Professor

Helen Cooper

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 66354

Background

Helen obtained her PhD in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Melbourne. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Scripps Research Institute (San Diego) before being recruited to the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Melbourne) and then the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute to establish her own laboratory. In 2003 she joined The University of Queensland as an inaugural Group Leader and Head of the Neural Migration Laboratory at the Queensland Brain Institute. Her research explores the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the development of the neocortex.

Availability

Professor Helen Cooper is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Biological Sciences Neurosciences Organic chemistry

Research interests

  • Understanding brain development and the origins of neurodevelopmental disorders.

    The neocortex is the seat of consciousness, memory, creativity and language. These very human traits emerge as a consequence of the complex architecture of the cortex which is established during embryonic development. The Cooper Lab is dedicated to uncovering the fundamental principles underpinning brain development and to identifying the molecular defects underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Our research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that shape the neocortex. A central focus of our work is defining the receptor signalling networks that regulate neural stem cell function, the birth of new neurons, and the formation of the neural circuits that enable communication throughout the brain. We have identified key signalling pathways that, when disrupted, lead to cortical malformations such as heterotopias and hydrocephalus. These findings have yielded significant insights into the origins of human neurodevelopmental disorders and revealed intriguing links to conditions such as schizophrenia and autism.

Search Professor Helen Cooper’s works on UQ eSpace

98 works between 1984 and 2024
All (98) Journal Article (95) Book Chapter (1) Other Outputs (2)

21 - 40 of 98 works

2017

Journal Article

MnAl layered double hydroxide nanoparticles as a dual-functional platform for magnetic resonance imaging and siRNA delivery

Zuo, Huali, Chen, Weiyu, Li, Bei, Xu, Kewei, Cooper, Helen, Gu, Zi and Xu, Zhi Ping (2017). MnAl layered double hydroxide nanoparticles as a dual-functional platform for magnetic resonance imaging and siRNA delivery. Chemistry - A European Journal, 23 (57), 14299-14306. doi: 10.1002/chem.201702835

MnAl layered double hydroxide nanoparticles as a dual-functional platform for magnetic resonance imaging and siRNA delivery

2017

Journal Article

The Wnt receptor Ryk is a negative regulator of mammalian dendrite morphogenesis

Lanoue, Vanessa, Langford, Michael, White, Amanda, Sempert, Kai, Fogg, Lily and Cooper, Helen M. (2017). The Wnt receptor Ryk is a negative regulator of mammalian dendrite morphogenesis. Scientific Reports, 7 (1) 5965, 5965.1-5965.11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-06140-z

The Wnt receptor Ryk is a negative regulator of mammalian dendrite morphogenesis

2017

Journal Article

Neogenin recruitment of the WAVE regulatory complex to ependymal and radial progenitor adherens junctions prevents hydrocephalus

O'Leary, Conor J., Nourse, Cathrin C., Lee, Natalie K., White, Amanda, Langford, Michael, Sempert, Kai, Cole, Stacey J. and Cooper, Helen M. (2017). Neogenin recruitment of the WAVE regulatory complex to ependymal and radial progenitor adherens junctions prevents hydrocephalus. Cell Reports, 20 (2), 370-383. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.06.051

Neogenin recruitment of the WAVE regulatory complex to ependymal and radial progenitor adherens junctions prevents hydrocephalus

2017

Journal Article

A facile way of modifying layered double hydroxide nanoparticles with targeting ligand-conjugated albumin for enhanced delivery to brain tumour cells

Zuo, Huali, Chen, Weiyu, Cooper, Helen M. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2017). A facile way of modifying layered double hydroxide nanoparticles with targeting ligand-conjugated albumin for enhanced delivery to brain tumour cells. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 9 (24), 20444-20453. doi: 10.1021/acsami.7b06421

A facile way of modifying layered double hydroxide nanoparticles with targeting ligand-conjugated albumin for enhanced delivery to brain tumour cells

2017

Journal Article

DCC confers susceptibility to depression-like behaviors in humans and mice and is regulated by miR-218

