Associate Professor Frederik Steyn
Associate Professor

Frederik Steyn

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 53132

Background

Associate Professor Steyn is a leading expert in neurodegenerative disease research, specializing in the metabolic and physiological aspects of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He currently directs a comprehensive translational research program at the University of Queensland, focusing on the interplay between metabolism and disease progression in MND, and leads key projects investigating the impact of metabolic dysfunction, appetite dysregulation, and hypermetabolism on patient outcomes. His work prioritizes the integration of pre-clinical models, clinical studies, and innovative digital health technologies to advance understanding of the heterogeneity in MND, patient care and therapeutic development.

Associate Professor Steyn’s career began with detailed investigations into the hypothalamic regulation of energy homeostasis, growth, and reproduction. He developed industry-standard methodologies for evaluating hormone release patterns in rodent models, particularly concerning growth hormone regulation. In 2015, he transitioned to focus on neurodegenerative diseases, establishing a research platform at UQ that has significantly advanced the analysis of metabolic phenotypes in MND.

His current research projects include the MEND-MND study, which explores how altered energy metabolism influences disease progression, and the EATT4MND study, which examines the consequences of appetite loss and impaired body weight regulation on disease outcomes. Through collaboration with industry partners, he is also developing novel therapeutic strategies and refining wearable digital health technologies for precise, real-time monitoring of disease progression, including the validation of actigraphy-based measures as clinical trial biomarkers.

Availability

Associate Professor Frederik Steyn is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Clinical sciences Zoology

Qualifications

  • Doctoral Diploma, University of Otago

Search Professor Frederik Steyn’s works on UQ eSpace

133 works between 2007 and 2025
All (133) Journal Article (113) Other Outputs (4) Conference Publication (11) Book Chapter (5)

101 - 120 of 133 works

2015

Journal Article

In vivo pharmacological evaluation of a lactose-conjugated luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue

Varasteh Moradi, Shayli, Varamini, Pegah, Steyn, Frederik and Toth, Istvan (2015). In vivo pharmacological evaluation of a lactose-conjugated luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 495 (1), 106-111. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.08.095

In vivo pharmacological evaluation of a lactose-conjugated luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue

2015

Journal Article

Altered expression of metabolic proteins and adipokines in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Ngo, S. T., Steyn, F. J., Huang, L., Mantovani, S., Pfluger, C. M. M., Woodruff, T. M., O'Sullivan, J. D., Henderson, R. D. and McCombe, P. A. (2015). Altered expression of metabolic proteins and adipokines in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 357 (1-2), 22-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.06.053

Altered expression of metabolic proteins and adipokines in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2015

Journal Article

The interplay between metabolic homeostasis and neurodegeneration: insights into the neurometabolic nature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Ngo, S. T. and Steyn, F. J. (2015). The interplay between metabolic homeostasis and neurodegeneration: insights into the neurometabolic nature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cell Regeneration, 4 (5) 5, 1-14. doi: 10.1186/s13619-015-0019-6

The interplay between metabolic homeostasis and neurodegeneration: insights into the neurometabolic nature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2015

Journal Article

Nutrient Sensing Overrides Somatostatin and Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone to Control Pulsatile Growth Hormone Release

Steyn, F. J (2015). Nutrient Sensing Overrides Somatostatin and Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone to Control Pulsatile Growth Hormone Release. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 27 (7), 577-587. doi: 10.1111/jne.12278

Nutrient Sensing Overrides Somatostatin and Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone to Control Pulsatile Growth Hormone Release

2015

Journal Article

Assessment of lactotroph axis functionality in mice: longitudinal monitoring of PRL secretion by ultrasensitive-ELISA

Guillou, Anne, Romano, Nicola, Steyn, Frederik, Abitbol, Karine, Le Tissier, Paul, Bonnefont, Xavier, Chen, Chen, Mollard, Patrice and Martin, Agnès O. (2015). Assessment of lactotroph axis functionality in mice: longitudinal monitoring of PRL secretion by ultrasensitive-ELISA. Endocrinology, 156 (5), 1-7. doi: 10.1210/en.2014-1571

