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)

41 - 60 of 98 works

2013

Journal Article

Tuning core-shell SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cell labeling

Zhu, Yian, Li, Zhen, Chen, Min, Cooper, Helen M. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2013). Tuning core-shell SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cell labeling. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 1 (17), 2315-2323. doi: 10.1039/c3tb20202j

Tuning core-shell SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cell labeling

2012

Journal Article

Multiple Slits regulate the development of midline glial populations and the corpus callosum

Unni, Divya K., Piper, Michael, Moldrich, Randal X., Gobius, Ilan, Liu, Sha, Fothergill, Thomas, Donahoo, Amber-Lee S., Baisden, John M., Cooper, Helen M. and Richards, Linda J. (2012). Multiple Slits regulate the development of midline glial populations and the corpus callosum. Developmental Biology, 365 (1), 36-49. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.02.004

Multiple Slits regulate the development of midline glial populations and the corpus callosum

2012

Journal Article

The tangled web of non-canonical Wnt signalling in neural migration

Clark, Charlotte E.J., Nourse, C. Cathrin and Cooper, Helen M. (2012). The tangled web of non-canonical Wnt signalling in neural migration. Neurosignals, 20 (3), 202-220. doi: 10.1159/000332153

The tangled web of non-canonical Wnt signalling in neural migration

2012

Journal Article

Altered development of Xenopus embryos in a hypogeomagnetic field

Mo, Wei-chuan, Liu, Ying, Cooper, Helen M. and He, Rong-qiao (2012). Altered development of Xenopus embryos in a hypogeomagnetic field. Bioelectromagnetics, 33 (3), 238-246. doi: 10.1002/bem.20699

Altered development of Xenopus embryos in a hypogeomagnetic field

2012

Journal Article

Efficiency of layered double hydroxide nanoparticle-mediated delivery of siRNA is determined by nucleotide sequence

Wong, Yunyi, Cooper, Helen M., Zhang, Kai, Chen, Min, Bartlett, Perry and Xu, Zhi Ping (2012). Efficiency of layered double hydroxide nanoparticle-mediated delivery of siRNA is determined by nucleotide sequence. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 369 (1), 453-459. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2011.12.046

Efficiency of layered double hydroxide nanoparticle-mediated delivery of siRNA is determined by nucleotide sequence

2012

Journal Article

Synthesis of robust sandwich-like SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cellular imaging

Zhu, Yian, Li, Zhen, Chen, Min, Cooper, Helen M., Lu, Gao Qing (Max) and Xu, Zhi Ping (2012). Synthesis of robust sandwich-like SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cellular imaging. Chemistry of Materials, 24 (3), 421-423. doi: 10.1021/cm2033417

Synthesis of robust sandwich-like SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cellular imaging

2012

Journal Article

Loss of Wnt5a disrupts primordial germ cell migration and male sexual development in mice

Chawengsaksophak, Kallayanee, Svingen, Terje, Ng, Ee Ting, Epp, Trevor, Spiller, Cassy M., Clark, Charlotte, Cooper, Helen and Koopman, Peter (2012). Loss of Wnt5a disrupts primordial germ cell migration and male sexual development in mice. Biology of Reproduction, 86 (1) 4, 1-12. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095232

Loss of Wnt5a disrupts primordial germ cell migration and male sexual development in mice

2011

Journal Article

Oncostatin M regulates neural precursor activity in the adult brain

Beatus, Paul, Jhaveri, Dhanisha J., Walker, Tara L., Lucas, Peter G., Rietze, Rodney L., Cooper, Helen M., Morikawa, Yoshihiro and Bartlett, Perry F. (2011). Oncostatin M regulates neural precursor activity in the adult brain. Developmental Neurobiology, 71 (7), 619-633. doi: 10.1002/dneu.20871

Oncostatin M regulates neural precursor activity in the adult brain

2011

Journal Article

The netrin receptor DCC is required in the pubertal organization of mesocortical dopamine circuitry

Manitt, Colleen, Mimee, Andrea, Eng, Conrad, Pokinko, Matthew, Stroh, Thomas, Cooper, Helen M., Kolb, Bryan and Flores, Cecilia (2011). The netrin receptor DCC is required in the pubertal organization of mesocortical dopamine circuitry. The Journal of Neuroscience, 31 (23), 8381-8394. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0606-11.2011

The netrin receptor DCC is required in the pubertal organization of mesocortical dopamine circuitry

2011

Journal Article

Sonic hedgehog and notch signaling can cooperate to regulate neurogenic divisions of neocortical progenitors