Torres-Berrío, Angélica, Lopez, Juan Pablo, Bagot, Rosemary C., Nouel, Dominique, Dal Bo, Gregory, Cuesta, Santiago, Zhu, Lei, Manitt, Colleen, Eng, Conrad, Cooper, Helen M., Storch, Kai-Florian, Turecki, Gustavo, Nestler, Eric J. and Flores, Cecilia (2017). DCC confers susceptibility to depression-like behaviors in humans and mice and is regulated by miR-218. Biological Psychiatry, 81 (4), 306-315. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.08.017

DCC confers susceptibility to depression-like behaviors in humans and mice and is regulated by miR-218

2016

Journal Article

Neogenin recruitment of the WAVE regulatory complex maintains adherens junction stability and tension

Lee, Natalie K., Fok, Ka Wai, White, Amanda, Wilson, Nicole H., O’Leary, Conor J., Cox, Hayley L., Michael, Magdalene, Yap, Alpha S. and Cooper, Helen M. (2016). Neogenin recruitment of the WAVE regulatory complex maintains adherens junction stability and tension. Nature Communications, 7 (11082) 11082, 11082. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11082

Neogenin recruitment of the WAVE regulatory complex maintains adherens junction stability and tension

2016

Journal Article

Validating Eaton's hypothesis: cubane as a benzene bioisostere

Chalmers, Benjamin A., Xing, Hui, Houston, Sevan, Clark, Charlotte, Ghassabian, Sussan, Kuo, Andy, Cao, Benjamin, Reitsma, Andrea, Murray, Cody-Ellen P., Stok, Jeanette E., Boyle, Glen M., Pierce, Carly J., Littler, Stuart W., Winkler, David A., Bernhardt, Paul V., Pasay, Cielo, De Voss, James J., McCarthy, James, Parsons, Peter G., Walter, Gimme H., Smith, Maree T., Cooper, Helen M., Nilsson, Susan K., Tsanaktsidis, John, Savage, G. Paul and Williams, Craig M. (2016). Validating Eaton's hypothesis: cubane as a benzene bioisostere. Angewandte Chemie (International Edition), 55 (11), 3580-3585. doi: 10.1002/anie.201510675

Validating Eaton's hypothesis: cubane as a benzene bioisostere

2015

Journal Article

Crosslinking to enhance colloidal stability and redispersity of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

Zuo, Huali, Gu, Zi, Cooper, Helen and Xu, Zhi Ping (2015). Crosslinking to enhance colloidal stability and redispersity of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 459, 10-16. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2015.07.063

Crosslinking to enhance colloidal stability and redispersity of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

2014

Journal Article

The Netrin/RGM receptor, neogenin, controls adult neurogenesis by promoting neuroblast migration and cell cycle exit

O'Leary, Conor J., Bradford, DanaKai, Chen, Min, White, Amanda, Blackmore, Daniel G. and Cooper, Helen M. (2014). The Netrin/RGM receptor, neogenin, controls adult neurogenesis by promoting neuroblast migration and cell cycle exit. Stem Cells, 33 (2), 503-514. doi: 10.1002/stem.1861

The Netrin/RGM receptor, neogenin, controls adult neurogenesis by promoting neuroblast migration and cell cycle exit

2014

Journal Article

Engineering small MgAl-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for enhanced gene delivery

Dong, Haiyan, Chen, Min, Rahman, Shafiur, Parekh, Harendra S., Cooper, Helen M. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2014). Engineering small MgAl-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for enhanced gene delivery. Applied Clay Science, 100 (C), 66-75. doi: 10.1016/j.clay.2014.04.028

Engineering small MgAl-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for enhanced gene delivery

2014

Journal Article

The Yin and Yang of Wnt/Ryk axon guidance in development and regeneration

Clark, Charlotte E. J., Liu, Yaobo and Cooper, Helen M. (2014). The Yin and Yang of Wnt/Ryk axon guidance in development and regeneration. Science China Life Sciences, 57 (4), 366-371. doi: 10.1007/s11427-014-4640-3