Assessment of lactotroph axis functionality in mice: longitudinal monitoring of PRL secretion by ultrasensitive-ELISA

2015

Book Chapter

High Caloric diets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Ngo, Shyuan T., Steyn, Frederik J., McCombe, Pamela A. and Borges, Karin (2015). High Caloric diets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Bioactive nutraceuticals and dietary supplements in neurological and brain disease: prevention and therapy. (pp. 355-361) edited by Ronald Ross Watson and Victor R. Preedy. London, United Kingdom: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-411462-3.00036-9

High Caloric diets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2014

Journal Article

Actions of NPY, and its Y1 and Y2 receptors on pulsatile growth hormone secretion during the fed and fasted state

Huang, Lili, Tan, Hwee Y., Fogarty, Matthew J., Andrews, Zane B., Veldhuis, Johannes D., Herzog, Herbert, Steyn, Frederik J. and Chen, Chen (2014). Actions of NPY, and its Y1 and Y2 receptors on pulsatile growth hormone secretion during the fed and fasted state. Journal of Neuroscience, 34 (49), 16309-16319. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4622-13.2014

Actions of NPY, and its Y1 and Y2 receptors on pulsatile growth hormone secretion during the fed and fasted state

2014

Journal Article

Gender differences in autoimmune disease

Ngo, S. T., Steyn, F. J. and McCombe, P. A. (2014). Gender differences in autoimmune disease. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 35 (3), 347-369. doi: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.04.004

Gender differences in autoimmune disease

2014

Journal Article

Body mass index and dietary intervention: Implications for prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Ngo, S.T., Steyn, F.J. and McCombe, P.A. (2014). Body mass index and dietary intervention: Implications for prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 340 (1-2), 5-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.02.035

Body mass index and dietary intervention: Implications for prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2014

Journal Article

Liver function parameters, cholesterol, and phospholipid α-linoleic acid are associated with adipokine levels in overweight and obese adults

Gray, Belinda, Steyn, Frederik, Davies, P.eter .W. and Vitetta, Luis (2014). Liver function parameters, cholesterol, and phospholipid α-linoleic acid are associated with adipokine levels in overweight and obese adults. Nutrition Research, 34 (5), 375-382. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2014.04.001

Liver function parameters, cholesterol, and phospholipid α-linoleic acid are associated with adipokine levels in overweight and obese adults

2014

Journal Article

An early reduction in GH peak amplitude in preproghrelin deficient male mice has a minor impact on linear growth

Hassouna, Rim, Zizzari, Philippe, Tomasetto, Catherine, Veldhuis, Johannes D., Fiquet, Oriane, Labarthe, Alexandra, Cognet, Julie, Steyn, Frederik, Chen, Chen, Epelbaum, Jacques and Tolle, Virginie (2014). An early reduction in GH peak amplitude in preproghrelin deficient male mice has a minor impact on linear growth. Endocrinology, 155 (9), 3561-3571. doi: 10.1210/en.2014-1126

An early reduction in GH peak amplitude in preproghrelin deficient male mice has a minor impact on linear growth

2014

Journal Article

Intermittent fasting attenuates increases in neurogenesis after ischemia and reperfusion and improves recovery

Manzanero, Silvia, Erion, Joanna R., Santro, Tomislay, Steyn, Frederik J., Chen, Chen, Arumugam, Thiruma V. and Stranahan, Alexis M. (2014). Intermittent fasting attenuates increases in neurogenesis after ischemia and reperfusion and improves recovery. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, 34 (5), 897-905. doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.2014.36

Intermittent fasting attenuates increases in neurogenesis after ischemia and reperfusion and improves recovery

2013

Journal Article

Growth hormone secretion is correlated with neuromuscular innervation rather than motor neuron number in early-symptomatic male amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice

