Overview
Background
Megan O’Mara is a Professor and Group Leader at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), UQ. Her group uses multiscale modelling techniques to understand how changes in the biochemical environment of the cell membranes alters membrane properties and modulates the function of membrane proteins. She has research interests in multidrug resistance, computational drug design and delivery, biopolymers, and personalized medicine. Megan completed her PhD in biophysics at the Australian National University in 2005 before moving to the University of Calgary, Canada, to take up a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship. In 2009, she returned to Australia to join University of Queensland’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences as a UQ Postdoctoral Fellow, before commencing an ARC DECRA in 2012 where she continued her computational work on membrane protein dynamics. In 2015, Megan joined the Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University in 2015 as Rita Cornforth Fellow and Senior Lecturer. In 2019 she was promoted to Associate Professor and was Associate Director (Education) of the Research School of Chemistry ANU in 2019-2021. In April 2022 she relocated to AIBN.
Availability
- Professor Megan O'Mara is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor, University of Canberra
- Bachelor of Physical Sciences, Australian National University
- Doctor of Philosophy of Physical Sciences, Australian National University
- Associate Fellow, Australian National University, Australian National University
Research interests
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computational drug design
computational drug design, structure based drug design, structure activity relationships, computational fragment based drug design
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membrane biophysics
computational cell membrane biophysics, computational lipidomics, cell membrane properties in health, disease and senescence
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multudrug resistance
antimicrobial resistance, cancer chemotherapy resistance
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polymer simulations
biopolymers, self assembly, polymer properties
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lipid delivery systems
targeted lipid delivery systems, computational analysis, lipid formulations, LNP loading, computational simulations
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computational structural biology
membrane protein structure-function, computational biology, protein structure prediction
Research impacts
My research uses computational techniques and simulations to understand how the chemistry of biological and bioinspired systems influence their physical properties. My goal is to understand how biomolecules self-assemble and self-regulate in living cells. My work allows the rational design of new pharmaceuticals, drug and vaccine delivery systems and biocompatable materials, as well as understanding fundamental problems such as antibiotic resistance. My students gain skills in data science, computational chemistry, computational biology, high performance computing, rational drug design and research data management that are directly transferable to industry, government and policy development, as well as research. I collaborate broadly across UQ, Australia and internationally with researchers and industry.
Works
Search Professor Megan O'Mara’s works on UQ eSpace
2008
Journal Article
Non-linear intramolecular interactions and voltage sensitivity of a KV1 family potassium channel from Polyorchis penicillatus (Eschscholtz 1829)
Klassen, Tara L., O'Mara, Megan L., Redstone, Megan, Spencer, Andrew N. and Gallin, Warren J. (2008). Non-linear intramolecular interactions and voltage sensitivity of a KV1 family potassium channel from Polyorchis penicillatus (Eschscholtz 1829). Journal of Experimental Biology, 211 (21), 3442-3453. doi: 10.1242/jeb.022608
2008
Journal Article
ATP-binding cassette transporters in Escherichia coli
Moussatova, Anastassiia, Kandt, Christian, O'Mara, Megan L. and Tieleman, D. Peter (2008). ATP-binding cassette transporters in Escherichia coli. BBA: Biomembranes, 1778 (9), 1757-1771. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2008.06.009
2008
Journal Article
Cytosolic region of TM6 in P-Glycoprotein: Topographical analysis and functional perturbation by site directed labeling
Storm, Janet, Modok, Szabolcs, O’Mara, Megan L., Tieleman, D. Peter, Kerr, Ian D. and Callaghan, Richard (2008). Cytosolic region of TM6 in P-Glycoprotein: Topographical analysis and functional perturbation by site directed labeling. Biochemistry, 47 (12), 3615-3624. doi: 10.1021/bi7023089
2008
Journal Article
Structure-based interpretation of the mutagenesis database for the nucleotide binding domains of P-glycoprotein
Lawson, J., O'Mara, M. L. and Kerr, I. D. (2008). Structure-based interpretation of the mutagenesis database for the nucleotide binding domains of P-glycoprotein. BBA: Biomembranes, 1778 (2), 376-391. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2007.10.021
2007
Journal Article
Residue G346 in transmembrane segment six is involved in inter-domain communication in P-Glycoprotein
Storm, Janet, O’Mara, Megan L., Crowley, Emily H., Peall, Jonathan, Tieleman, D. Peter, Kerr, Ian D. and Callaghan, Richard (2007). Residue G346 in transmembrane segment six is involved in inter-domain communication in P-Glycoprotein. Biochemistry, 46 (35), 9899-9910. doi: 10.1021/bi700447p
2007
Journal Article
P-glycoprotein models of the apo and ATP-bound states based on homology with Sav1866 and MalK
O'Mara, Megan L. and Tieleman, D. Peter (2007). P-glycoprotein models of the apo and ATP-bound states based on homology with Sav1866 and MalK. FEBS Letters, 581 (22), 4217-4222. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.07.069
2007
Conference Publication
Determining the structural conformation of P-glycoprotein via homology modelling
O'Mara, M. L. and Tieleman, D. P. (2007). Determining the structural conformation of P-glycoprotein via homology modelling. 51st Annual Meeting of the Biophysical-Society, Baltimore, United States, 3-7 March 2007. St. Louis, United States: Cell Press.
