Professor James De Voss
Professor

James De Voss

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54622

Background

James De Voss received a B. Sc (Hons) in Chemistry and a University Medal from the University of Queensland in 1984. He was a Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 scholar at Cambridge University, where he worked on the biosynthesis of Vitamin B12 with Prof. Sir Alan Battersby. A postdoctoral fellowship, again from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, allowed him to work with Prof. Craig Townsend at Johns Hopkins University on the mechanism of DNA cleavage caused by the enediyne antibiotic calicheamicin. He was then introduced to the cytochromes P450 by Prof. Paul Ortiz de Montellano with whom he worked while at the University of California, San Francisco. Since returning to the University of Queensland to take up an academic appointment, initially as a Senior lecturer and subsequently as a Reader and then a Professor, he has continued his interest in problems at the interface of chemistry and biology and currently works with a range of bacterial, insect and mammalian P450s, as well as on the biogenesis of insect pheromones and phytochemistry of herbal medicines.

Availability

Professor James De Voss is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Medicinal and biomolecular chemistry Organic chemistry

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Cambridge

Search Professor James De Voss’s works on UQ eSpace

252 works between 1985 and 2025
All (252) Journal Article (196) Book Chapter (5) Conference Publication (50) Other Outputs (1)

101 - 120 of 252 works

2012

Journal Article

Steroidal saponins from the roots of Smilax sp.: Structure and bioactivity

Challinor, Victoria L., Parsons, Peter G., Chap, Sonet, White, Eve F., Blanchfield, Joanne T., Lehmann, Reginald P. and De Voss, James J. (2012). Steroidal saponins from the roots of Smilax sp.: Structure and bioactivity. Steroids, 77 (5), 504-511. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2012.01.009

Steroidal saponins from the roots of Smilax sp.: Structure and bioactivity

2012

Journal Article

Oxidative processes in the Australian marine sponge Plakinastrella clathrata: Isolation of plakortolides with oxidatively modified side chains

Yong, Ken W. L., Lambert, Lynette K., Hayes, Patricia Y., De Voss, James J. and Garson, Mary J. (2012). Oxidative processes in the Australian marine sponge Plakinastrella clathrata: Isolation of plakortolides with oxidatively modified side chains. Journal of Natural Products, 75 (3), 351-360. doi: 10.1021/np200619q

Oxidative processes in the Australian marine sponge Plakinastrella clathrata: Isolation of plakortolides with oxidatively modified side chains

2012

Journal Article

Contribution of siderophore systems to growth and urinary tract colonization of asymptomatic bacteriuria Escherichia coli

Watts, Rebecca E., Totsika, Makrina, Challinor, Victoria L., Mabbett, Amanda N., Ulett, Glen C., De Voss, James J. and Schembri, Mark A. (2012). Contribution of siderophore systems to growth and urinary tract colonization of asymptomatic bacteriuria Escherichia coli. Infection and Immunity, 80 (1-2), 333-344. doi: 10.1128/IAI.05594-11

Contribution of siderophore systems to growth and urinary tract colonization of asymptomatic bacteriuria Escherichia coli

2012

Journal Article

Assignment of stereochemistry in open-chain steroidal saponins

Challinor, Victoria L. and De Voss, James J. (2012). Assignment of stereochemistry in open-chain steroidal saponins. Pure and Applied Chemistry, 84 (6), 1469-1478. doi: 10.1351/PAC-CON-11-09-12

Assignment of stereochemistry in open-chain steroidal saponins

2011

Journal Article

Cytochrome P450 is present in both ferrous and ferric forms in the resting state within intact Escherichia coli and hepatocytes

Johnston, Wayne A., Hunter, Dominic J. B., Noble, Christopher J., Hanson, Graeme R., Stok, Jeanette E., Hayes, Martin A., De Voss, James J. and Gillam, Elizabeth M.J. (2011). Cytochrome P450 is present in both ferrous and ferric forms in the resting state within intact Escherichia coli and hepatocytes. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286 (47), 40750-40759. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M111.300871

Cytochrome P450 is present in both ferrous and ferric forms in the resting state within intact Escherichia coli and hepatocytes