The Yin and Yang of Wnt/Ryk axon guidance in development and regeneration

2014

Journal Article

Cytoplasmic dynein: a key player in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases

Chen, Xiang-Jun, Xu, Huan, Cooper, Helen M. and Liu, Yaobo (2014). Cytoplasmic dynein: a key player in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Science China Life Sciences, 57 (4), 372-377. doi: 10.1007/s11427-014-4639-9

Cytoplasmic dynein: a key player in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases

2014

Journal Article

Wnt5a induces Ryk-dependent and -independent effects on callosal axon and dendrite growth

Clark, Charlotte E. J., Richards, , Linda J., Stacker, Steven A. and Cooper, Helen M. (2014). Wnt5a induces Ryk-dependent and -independent effects on callosal axon and dendrite growth. Growth Factors, 32 (1), 11-17. doi: 10.3109/08977194.2013.875544

Wnt5a induces Ryk-dependent and -independent effects on callosal axon and dendrite growth

2013

Journal Article

Netrin-1 receptor-deficient mice show age-specific impairment in drug-induced locomotor hyperactivity but still self-administer methamphetamine

Kim, Jee Hyun, Lavan, Doron, Chen, Nicola, Flores, Cecilia, Cooper, Helen and Lawrence, Andrew J. (2013). Netrin-1 receptor-deficient mice show age-specific impairment in drug-induced locomotor hyperactivity but still self-administer methamphetamine. Psychopharmacology, 230 (4), 607-616. doi: 10.1007/s00213-013-3187-5

Netrin-1 receptor-deficient mice show age-specific impairment in drug-induced locomotor hyperactivity but still self-administer methamphetamine

2013

Journal Article

Dcc orchestrates the development of the prefrontal cortex during adolescence and is altered in psychiatric patients

Manitt C., Eng C., Pokinko M., Ryan R.T., Torres-Berrio A., Lopez J.P., Yogendran S.V., Daubaras M.J.J., Grant A., Schmidt E.R.E., Tronche F., Krimpenfort P., Cooper H.M., Pasterkamp R.J., Kolb B., Turecki G., Wong T.P., Nestler E.J., Giros B. and Flores C. (2013). Dcc orchestrates the development of the prefrontal cortex during adolescence and is altered in psychiatric patients. Translational Psychiatry, 3 (12) e105, e338-e338. doi: 10.1038/tp.2013.105

Dcc orchestrates the development of the prefrontal cortex during adolescence and is altered in psychiatric patients

2013

Journal Article

RGMa regulates cortical interneuron migration and differentiation

O'Leary, Conor, Cole, Stacey J., Langford, Michael, Hewage, Jayani, White, Amanda and Cooper, Helen M. (2013). RGMa regulates cortical interneuron migration and differentiation. PLoS One, 8 (11) e81711, e81711.1-e81711.12. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081711

RGMa regulates cortical interneuron migration and differentiation

2013

Journal Article

Trophic factors differentiate dopamine neurons vulnerable to Parkinson's disease

Reyes, Stefanie, Fu, Yuhong, Double, Kay L., Cottam, Veronica, Thompson, Lachlan H., Kirik, Deniz, Paxinos, George, Watson, Charles, Cooper, Helen M. and Halliday, Glenda M. (2013). Trophic factors differentiate dopamine neurons vulnerable to Parkinson's disease. Neurobiology of Aging, 34 (3), 873-886. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.07.019

Trophic factors differentiate dopamine neurons vulnerable to Parkinson's disease

2013

Journal Article

Netrin-1 is required for efficient neural tube closure

Kee, Nigel, Wilson, Nicole, Key, Brian and Cooper, Helen (2013). Netrin-1 is required for efficient neural tube closure. Developmental Neurobiology, 73 (2), 176-187. doi: 10.1002/dneu.22051

