Professor Bernard Degnan
Professor

Bernard Degnan

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52467

Availability

Professor Bernard Degnan is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Bioinformatics and computational biology Biological Sciences Evolution of developmental systems Gene expression (incl. microarray and other genome-wide approaches) Genetics Genome structure and regulation Genomics and transcriptomics Invertebrate biology Molecular evolution Zoology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, California State University-Long Beach
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Genomes, Development & Evolution

    We are interested in the genomic, cellular and developmental mechanisms that underpin the evolution, formation and functioning of animals. Our lab studies a range of coral reef invertebrates, some that have economic or environmental value and others that act as models to address fundamental questions in biology and biomedicine.

  • 1. Origin of animal complexity

    We seek to understand the nature and evolution of the genome-encoded rules governing animal systems, including development, stem cells and regeneration.

  • 2. Marine biology and biotechnology

    We undertake basic, strategic and applied research into the molecular, cellular and developmental biology of coral reef invertebrates, including development of novel biocontrol strategies.

  • 3. Genomics and evolution of biomineralization

    We study the formation and patterning of complex biomaterials comprising marine skeletons and shells, some which are of commercial value.

Search Professor Bernard Degnan’s works on UQ eSpace

298 works between 1988 and 2024
All (298) Journal Article (252) Book Chapter (11) Conference Publication (34) Other Outputs (1)

241 - 260 of 298 works

2002

Conference Publication

Phylogeography and taxonomy of the Indo-Pacific reef cave dwelling coralline demosponge Astrosclera 'willeyana': new data from nuclear internal transcribed spacer sequences

Worheide, G., Degnan, B. M., Hopper, J. L. and Reitner, J. (2002). Phylogeography and taxonomy of the Indo-Pacific reef cave dwelling coralline demosponge Astrosclera 'willeyana': new data from nuclear internal transcribed spacer sequences. Ninth International Coral Reef Symposium, Bali, Indonesia, 23 - 27 October 2000. Indonesia: Ministry of Environment, Indonesian Insitute of Sciences, Ins.

Phylogeography and taxonomy of the Indo-Pacific reef cave dwelling coralline demosponge Astrosclera 'willeyana': new data from nuclear internal transcribed spacer sequences

2002

Conference Publication

Sponge allelochemical induces ascidian development but inhibits metamorphosis

Green, K., Russell, B. D., Clark, R., Jones, M. K., Skilleter, G. A., Garson, M. J. and Degnan, B. M. (2002). Sponge allelochemical induces ascidian development but inhibits metamorphosis. 23rd International Conference on Natural Products, Italy, July, 2002.

Sponge allelochemical induces ascidian development but inhibits metamorphosis

2001

Journal Article

Cytological basis of photoresponsive behavior in a sponge larva

Leys, Sally P. and Degnan, Bernard M. (2001). Cytological basis of photoresponsive behavior in a sponge larva. Biological Bulletin, 201 (3), 323-338. doi: 10.2307/1543611

Cytological basis of photoresponsive behavior in a sponge larva

2001

Journal Article

Microsatellite genotyping of individual abalone larvae: parentage assignment in aquaculture

Selvamani, Maria John P., Degnan, Sandie M. and Degnan, Bernard M. (2001). Microsatellite genotyping of individual abalone larvae: parentage assignment in aquaculture. Marine Biotechnology, 3 (5), 478-485. doi: 10.1007/s1012601-0062-X

Microsatellite genotyping of individual abalone larvae: parentage assignment in aquaculture

2001

Journal Article

Homeobox genes, retinoic acid and the development and evolution of dual body plans in the ascidian Herdmania curvata

Hinman, Veronica F. and Degnan, Bernard M. (2001). Homeobox genes, retinoic acid and the development and evolution of dual body plans in the ascidian Herdmania curvata. American Zoologist, 41 (3), 664-675. doi: 10.1668/0003-1569(2001)041[0664:HGRAAT]2.0.CO;2

Homeobox genes, retinoic acid and the development and evolution of dual body plans in the ascidian Herdmania curvata

2001

Conference Publication

Sponge allelochemical induces ascidian development but inhibits metamorphosis

Clark, R. J., Degnan, B. M., Garson, M. J., Green, K. M., Jones, M. K., Russell, B. D. and Skilleter, G. A. (2001). Sponge allelochemical induces ascidian development but inhibits metamorphosis. The World Chemistry Congress 2001, Brisbane, Australia, 106 July 2001.

