Ayaho Yamamoto

Identifying biomarkers of susceptibility to air pollution-induced oxidative stress and respiratory disease

Air pollution is a major driver of respiratory disease, affecting millions of people worldwide and placing a significant burden on health systems and communities. Oxidative stress and epithelial injury are key biological mechanisms linking air pollution exposure to adverse respiratory health outcomes. However, not everyone responds to air pollution in the same way. Understanding why some individuals are more susceptible than others is critical for developing targeted prevention strategies and improving public health.

Our research group investigates the biological pathways underlying individual susceptibility to oxidant-induced respiratory injury. Using primary human nasal epithelial cells cultured as fully differentiated respiratory epithelium at the air-liquid interface, we have developed innovative models to assess susceptibility to oxidative stress. We have also established a simplified screening approach using mitochondrial respiration measurements in monolayer cell cultures.

This HDR project aims to take the next step by identifying transcriptomic and DNA methylation signatures of oxidative stress susceptibility that can be detected from simple nasal swab samples. The development of a reliable molecular signature would create powerful new opportunities to: investigate susceptibility to air pollution in large population studies and birth cohorts; expand research into regional and remote communities where advanced laboratory facilities are unavailable; improve understanding of how environmental exposures influence respiratory health across the lifespan; and support future precision health approaches for prevention and intervention.

Student will gain training in a range of cutting-edge techniques, including primary human cell culture and respiratory epithelial models; molecular biology and omics-based approaches; transcriptomic and epigenetic analyses; bioinformatics and biomarker discovery; environmental and respiratory health research.

We welcome HDR students who is interested in cell and molecular biology, respiratory biology; environmental health sciences; biomedical and translational research. Experience with bioinformatics and basic laboratory techniques such as cell culture is desirable.

Last update: 2026

Bushfire smoke, environmental contamination, and respiratory health in a changing climate

Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of bushfires worldwide. In Australia, major bushfire events have devastating environmental, economic, and health consequences, impacting ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, water quality, and communities. While the immediate dangers of bushfires are well recognised, the long-term health impacts of bushfire smoke remain poorly understood. Bushfire smoke can travel vast distances and contains a complex mixture of hazardous pollutants, including fine particulate matter and highly reactive oxidant species known as environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). These pollutants can settle on soil, agricultural land, home gardens, and water systems, potentially creating long-lasting environmental contamination. Emerging evidence suggests that EPFRs may persist in burned environments for years after a fire event, yet little is known about their long-term effects on human health.

This project will investigate how persistent pollutants from bushfires affect respiratory health and environmental safety. Using environmental samples collected from bushfire-affected regions and advanced cellular models of the human airway, the project aims to determine how long these harmful compounds persist and how they interact with respiratory epithelial cells, the first line of defence against inhaled pollutants.

This interdisciplinary project combines environmental science, respiratory biology, toxicology, and molecular biology. Students will have the opportunity to develop expertise in: environmental sample collection and field research; respiratory epithelial models; oxidative stress and toxicology assays; molecular and cellular biology techniques. The project offers a unique blend of laboratory-based experimentation and fieldwork, providing students with diverse research experiences and transferable skills. Previous laboratory experience, particularly in cell culture or molecular biology techniques, is desirable but not essential. We welcome both honours and HDR students.

Last update: 2026