2006
Journal Article
Mechanism and putative structure of B0-like neutral amino acid transporters
O’Mara, M., Oakley, A. and Bröer, S. (2006). Mechanism and putative structure of B0-like neutral amino acid transporters. Journal of Membrane Biology, 213 (2), 111-118. doi: 10.1007/s00232-006-0879-3
2006
Conference Publication
Investigating the mechanism of proton transfer through the bacterial ClC transporter
O'Mara, Megan L., Yin, Jian, Hoyles, Matthew and Chung, Shin-Ho (2006). Investigating the mechanism of proton transfer through the bacterial ClC transporter. 50th Annual Meeting of the Biopysical-Society, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A., 18-22 February, 2006. Bethesda, MD., U.S.A.: Cell Press for the Biophysical Society.
2006
Conference Publication
Computer simulations of ABC transporter components
Oloo, Eliud, Kandt, Christian, O’Mara, Megan L. and Tieleman, D. Peter (2006). Computer simulations of ABC transporter components. 49th Annual Canadian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology Meeting, Ontario, Canada, 31 May- 4 June 2006. Ottowa, Canada: National Research Council of Canada. doi: 10.1139/O06-182
2005
Journal Article
Homology model of the GABAA receptor examined using Brownian Dynamics
O'Mara, Megan, Cromer, Brett, Parker, Michael and Chung, Shin-Ho (2005). Homology model of the GABAA receptor examined using Brownian Dynamics. Biophysical Journal, 88 (5), 3286-3299. doi: 10.1529/biophysj.104.051664
2005
Conference Publication
The reliability of relative cation-anion permeabilities deduced from reversal (dilution) potential measurements in ion channel studies, and Brownian dynamics predictions
Barry, PH and O'Mara, ML (2005). The reliability of relative cation-anion permeabilities deduced from reversal (dilution) potential measurements in ion channel studies, and Brownian dynamics predictions. Experimental Biology 2005 Meeting/35th International Congress of Physiological Sciences, San Diego Ca, Mar 31-Apr 06, 2005. BETHESDA: FEDERATION AMER SOC EXP BIOL.
2005
Conference Publication
The reliability of relative cation-anion permeabilities deduced from reversal (dilution) potential measurements in ion channel studies, and Brownian dynamics predictions
Barry, P. H. and O'Mara, M. L. (2005). The reliability of relative cation-anion permeabilities deduced from reversal (dilution) potential measurements in ion channel studies, and Brownian dynamics predictions. Experimental Biology 2005 Meeting/35th International Congress of Physiological Sciences, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 31 March, - April, 2005. Bethesda, MD, U.S.A.: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
2005
Conference Publication
Simulations of ion permeation through a homology model of the GABA(A) receptor
O'Mara, ML, Cromer, BA, Parker, MW and Chung, SH (2005). Simulations of ion permeation through a homology model of the GABA(A) receptor. 49th Annual Meeting of the Biopysical-Society, Long Beach Ca, Feb 12-16, 2005. BETHESDA: BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY.
2005
Conference Publication
Simulations of ion permeation through a homology model of the GABA(A) receptor
O'Mara, M. L., Cromer, B. A., Parker, M. W. and Chung, S. H. (2005). Simulations of ion permeation through a homology model of the GABA(A) receptor. 49th Annual Meeting of the Biopysical-Society, Long Beach, California, U.S.A., 12-16 February, 2005. Bethesda, MD., U.S.A.: Cell Press for the Biophysical Society.
2004
Journal Article
Permeation dynamics of chloride ions in the ClC-0 and ClC-1 channels
Corry, Ben, O'Mara, Megan and Chung, Shin-Ho (2004). Permeation dynamics of chloride ions in the ClC-0 and ClC-1 channels. Chemical Physics Letters, 386 (4-6), 233-238. doi: 10.1016/j.cplett.2004.01.072
2004
Journal Article
Conduction mechanisms of chloride ions in ClC-type channels
Corry, Ben, O’Mara, Megan and Chung, Shin-Ho (2004). Conduction mechanisms of chloride ions in ClC-type channels. Biophysical Journal, 86 (2), 846-860. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(04)74160-0
2004
Journal Article
Conduction mechanisms of chloride ions in ClC-type channels
Corry, B, O'Mara, M and Chung, SH (2004). Conduction mechanisms of chloride ions in ClC-type channels. Biophysical Journal, 86 (2), 846-860.