2011

Journal Article

Crotalaria medicaginea associated with horse deaths in Northern Australia: New pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Fletcher, Mary T., Hayes, Patricia Y., Somerville, Michael J. and De Voss, James J. (2011). Crotalaria medicaginea associated with horse deaths in Northern Australia: New pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59 (21), 11888-11892. doi: 10.1021/jf203147x

Crotalaria medicaginea associated with horse deaths in Northern Australia: New pyrrolizidine alkaloids

2011

Journal Article

Facile production of minor metabolites for drug development using a CYP3A shuffled library

Hunter, D.J.B., Behrendorff, J.B.Y.H., Johnston, W.A., Hayes, P.Y., Huang, W., Bonn, B., Hayes, M.A., De Voss, J.J. and Gillam, E.M.J (2011). Facile production of minor metabolites for drug development using a CYP3A shuffled library. Metabolic Engineering, 13 (6), 682-693. doi: 10.1016/j.ymben.2011.09.001

Facile production of minor metabolites for drug development using a CYP3A shuffled library

2011

Journal Article

Increased plant volatile production affects oviposition, but not larval development, in the moth Helicoverpa armigera

McCallum, Emily J., Cunningham, John Paul, Lücker, Joost, Zalucki, Myron P., De Voss, James J . and Botella, José R. (2011). Increased plant volatile production affects oviposition, but not larval development, in the moth Helicoverpa armigera. Journal of Experimental Biology, 214 (21), 3672-3677. doi: 10.1242/jeb.059923

Increased plant volatile production affects oviposition, but not larval development, in the moth Helicoverpa armigera

2011

Journal Article

Synthesis of highly enantioenriched hydroxy- and dihydroxy-fatty esters: substrate precursors for cytochrome P450(BioI)

Singh, Arti A., Zulkifli, Siti N. A., Meyns, Michaela, Hayes, Patricia Y. and De Voss, James J. (2011). Synthesis of highly enantioenriched hydroxy- and dihydroxy-fatty esters: substrate precursors for cytochrome P450(BioI). Tetrahedron-Asymmetry, 22 (18-19), 1709-1719. doi: 10.1016/j.tetasy.2011.08.027

Synthesis of highly enantioenriched hydroxy- and dihydroxy-fatty esters: substrate precursors for cytochrome P450(BioI)

2011

Journal Article

Revision of the absolute configurations of bethosides B and C and their aglycone

Challinor, Victoria L., Hayes, Patricia Y., Bernhardt, Paul V., Kitching, William, Lehmann, Reginald P. and De Voss, James J. (2011). Revision of the absolute configurations of bethosides B and C and their aglycone. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 76 (17), 7275-7280. doi: 10.1021/jo2012797

Revision of the absolute configurations of bethosides B and C and their aglycone

2011

Journal Article

Structure and absolute configuration of helosides A and B, new saponins from Chamaelirium luteum

Challinor, Victoria L., Stuthe, Julia M. U., Bernhardt, Paul V., Lehmann, Reginald P., Kitching, William and De Voss, James J. (2011). Structure and absolute configuration of helosides A and B, new saponins from Chamaelirium luteum. Journal of Natural Products, 74 (7), 1557-1560. doi: 10.1021/np200100a

Structure and absolute configuration of helosides A and B, new saponins from Chamaelirium luteum

2011

Journal Article

The truth about false unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum): Total synthesis of 23R,24S-Chiograsterol B defines the structure and stereochemistry of the major saponins from this medicinal herb

Matovic, Nicholas J., Stuthe, Julia M. U., Challinor, Victoria L., Bernhardt, Paul V., Lehmann, Reginald P., Kitching, William and De Voss, James J. (2011). The truth about false unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum): Total synthesis of 23R,24S-Chiograsterol B defines the structure and stereochemistry of the major saponins from this medicinal herb. Chemistry-A European Journal, 17 (27), 7578-7591. doi: 10.1002/chem.201100503

The truth about false unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum): Total synthesis of 23R,24S-Chiograsterol B defines the structure and stereochemistry of the major saponins from this medicinal herb

2011

Journal Article

Polyunsaturated alkyl amides from Echinacea: Synthesis of diynes, enynes, and dienes

