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)

81 - 98 of 98 works

2000

Journal Article

Expression of the netrin-1 receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), is largely confined to projecting neurons in the developing forebrain

Shu, Tianzhi, Valentino, Kimberly M., Seaman, Clare, Cooper, Helen M. and Richards, Linda J. (2000). Expression of the netrin-1 receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), is largely confined to projecting neurons in the developing forebrain. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 416 (2), 201-212. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(20000110)416:23.0.CO;2-Z

Expression of the netrin-1 receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), is largely confined to projecting neurons in the developing forebrain

2000

Journal Article

DCC plays a role in navigation of forebrain axons across the ventral midbrain commissure in embryonic Xenopus

Anderson, R. B., Cooper, H. M., Jackson, S. C., Seaman, C. and Key, B. (2000). DCC plays a role in navigation of forebrain axons across the ventral midbrain commissure in embryonic Xenopus. Developmental Biology, 217 (2), 244-253. doi: 10.1006/dbio.1999.9549

DCC plays a role in navigation of forebrain axons across the ventral midbrain commissure in embryonic Xenopus

1999

Journal Article

The deleted in colorectal cancer netrin guidance system: a molecular strategy for neuronal navigation

Cooper, Helen M. (1999). The deleted in colorectal cancer netrin guidance system: a molecular strategy for neuronal navigation. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 26 (9), 749-751. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1681.1999.03106.x

The deleted in colorectal cancer netrin guidance system: a molecular strategy for neuronal navigation

1997

Journal Article

The expression patterns of guidance receptors, DCC and neogenin, are spatially and temporally distinct throughout mouse embryogenesis

Gad, J. M., Keeling, S. L., Wilks, A. F., Tan, S. S. and Cooper, H. M. (1997). The expression patterns of guidance receptors, DCC and neogenin, are spatially and temporally distinct throughout mouse embryogenesis. Developmental Biology, 192 (2), 258-273. doi: 10.1006/dbio.1997.8756

The expression patterns of guidance receptors, DCC and neogenin, are spatially and temporally distinct throughout mouse embryogenesis

1997

Journal Article

Mouse Neogenin, a DCC-like molecule, has four splice variants and is expressed widely in the adult mouse and during embryogenesis

Keeling, S. L., Gad, J. M. and Cooper, H. M. (1997). Mouse Neogenin, a DCC-like molecule, has four splice variants and is expressed widely in the adult mouse and during embryogenesis. Oncogene, 15 (6), 691-700. doi: 10.1038/sj.onc.1201225

Mouse Neogenin, a DCC-like molecule, has four splice variants and is expressed widely in the adult mouse and during embryogenesis

1995

Journal Article

Cloning of the mouse homologue of the deleted in colorectal cancer gene (mDCC) and its expression in the developing mouse embryo

Cooper, H. M., Armes, P., Britto, J., Gad, J. and Wilks, A. F. (1995). Cloning of the mouse homologue of the deleted in colorectal cancer gene (mDCC) and its expression in the developing mouse embryo. Oncogene, 11 (11), 2243-2254.

Cloning of the mouse homologue of the deleted in colorectal cancer gene (mDCC) and its expression in the developing mouse embryo

1991

Journal Article

Cell type-specific integrin variants with alternative α chain cytoplasmic domains

Tamura, R. N., Cooper, H. M., Collo, G. and Quaranta, V. (1991). Cell type-specific integrin variants with alternative α chain cytoplasmic domains. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 88 (22), 10183-10187. doi: 10.1073/pnas.88.22.10183

Cell type-specific integrin variants with alternative α chain cytoplasmic domains

1991

Journal Article

The major laminin receptor of mouse embryonic stem cells is a novel isoform of the alpha 6 beta 1 integrin

Cooper, H. M., Tamura, R. N. and Quaranta, V. (1991). The major laminin receptor of mouse embryonic stem cells is a novel isoform of the alpha 6 beta 1 integrin. Journal of Cell Biology, 115 (3), 843-850. doi: 10.1083/jcb.115.3.843

The major laminin receptor of mouse embryonic stem cells is a novel isoform of the alpha 6 beta 1 integrin

1991

Journal Article

Distribution of the alpha 1-alpha 6 integrin subunits in human developing and term placenta

Korhonen, M., Ylänne, J., Laitinen, L., Cooper, H. M., Quaranta, V. and Virtanen, I. (1991). Distribution of the alpha 1-alpha 6 integrin subunits in human developing and term placenta. Laboratory Investigation, 65 (3), 347-356.