Dave, Richa K., Ellis, Tammy, Toumpas, Melissa C., Robson, Jonathan P., Julian, Elaine, Adolphe, Christelle, Bartlett, Perry F., Cooper, Helen M., Reynolds, Brent A. and Wainwright, Brandon J. (2011). Sonic hedgehog and notch signaling can cooperate to regulate neurogenic divisions of neocortical progenitors. PLoS One, 6 (2) e14680, e14680-1-e14680-13. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014680

Sonic hedgehog and notch signaling can cooperate to regulate neurogenic divisions of neocortical progenitors

2010

Journal Article

Efficient delivery of siRNA to cortical neurons using layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

Wong, Yunyi, Markham, Kathryn, Xu, Zhi Ping, Chen, Min, Liu, Gao Qing (Max), Bartlett, Perry F. and Cooper, Helen M. (2010). Efficient delivery of siRNA to cortical neurons using layered double hydroxide nanoparticles. Biomaterials, 31 (33), 8770-8779. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.07.077

Efficient delivery of siRNA to cortical neurons using layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

2010

Journal Article

Characterization of the netrin/RGMa receptor neogenin in neurogenic regions of the mouse and human adult forebrain

Bradford, D., Faull, R. L. M., Curtis, M. A. and Cooper, H. M. (2010). Characterization of the netrin/RGMa receptor neogenin in neurogenic regions of the mouse and human adult forebrain. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 518 (16), 3237-3253. doi: 10.1002/cne.22397

Characterization of the netrin/RGMa receptor neogenin in neurogenic regions of the mouse and human adult forebrain

2010

Journal Article

Synthetic neovibsanes and their ability to induce neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells

Chen, Apj, Muller, CC, Cooper, HM and Williams, CM (2010). Synthetic neovibsanes and their ability to induce neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells. Tetrahedron, 66 (34), 6842-6850. doi: 10.1016/j.tet.2010.06.056

Synthetic neovibsanes and their ability to induce neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells

2009

Journal Article

Total synthesis of (+/-)-4,5-Bis-epi-neovibsanin A and B: A neurite outgrowth comparison study

Chen, Annette P. -J., Müller, C. Catharina, Cooper, Helen M. and Williams, Craig M. (2009). Total synthesis of (+/-)-4,5-Bis-epi-neovibsanin A and B: A neurite outgrowth comparison study. Organic Letters, 11 (16), 3758-3761. doi: 10.1021/ol901406j

Total synthesis of (+/-)-4,5-Bis-epi-neovibsanin A and B: A neurite outgrowth comparison study

2009

Journal Article

Netrin-1: Diversity in development

Bradford, Dana, Cole, Stacey and Cooper, Helen M. (2009). Netrin-1: Diversity in development. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 41 (3), 487-493. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.03.014

Netrin-1: Diversity in development

2008

Journal Article

Neogenin and RGMa control neural tube closure and neuroepithelial morphology by regulating cell polarity

Kee, Nigel, Wilson, Nicole, De Vries, Melissa, Bradford, DanaKai, Key, Brian and Cooper, Helen M. (2008). Neogenin and RGMa control neural tube closure and neuroepithelial morphology by regulating cell polarity. The Journal of Neuroscience, 28 (48), 12643-12653. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4265-08.2008

Neogenin and RGMa control neural tube closure and neuroepithelial morphology by regulating cell polarity

2008

Journal Article

Subcellular compartment targeting of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

Xu, Zhi Ping, Niebert, Marcus, Porazik, Katharina, Walker, Tara L., Cooper, Helen M., Middelberg, Anton P.J., Gray, Peter P., Bartlett, Perry F. and Lu, Gao Qing (Max) (2008). Subcellular compartment targeting of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles. Journal of Controlled Release, 130 (1), 86-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.05.021

Subcellular compartment targeting of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles

2008

Journal Article

Emerging roles for neogenin and its ligands in CNS development

de Vries, Melissa and Cooper, Helen M. (2008). Emerging roles for neogenin and its ligands in CNS development. Journal Of Neurochemistry, 106 (4), 1483-1492. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05485.x

Emerging roles for neogenin and its ligands in CNS development

2008

Book Chapter

Production of polyclonal antisera

Cooper, Helen M. and Paterson, Yvonne (2008). Production of polyclonal antisera. Current protocols in molecular biology. (pp. 11.12.1-11.12.10) edited by Frederick M. Ausubel, Roger Brent, Robert E. Kingston, David D. Moore, J. G. Seidman and Kevin Struhl. New York, U.S.: John Wiley. doi: 10.1002/0471142727.mb1112s81

Production of polyclonal antisera

2008

Other Outputs

Production of polyclonal antisera

Cooper, Helen M. and Paterson, Yvonne (2008). Production of polyclonal antisera.

Production of polyclonal antisera

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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