Steyn, F. J., Lee, Kevin, Fogarty, M. J., Veldhuis, J. D., McCombe, P. A,, Bellingham, M. C., Ngo, S. T. and Chen, C (2013). Growth hormone secretion is correlated with neuromuscular innervation rather than motor neuron number in early-symptomatic male amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice. Endocrinology, 154 (12), 4695-4706. doi: 10.1210/en.2013-1570

Growth hormone secretion is correlated with neuromuscular innervation rather than motor neuron number in early-symptomatic male amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice

2013

Journal Article

Development of a methodology for and assessment of pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion in juvenile and adult male mice

Steyn F.J., Wan Y., Clarkson J., Veldhuis J.D., Herbison A.E. and Chen C. (2013). Development of a methodology for and assessment of pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion in juvenile and adult male mice. Endocrinology, 154 (12), 4939-4945. doi: 10.1210/en.2013-1502

Development of a methodology for and assessment of pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion in juvenile and adult male mice

2013

Journal Article

Omega-3 fatty acids: a review of the effects on adiponectin and leptin and potential implications for obesity management

Gray, B., Steyn, F., Davies, P. S. W. and Vitetta, L. (2013). Omega-3 fatty acids: a review of the effects on adiponectin and leptin and potential implications for obesity management. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Advance online publication (12), 1-9. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.197

Omega-3 fatty acids: a review of the effects on adiponectin and leptin and potential implications for obesity management

2013

Journal Article

Increased adiposity and insulin correlates with the progressive suppression of pulsatile GH secretion during weight gain

Steyn, F. J., Xie, T. Y., Huang, L., Ngo, S. T., Veldhuis, J. D., Waters, M. J. and Chen, C. (2013). Increased adiposity and insulin correlates with the progressive suppression of pulsatile GH secretion during weight gain. Journal of Endocrinology, 218 (2), 233-244. doi: 10.1530/JOE-13-0084

Increased adiposity and insulin correlates with the progressive suppression of pulsatile GH secretion during weight gain

2013

Book Chapter

Adiponectin

Steyn, Frederik J. and Chen, Chen (2013). Adiponectin. Handbook of biologically active peptides. (pp. 983-989) edited by Abba J. Kastin. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Academic Press/Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-385095-9.00130-5

Adiponectin

2013

Journal Article

Hypothalamic distribution of somatostatin mRNA expressing neurones relative to pubertal and adult changes in pulsatile growth hormone secretion in mice

Tan, H. Y., Huang, L., Simmons, D., Veldhuis, J. D., Steyn, F. J. and Chen, C. (2013). Hypothalamic distribution of somatostatin mRNA expressing neurones relative to pubertal and adult changes in pulsatile growth hormone secretion in mice. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 25 (10), 910-919. doi: 10.1111/jne.12078

Hypothalamic distribution of somatostatin mRNA expressing neurones relative to pubertal and adult changes in pulsatile growth hormone secretion in mice

2013

Conference Publication

Growth hormone and obesity: a physiological response to an unhealthy condition

Chen, C., Tan, H. Y., Huang, L., Xie, T., Steyn, F. J. and Veldhuis, J. D. (2013). Growth hormone and obesity: a physiological response to an unhealthy condition. 4th Meeting of the Australia-Chinese-Association-for-Biomedical-Sciences-Inc (ACABS 2013), Hangzhou, China, 10-13 October 2013. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/1440-1681.12170_4

Growth hormone and obesity: a physiological response to an unhealthy condition

2012

Journal Article

Ghrelin receptor expression and colocalization with anterior pituitary hormones using a GHSR-GFP mouse line

Reichenbach, Alex, Steyn, Frederick J., Sleeman, Mark W. and Andrews, Zane B. (2012). Ghrelin receptor expression and colocalization with anterior pituitary hormones using a GHSR-GFP mouse line. Endocrinology, 153 (11), 5452-5466. doi: 10.1210/en.2012-1622

Ghrelin receptor expression and colocalization with anterior pituitary hormones using a GHSR-GFP mouse line