2004
Conference Publication
Mechanisms of chloride conduction in ClC channels
Corry, B, O'Mara, M, Bisset, D and Chung, SH (2004). Mechanisms of chloride conduction in ClC channels. 48th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society, Baltimore Md, Feb 14-18, 2004. BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY.
2004
Conference Publication
Mechanisms of chloride conduction in ClC channels
Corry, B., O'Mara, M., Bisset, D. and Chung, S. H. (2004). Mechanisms of chloride conduction in ClC channels. 48th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 14-18 February 2004. Bethesda, MD: Pubmed Central.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Megan O'Mara is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Computational design of biocompatable delivery systems
Biocompatible delivery systems allow enhanced delivery of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and other biological payload molecules, with varied effects including extending the pharmaceutical half-life of drugs, increasing adsorption and decreasing immunogenicity. While these agents have increased the efficacy of many biological therapies, very little work has been done on improving the targeting of these agents to the specific cell or receptor of interest. This project will examine strategies to increase the selectivity of biopolymer delivery systems to enhance the ability to target specific cell types or receptors, thereby reducing off target effects. This project will identify the chemical composition and biophysical characteristics of different cell membranes, and how this impacts their interaction with biopolymer delivery systems. The project requires good collaboration skills, an broad understanding of chemistry and biochemistry, and strong skills in multiscale modelling techniques, from QMMM to coarse grained molecular dynamics.
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The impact of lipid modifications on cell membrane function
Membrane lipid composition influences the localisation of membrane proteins and regulates their activity. The hundreds of chemically distinct lipids within cell membranes phase-separate to form microdomains that impact the localisation and interactions of membrane proteins. The composition of the cell membrane is tightly controlled in normal cellular function. There is now considerable evidence that altered cell homeostasis, ranging from inflammatory processes to cancer, cause alterations in metabolic pathways which impact membrane lipid distributions, cell biophysical properties and membrane protein function. This may have downstream impacts on the uptake and efficacy of a range of pharmaceuticals used to treat dysfunction. Using data derived from mass spectrometry and other experimental approaches, this project will use multiscale simulation techniques to examine how changes in lipid membrane composition in cancer and other disease states impacts drug uptake. This knowledge will provide a means to specifically target a given cell type through the drug delivery systems and targeted therapeutics.
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Membrane mediated antimicrobial resistance
Bacterial multidrug efflux pumps are the bacteria’s first line of defence against the action of antimicrobials. However, very little is currently known about the function and substrate range of these efflux pumps. This project will examine different multidrug efflux pumps to uncover the structural basis of substrate specificity and transport. It will examine the impact of bacterial membrane modifications on bacterial multidrug efflux pump function, and how peptide- and/or polymer-based antimicrobials inhibit multidrug efflux pumps and disrupt membrane integrity. Other avenues of investigation include characterising the effect of lipid modifications in antimicrobial resistance, and computational drug design of lead new candidates for antimicrobial design. This project uses a range of computational techniques, primarily multiscale molecular dynamics simulations.
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Allosteric modulation of synaptic transmission by neurosteroids and oxysterols
The development of effective therapeutics that target chronic pain in neurological diseases would significantly improve the quality of life for millions of people living with chronic pain. The glycinergic neuronal transport proteins are a promising target for the treatment of chronic pain. In neurons and other cells, the membrane lipid composition influences the localisation of membrane proteins and regulates their activity. The hundreds of chemically distinct lipids within cell membranes phase-separate to form microdomains that impact the localisation and interactions of membrane proteins. Oxidative stress is an early hallmark of inflammation and disease that causes chemical modifications to membrane lipids, proteins, and other biomolecules. This impacts their function and influences their biophysical properties. This project will examine the effect of oxysterols and neurosteroids on the inhibition of glycernergic synaptic membrane proteins for the development of targeted therapeutics for the treatment of chronic pain in specific disease states. This is a computational project. The direction of the project can be tailored to the interests of the student.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
The effect of membrane composition on protein-ligand interactions in drug design and delivery
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Debra Bernhardt
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and design of novel antimicrobials
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Evelyne Deplazes
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Doctor Philosophy
Unravelling the Physicochemical Drivers of Biomolecular Self-Assembly though Multiscale Simulations
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Ascher, Dr Evelyne Deplazes
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Doctor Philosophy
Computational design of targeted lipid technologies
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Ascher
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Doctor Philosophy
Targeting alterations in cell membrane biophysics for disease intervention
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Evelyne Deplazes
Completed supervision
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Targeting the membrane: molecular dynamics studies of protein-membrane interactions.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alan Mark
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding multidrug resistance: Molecular Dynamics studies of ligand recognition by P-glycoprotein
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alan Mark
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Megan O'Mara directly for media enquiries about:
- biophysics
- computational chemistry
- drug design
- supercomputers - applications
- women in STEM
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