Distribution of the alpha 1-alpha 6 integrin subunits in human developing and term placenta

1991

Journal Article

A function for the integrin α6β4 in the hemidesmosome

Jones, Jonathan, C. R., Kurpakus, Michelle A., Cooper, Helen M. and Quaranta, Vito (1991). A function for the integrin α6β4 in the hemidesmosome. Cell Regulation, 2 (6), 427-438. doi: 10.1091/mbc.2.6.427

A function for the integrin α6β4 in the hemidesmosome

1990

Journal Article

Epithelial integrin alpha 6 beta 4: complete primary structure of alpha 6 and variant forms of beta 4

Tamura, R. N., Rozzo, C., Starr, L., Chambers, J., Reichardt, L. F., Cooper, H. M. and Quaranta, V. (1990). Epithelial integrin alpha 6 beta 4: complete primary structure of alpha 6 and variant forms of beta 4. Journal of Cell Biology, 111 (4), 1593-1604. doi: 10.1083/jcb.111.4.1593

Epithelial integrin alpha 6 beta 4: complete primary structure of alpha 6 and variant forms of beta 4

1989

Journal Article

A novel vitronectin receptor integrin (αvβx) is responsible for distinct adhesive properties of carcinoma cells

Cheresh, David A., Smith, Jeffrey W., Cooper, Helen M. and Quaranta, Vito (1989). A novel vitronectin receptor integrin (αvβx) is responsible for distinct adhesive properties of carcinoma cells. Cell, 57 (1), 59-69. doi: 10.1016/0092-8674(89)90172-4

A novel vitronectin receptor integrin (αvβx) is responsible for distinct adhesive properties of carcinoma cells

1989

Journal Article

The autoantigenic response to rabbit cytochrome C

Cooper, Helen M., Klinman, Norman R. and Paterson, Yvonne (1989). The autoantigenic response to rabbit cytochrome C. European Journal of Immunology, 19 (2), 315-322. doi: 10.1002/eji.1830190215

The autoantigenic response to rabbit cytochrome C

1988

Journal Article

The heme moiety of cytochrome c is an autoreactive Ir gene-restricted T cell epitope

Cooper, H. M., Corradin, G. and Paterson, Y. (1988). The heme moiety of cytochrome c is an autoreactive Ir gene-restricted T cell epitope. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 168 (3), 1127-1143. doi: 10.1084/jem.168.3.1127

The heme moiety of cytochrome c is an autoreactive Ir gene-restricted T cell epitope

1987

Journal Article

Site-directed Chemical Modification of Horse Cytochrome c Results in Changes in Antigenicity Due to Local and Long-range Conformational Perturbation

Cooper, Helen M., Jemmerson, Ronald, Hunt, Donald F., Griffin, Patrick R., Yates, John R. , Shabanowitz, Jeffrey, Zhu, Nian-Zhou and Paterson, Yvonne (1987). Site-directed Chemical Modification of Horse Cytochrome c Results in Changes in Antigenicity Due to Local and Long-range Conformational Perturbation. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 262 (24), 11591-11597.

Site-directed Chemical Modification of Horse Cytochrome c Results in Changes in Antigenicity Due to Local and Long-range Conformational Perturbation

1986

Journal Article

Antibody response to the C-terminal peptide sequence in beef myoglobin

Cooper, H.M., Todd, P.E.E. and Leach, S.J. (1986). Antibody response to the C-terminal peptide sequence in beef myoglobin. Molecular Immunology, 23 (12), 1289-1299. doi: 10.1016/0161-5890(86)90014-3

Antibody response to the C-terminal peptide sequence in beef myoglobin

1985

Journal Article

Original antigenic sin and the production of autoantibodies

Cooper, H.M., Todd, P.E.E. and Leach, S.J. (1985). Original antigenic sin and the production of autoantibodies. Molecular Immunology, 22 (8), 921-927. doi: 10.1016/0161-5890(85)90078-1

Original antigenic sin and the production of autoantibodies

1984

Journal Article

Antibody response to myoglobins: effect of host species

Cooper, H.M., East, I.J., Todd, P.E.E. and Leach, S.J. (1984). Antibody response to myoglobins: effect of host species. Molecular Immunology, 21 (6), 479-487. doi: 10.1016/0161-5890(84)90063-4

Antibody response to myoglobins: effect of host species

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

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