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    Deciphering the role of muscle-derived extracellular vesicles in ALS pathology
    Cure for MND Foundation - Discovery Research Grants
    Open grant
  • 2025 - 2027
    Using the spatiotemporal dynamics signature of molecular pathology to decipher disease heterogeneity in ALS
    Cure for MND Foundation - Impact Grants
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Targeted wearable robotic exoskeletons to improve movement in patients with ALS (Assistive Technology Grants)
    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALSA)
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2025
    Untangling mechanisms of energy impairment across the ALS-FTD spectrum of disease
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc Innovator Grant
    Open grant
  • 2023
    Spatial Transcriptomics studies on human tissues
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Intramuscular allosteric agonism of purinergic P2X7 receptor as a pharmacological approach to enhance skeletal muscle regeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (FightMND administered by IRFMN)
    IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri
    Open grant
  • 2022
    Targeting inflammasome-driven neuropathology and motor neuron death in MND using a clinically approved cancer drug.
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc Linda Rynalski Bridge Funding Grant
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Preclinical validation of macimorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, as treatment amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc Innovator Grant
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    MND in space and time: deciphering the spatio-temporal landscape of cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous drivers of motor neuron death in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Macimorelin as a treatment for ALS/MND
    Aeterna Zentaris GmbH
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Targeting NAT1 to improve metabolism and slow disease progression in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc Innovator Grant
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    N-acetyltransferase 1, a modifier of disease outcome in patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    From the nucleus to the powerhouse: investigating how TDP-43-mitochondrial interactions wreak havoc in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Targeting inflammasome-driven neuropathology and motor neuron death in MND using a clinically approved cancer drug.
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Tipping the Scales on MND: Preclinical testing of a compound with multiple actions to slow disease progression in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Investigating the immunometabolic nature of motor neurone disease (MND): a study linking metabolism, inflammation, and clinical outcomes in MND patients
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Development of biomarkers for loss of fat free mass and disease progression in patients with Motor Neurone Disease
    Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Fine tuning metabolic flux: Modulating substrate oxidation as a therapeutic strategy in motor neuron disease (MND)
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    Safety and tolerability of Trimetazidine for the treatment of ALS
    Cure for MND Foundation - Drug Development Grants
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    MEND MND - RBWH support
    Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Point of care assessment of venous acid-base balance and creatinine as markers for disease progression in patients with MND
    Cure for MND Foundation - Impact Grants
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Using single cell RNA-sequencing of induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurones to identify novel disease mechanisms
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Investigating endocrine causes and consequence of loss of appetite in MND patients
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    EATT for MND: Exposing mechanisms of impaired appetite regulation in MND
    Wesley Medical Research Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Use of Point-of-Care (PoC) testing to improve respiratory management and monitor disease progression in ALS: A pilot study
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Cell-free DNA and ALS; insight into disease mechanisms and progression
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    Assessment of metabolic health in neurodegeneration: studies in motor neurone disease (MND)
    Wesley Medical Research Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Metabolic exploration in neurodegenerative disease (MEND): synergy between derangements in systemic and muscle metabolism in MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Re-evaluation of hypermetabolism and the assessment of endogenous adipose as a modifier of ALS/MND progression (MNDRIA Jenny & Graham Lang Collaboration Travel Grant 2016)
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Bioenergetic deficit in neurodegeneration: studies in motor neuron disease (MND)
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Metabolic and gut dynamics in MND: Identifying novel strategies to meet energy needs in patients
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Investigating the consequences of increased fat catabolism in motor neurone disease (MND)
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Investigating the causes and consequences of growth hormone dysfunction in motor neuron disease
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Defining the role of the MC4R in modulating GH secretion
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2010
    The role of cannabinoids and ghrelin in regulating appetite through leptin
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Frederik Steyn is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Frederik Steyn directly for media enquiries about:

  • Lived Experience
  • Metabolism
  • Motor Neurone Disease

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