Netrin-1 is required for efficient neural tube closure

2013

Journal Article

One-pot preparation of highly fluorescent cadmium telluride/cadmium sulfide quantum dots under neutral-pH condition for biological applications

Zhu, Yian, Li, Zhen, Chen, Min, Cooper, Helen, Lu, Gao Qing (Max) and Xu, Zhi Ping (2013). One-pot preparation of highly fluorescent cadmium telluride/cadmium sulfide quantum dots under neutral-pH condition for biological applications. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 390 (1), 3-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.08.003

One-pot preparation of highly fluorescent cadmium telluride/cadmium sulfide quantum dots under neutral-pH condition for biological applications

2013

Journal Article

Reduction in the size of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles enhances the efficiency of siRNA delivery

Chen, Min, Helen Cooper, Zhou, Ji Zhi, Bartlett, Perry F. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2013). Reduction in the size of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles enhances the efficiency of siRNA delivery. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 390 (1), 275-281. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.09.033

Reduction in the size of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles enhances the efficiency of siRNA delivery

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2028
    Neuroscience research at the Queensland Brain Institute
    Alison and Jamie Nicol
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2030
    QBI circRNA Research
    The McCusker Charitable Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2030
    QBI Dementia Research
    The McCusker Charitable Foundation
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2025
    Identifying novel factors that control ependymal cell production: a potential approach for the repair of the hydrocephalic brain
    The Donald & Joan Wilson Foundation Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Identifying an autism gene network governing stem cell division, neurogenesis and cortical malformation
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Identifying a molecular signalling network governing spine morphogenesis
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Nanoparticle, Colloid and Microparticle Characterisation and Precision Engineering Nanosystems Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Histology and Advanced Microscopy Research Facility upgrade
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Aberrant ependymal development and the formation of hydrocephalus
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Light-sheet microscope for high-speed 3D imaging of live organisms and fixed tissue
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Computerised stereotaxic stages and rapid tissue processor for enhanced fixation and immunolabelling
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Spectral Applied Research spinning disc confocal microscope for high speed 3D imaging of tissue and live organisms
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Dissecting the role of RYK in cortical neuron specification and schizophrenia
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Two-photon microscopy for live and fixed imaging in model organisms and thick tissue
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Understanding the embryonic origins of cortical malformations
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Spinning disk confocal for advanced high-speed histocytometry and neuromorphology analysis
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Neogenin: a molecular determinant of neural progenitor polarity and function
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Zebrafish Aquarium-Genetic Screening, Nursery and Importation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Neogenin: a regulator of neuronal differentiation and migration in the adult brain
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Zebrafish Aquarium - expand capacity of existing Zebrafish facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Smart Futures Fellowship: Development of LDH nanoparticles as an effective drug delivery system for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseses
    Queensland Government Smart Futures Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2009
    AKTA Explorer Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography Equipment
    UQ Institute Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Neogenin regulates progenitor division and interneuron migration in the developing forebrain
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2012
    Novel Hybrid Inorganic Nanoparticles for Effective siRNA Delivery to Neurons
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    The role of Netrin-DCC in the development of the corpus callosum
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Wnt-Ryk signaling in the establishment of major axon tracts in the embryonic mouse brain
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Developmental Imaging Facility
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2005
    NHMRC_Equipment Grant = Zeiss Cryo-Star cryostat
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Tailoring of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for effective delivery of biologically active peptides and cDNAs
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004
    ARC Research Network in Microarray Technology
    ARC Seed Funding for Research Networks
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Dissecting the molecular mechanism driving neuronal migration triggered by the Netrin Receptor, Neogenin
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2004
    The Role Of Netrin-3 In Motor Axon Innervation And The Establishment Of Synapses
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Understanding the pathophysiological role of the orphan nuclear receptor, Nurr1 in neurological disease: pharmacogenomic identification of Nurr1 genes
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2003
    Protein targeting and signal transduction (NHMRC Project Grant -- transfer from BFI Grant)
    NHMRC Project Grant - Standard
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Helen Cooper is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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