Sponge allelochemical induces ascidian development but inhibits metamorphosis

2001

Journal Article

Suitability of Australian formulated diets for the aquaculture of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina Linneus

Jackson, D., Williams, K. and Degnan, B. M. (2001). Suitability of Australian formulated diets for the aquaculture of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina Linneus. Journal of Shellfish Research, 20 (2), 627-636.

Suitability of Australian formulated diets for the aquaculture of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina Linneus

2001

Conference Publication

Settlement and metamorphosis of the tropical ascidian Herdmania curvata

Degnan, B. M. (2001). Settlement and metamorphosis of the tropical ascidian Herdmania curvata. The First International Symposium on the Biology of Ascidians, Sapporo, Japan, 26-30 June, 2000. Tokyo: Springer-Verlag.

Settlement and metamorphosis of the tropical ascidian Herdmania curvata

2001

Journal Article

Pattern, synchrony and predictability of spawning of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina from Heron Reef, Australia

Counihan, Regina T., McNamara, David C., Souter, Duncan C., Jebreen, Edward J., Preston, Nigel P., Johnson, Craig R. and Degnan, Bernard M. (2001). Pattern, synchrony and predictability of spawning of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina from Heron Reef, Australia. Marine Ecology: Progress Series, 213, 193-202. doi: 10.3354/meps213193

Pattern, synchrony and predictability of spawning of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina from Heron Reef, Australia

2001

Conference Publication

Sponge alleleochemical induces ascidian settlement but inhibits metamorphosis

Green, K., Russell, B. D., Clark, R. J., Jones, M. K., Skilleter, G. A., Garson, M. J. and Degnan, B. M. (2001). Sponge alleleochemical induces ascidian settlement but inhibits metamorphosis. 3rd IUPAC International Conference on Biodiversity, Turkey, 2001. Antalya, Turkey:

Sponge alleleochemical induces ascidian settlement but inhibits metamorphosis

2000

Journal Article

Conservation of the sequence and temporal expression of let-7 heterochronic regulatory RNA

Pasuinelli, Amy E., Reinhart, Brenda J., Slack, Frank, Martindale, Mark Q., Kuroda, Mitzi I., Maller, Betsy, Hayward, David C., Ball, Eldon E., Degnan, Bernard, Muller, Peter, Spring, Jürg, Srinivasan, Ashok, Fishman, Mark, Finnerty, John, Corbo, Joseph, Levine, Michael, Leahy, Patrick, Davidson, Eric and Ruvkun, Gary (2000). Conservation of the sequence and temporal expression of let-7 heterochronic regulatory RNA. Nature, 408 (6808), 86-89. doi: 10.1038/35040556

Conservation of the sequence and temporal expression of let-7 heterochronic regulatory RNA

2000

Journal Article

Expression of POU, Sox, and Pax genes in the brain ganglia of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinia

O'Brien, Elizabeth K. and Degnan, Bernard M. (2000). Expression of POU, Sox, and Pax genes in the brain ganglia of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinia. Marine Biotechnology, 2 (6), 545-557. doi: 10.1007/s101260000039

Expression of POU, Sox, and Pax genes in the brain ganglia of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinia

2000

Conference Publication

Sponge allelochemical induces ascidian development but inhibits metamorphosis

Green, K. M., Russell, B. D., Clark, R., Jones, M. K., Skilleter, G. A., Garson, M. J. and Degnan, B. M. (2000). Sponge allelochemical induces ascidian development but inhibits metamorphosis. Pacifichem 2000, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 14-19 December, 2000.

