Harbitz, Ingrid, Chowdhary, Bhanu P., Andersson, Leif, Lundin, Lars-Gustav and Larhammar, Dan (2000). Evolution of the neuropeptide Y receptor family: gene and chromosome duplications deduced from the cloning and mapping of the five receptor subtype genes in pig. Genome Research, 10 (3), 302-310. doi: 10.1101/gr.10.3.302
1999
Journal Article
Characterization of the cloned Atlantic cod neuropeptide Y-Yb receptor: peptide-binding requirements distinct from known mammalian Y receptors
Sharma, Parul, Arvidsson, Ann-Kristin, Wraith, Amanda, Beck-Sickinger, Annette G., Jönsson-Rylander, Ann-Cathrine and Larhammar, Dan (1999). Characterization of the cloned Atlantic cod neuropeptide Y-Yb receptor: peptide-binding requirements distinct from known mammalian Y receptors. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 115 (3), 422-428. doi: 10.1006/gcen.1999.7332
1999
Journal Article
Neuropeptide Y receptor subtype with unique properties cloned in the zebrafish: the zYa receptor
Starbäck, P., Lundell, I., Fredriksson, R., Berglund, M. M., Yan, Y. L., Wraith, A., Söderberg, C., Postlethwait, J. H. and Larhammar, D. (1999). Neuropeptide Y receptor subtype with unique properties cloned in the zebrafish: the zYa receptor. Molecular Brain Research, 70 (2), 242-252. doi: 10.1016/S0169-328X(99)00152-7
1998
Journal Article
Cloning of a neuropeptide Y/peptide YY receptor from the Atlantic cod: the Yb receptor
Arvidsson, Ann-Kristin, Wraith, Amanda, Jönsson-Rylander, Ann-Cathrine and Larhammar, Dan (1998). Cloning of a neuropeptide Y/peptide YY receptor from the Atlantic cod: the Yb receptor. Regulatory Peptides, 75-76, 39-43. doi: 10.1016/S0167-0115(98)00051-2
1998
Journal Article
Neutrophils induce damage to respiratory epithelial cells infected with respiratory syncytial virus.
Wang, S. Z., Xu, H., Wraith, A., Bowden, J. J., Alpers, J. H. and Forsyth, K. D. (1998). Neutrophils induce damage to respiratory epithelial cells infected with respiratory syncytial virus.. European Respiratory Journal, 12 (3), 612-618. doi: 10.1183/09031936.98.12030612
1998
Journal Article
FISH mapping of the porcine NPY5 gene to chromosome 8p11
Törnsten, A., Wraith, A., Larhammar, D. and Chowdhary, B. P. (1998). FISH mapping of the porcine NPY5 gene to chromosome 8p11. Mammalian Genome, 9 (3), 262-263. doi: 10.1007/s003359900742
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Amanda Kijas is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Next generation wound healing
Supervision history
Current supervision
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-
Doctor Philosophy
Next generation bleeding control agents
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Midwinter
-
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of Matrix Regulation of Wound Repair
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Katharine Irvine, Professor Alan Rowan
-
Doctor Philosophy
A novel treatment for chronic pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Maree Smith, Professor Trent Woodruff, Dr Andy Kuo, Dr Felicity Han
-
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of the biophysical parameters modulating endothelial cell behaviour and function towards angiogenesis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Parinaz Ahangar, Professor Alan Rowan
-
Doctor Philosophy
REGULATION OF STEM CELL FATE IN RGD-FUNCTIONALIZED BIOMIMETIC HYDROGEL
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alan Rowan
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the science and application of snake venom proteins in wound management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alan Rowan
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Snake venom-controlled fibrin networks for wound healing studies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alan Rowan
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Control of osteocyte behaviour by tailoring extracellular matrix
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alan Rowan
Media
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