Sponge allelochemical induces ascidian development but inhibits metamorphosis

2000

Journal Article

Neuroectodermal and endodermal expression of the ascidian Cdx gene is separated by metamorphosis

Hinman, VF, Becker, E and Degnan, BM (2000). Neuroectodermal and endodermal expression of the ascidian Cdx gene is separated by metamorphosis. Development, Genes and Evolution, 210 (4), 212-216. doi: 10.1007/s004270050306

Neuroectodermal and endodermal expression of the ascidian Cdx gene is separated by metamorphosis

2000

Journal Article

Expression of POU, Sox, and Pax genes in the brain ganglia of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina

OBrien, EK and Degnan, BM (2000). Expression of POU, Sox, and Pax genes in the brain ganglia of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina. Marine Biotechnology, 2 (6), 545-557. doi: 10.1007/s101260000039

Expression of POU, Sox, and Pax genes in the brain ganglia of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina

2000

Journal Article

The Penaeus monodon Chitinase 1 Gene is differentially expressed in the hepatopancreas during the molt cycle

Tan, SH, Degnan, BM and Lehnert, SA (2000). The Penaeus monodon Chitinase 1 Gene is differentially expressed in the hepatopancreas during the molt cycle. Marine Biotechnology, 2 (2), 126-135. doi: 10.1007/s101269900016

The Penaeus monodon Chitinase 1 Gene is differentially expressed in the hepatopancreas during the molt cycle

2000

Conference Publication

Marine ecology: The natural approach to finding bioactives

Garson, M. J., Blunt, J. W., Clark, R., Degnan, B. M., Green, K. M., Munro, M. H., Simpson, J. and Skilleter, G. A. (2000). Marine ecology: The natural approach to finding bioactives. Australasian Biotechnological Association Conference, Brisbane, 2-6 July, 2000.

Marine ecology: The natural approach to finding bioactives

2000

Journal Article

Highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Heron Reef population of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina

Selvamani, M. J. P., Degnan, S. M., Paetkau, D. and Degnan, B. M. (2000). Highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Heron Reef population of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina. Molecular Ecology, 9 (8), 1184-1186. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-294x.2000.00954-9.x

Highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Heron Reef population of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina

2000

Journal Article

Expression of a Scr/Hox5 gene in the larval central nervous system of the gastropod Haliotis, a non-segmented spiralian lophotrochozoan

Giusti, A. F., Hinman, V. F., Degnan, S. M., Degnan, B. M and Morse, D. E. (2000). Expression of a Scr/Hox5 gene in the larval central nervous system of the gastropod Haliotis, a non-segmented spiralian lophotrochozoan. Evolution and Development, 2 (5), 294-302. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-142x.2000.00071.x

Expression of a Scr/Hox5 gene in the larval central nervous system of the gastropod Haliotis, a non-segmented spiralian lophotrochozoan

2000

Journal Article

Synchronous oogenesis during the semilunar spawning cycle of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina

Jebreen, E. J., Counihan, R. T., Fielder, D. R. and Degnan, B. M. (2000). Synchronous oogenesis during the semilunar spawning cycle of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina. Journal of Shellfish Research, 19 (2), 845-851.

Synchronous oogenesis during the semilunar spawning cycle of the tropical abalone Haliotis asinina

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2026
    Origin and evolution of animal-bacterial symbiosis
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Innovation Program
    Great Barrier Reef Foundation
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2024
    Evolution of environmental regulation of cell states in animal life cycles
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Marine sponge-microbe interactions and the origin of animal innate immunity
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Brightfield and Fluorescent High Speed and Throughput Slide Scanner for biological, medical, materials science, and agricultural applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Biocontrol of crown-of-thorns starfish using genomics and proteomics
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Advanced imaging with wide spectrum molecular, quantitative and morphological applications in biological research
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Epifluorescent and live-cell imaging microscopes for the investigation of host-pathogen interactions and for molecular and cellular biology
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    How do sponges and bacteria together maintain productivity on coral reefs?
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    Origin of the animal regulatory genome
    UQ Development Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Evolutionary origin of stem cells and the emergence of animal complexity
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Beyond genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes: high throughput analysis of gene and protein expression and function
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Translating genomic discoveries into improved commercial outcomes for the South Sea Pearl industry
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Sequencing, assembly and annotation of the crown-of-thorns starfish genome
    Australian Institute of Marine Science
    Open grant
  • 2014
    How do Molluscs get calcium to their shells?
    UWA-UQ Bilateral Research Collaboration Award
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Origin of genomically-encoded communication in animals: deciphering the role of peptide signalling in the sea sponge Amphimedon queenslandica
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2018
    Origin, evolution and roles of cardinal genomic features underpinning animal multicellular complexity
    ARC Australian Laureate Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    ResTeach Funding 2012 0.1 FTE School of Biological Sciences
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Scanning electron microscope to house 3-Dimensional Sectioning Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Science on the continental shelf: Securing our deep-sea biodiversity for the future
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Tooling-up non-model organisms in the post-genomic era: equipment for the analysis of molecular and cellular processes in animals of evolutionary and commercial interest
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2015
    Using genomic information to understand and improve the quality of the Australian South Sea Pearl
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Origin of animal sensory and nervous systems: a case study in cell type evolution
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Building Capacity in Quantitative Genomics
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    ResTeach 2009 0.2 FTE School of Biological Sciences
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2010
    An investigation of the underlying mechanisms that control gender and fertility in the Moreton Bay Bug, Thenus orientalis
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Heron Island Research Station Connectivity Upgrade
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008
    The essence of being an animal: sponge allorecognition and the evolution of individuality
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2011
    Deep Downunder: designing a deep-sea exploration and discovery capability for Australia
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    A High Resolution Analytical Scanning Electron Microscope for South-East Queensland
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Australian Mirror of the UCSC Genome Database and Browser
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    CSIRO Flagship - Gonad development and sex differentiation in the abalone
    CSIRO Flagships Collaboration Fund
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Evolution of the biofabrication of mineralized structures in animals
    ARC Linkage International
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    The sponge genome project and the evolution of multicellularity: using comparative genomics and developmental biology to reconstruct the first animals
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Enhancing the pearl: understanding the molecular genetics of pearl lustre, colour and size
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Aquaculture of the tropical abalone: identifying and selecting for factors promoting high settlement, survival and growth
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    The Link Between Environmental Stress And Disease Onset In Prawn Aquaculture
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005
    NHMRC_Equipment Grant = Purchase of a biological transmission electron microscope (TEM)
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    The making of a sea shell: function and evolution of genes encoding calcareous architectures of phenomenal strength purity and beauty
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Early animal evolution: reconstructing the last common metazoan ancestor through the analysis of developmental and structural genes in sponges
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Biofabrication of High-performance Marine Structures: Characterisaton of Shell-matrix Genes Required for Production of the Strong Microlaminates fo the Abalone Shell
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2005
    Enhancing aquaculture production of the tropical abalone using complementary genetic and environmental approaches
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Understanding the molecular basis of marine invertebrate larval settlement and metamorphosis using complementary molecular, developmental, chemical and ecological approaches
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2004
    The basis of white phase of the western rock lobster (panulirus cygnus)
    ARC Collaborative Grant (SPIRT)
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    Evolution of Animal Body Plans as Revealed by Developmental Gene Expression Patterns in Molluscs, Annelids and other Lophotrochozoans.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Determining factors that control sponge infaunal community structure.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Allelopathic effects between the tropical marine sponge Haliclona sp. and other marine invertebrates
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Analysis of the expression of POU genes in rapidly growing and biologically castrated tropical abalone
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2000
    Cultivation of tropical abalone (haliotis asinina): development of a new mariculture industry for tropical Australia
    M G Kailis Exports Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Cultivation of the Tropical Abalone (Haliotis Asinina): Development of a new Mariculture Industry for Tropical Australia
    ARC Collaborative Grant (SPIRT)
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Cultivation of the tropical abalone (haliotis asinina): development of a new mariculture industry for tropical Australia
    ARC (Australian Postgraduate Award-Industry)
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Cultivation of the tropical abalone (haliotis asinina): development of a new mariculture industry for tropical Australia
    Mr D.J. Christmas
    Open grant
  • 1998
    The evolution of pattern formation in chordates: The effect of retinoic acid on gene expression and morphogenesis in the ascidian
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Identifying regulators of growth and reporduction in the tropical abalone: mapping transcription factor genes in brain ganglia
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    The role of HOX genes in the most primitive metazoans, the sponges
    UQ Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Aquaculture of the tropical abalone, Haliotis asinina: Systematic production of abalone seed, and genetic analysis of growth and development
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    The molecular basis of inducible muscle cell dedifferentiation in the lower chordate Herdmania momus
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Bernard Degnan is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Bernard Degnan directly for media enquiries about:

  • Aquaculture
  • Biotechnology and aquaculture
  • Comparative genomices
  • Evolution

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