Matovic, Nicholas J., Hayes, Patricia Y., Penman, Kerry, Lehmann, Reginald P. and De Voss, James J. (2011). Polyunsaturated alkyl amides from Echinacea: Synthesis of diynes, enynes, and dienes. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 76 (11), 4467-4481. doi: 10.1021/jo200289f

Polyunsaturated alkyl amides from Echinacea: Synthesis of diynes, enynes, and dienes

2011

Journal Article

The First International Collaborative and Cooperative Chemistry Symposium

De Voss, James J. (2011). The First International Collaborative and Cooperative Chemistry Symposium. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 64 (5), 517-518. doi: 10.1071/CH11187

The First International Collaborative and Cooperative Chemistry Symposium

2011

Journal Article

Oxygen activation by P450(cin): Protein and substrate mutagenesis

Slessor, KE, Farlow, AJ, Cavaignac, SM, Stok, JE and De Voss, JJ (2011). Oxygen activation by P450(cin): Protein and substrate mutagenesis. Archives of Biochemistry And Biophysics, 507 (1), 154-162. doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2010.09.009

Oxygen activation by P450(cin): Protein and substrate mutagenesis

2011

Journal Article

Configurational assignment of cyclic peroxy metabolites provides an insight into their biosynthesis: Isolation of plakortolides, seco-plakortolides, and plakortones from the Australian marine sponge Plakinastrella clathrata

Yong, Ken W. L., De Voss, James J., Hooper, John N. A. and Garson, Mary J. (2011). Configurational assignment of cyclic peroxy metabolites provides an insight into their biosynthesis: Isolation of plakortolides, seco-plakortolides, and plakortones from the Australian marine sponge Plakinastrella clathrata. Journal of Natural Products, 74 (2), 194-207. doi: 10.1021/np100620x

Configurational assignment of cyclic peroxy metabolites provides an insight into their biosynthesis: Isolation of plakortolides, seco-plakortolides, and plakortones from the Australian marine sponge Plakinastrella clathrata

2011

Conference Publication

Steroidal saponins isolated from an Australian Yam Dioscorea sp.

Challinor, Victoria L., Smith, David M. and De Voss, James J. (2011). Steroidal saponins isolated from an Australian Yam Dioscorea sp.. Collingwood, VIC, Australia: C S I R O Publishing. doi: 10.1071/CH11056

Steroidal saponins isolated from an Australian Yam Dioscorea sp.

2011

Conference Publication

Using NMR-based methods to assign the stereochemistry of natural products

Yong, Ken W.L., De Voss, James J. and Garson, Mary J. (2011). Using NMR-based methods to assign the stereochemistry of natural products. International Congress for Innovation in Chemistry (VII, PERCH-CIC, 2011), Pattaya, Thailand, 4-7 May 2011. Bangkok, Thailand: Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry.

Using NMR-based methods to assign the stereochemistry of natural products

2011

Journal Article

Corrigendum: Steroidal Saponins Isolated from an Australian Yam (Dioscorea sp.)

Challinor, Victoria L., Smith, David M. and De Voss, James J. (2011). Corrigendum: Steroidal Saponins Isolated from an Australian Yam (Dioscorea sp.). Australian Journal of Chemistry, 64 (11), 1540-1540. doi: 10.1071/CH11056_CO

Corrigendum: Steroidal Saponins Isolated from an Australian Yam (Dioscorea sp.)

2011

Journal Article

Erratum: Steroidal saponins isolated from an Australian Yam (Dioscorea sp.) (Australian Journal of Chemistry (2011) 64:5 (545-549))

Challinor, Victoria L., Smith, David M. and De Voss, James J. (2011). Erratum: Steroidal saponins isolated from an Australian Yam (Dioscorea sp.) (Australian Journal of Chemistry (2011) 64:5 (545-549)). Australian Journal of Chemistry, 64 (11). doi: 10.1071/CH11056-CO

Erratum: Steroidal saponins isolated from an Australian Yam (Dioscorea sp.) (Australian Journal of Chemistry (2011) 64:5 (545-549))

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    New biocatalysts for selective chemical oxidations under extreme conditions (ARC Discovery Project administered by The University of Adelaide)
    University of Adelaide
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2024
    Mycobacterial Cholesterol Degradation: A Unique Metabolic Weakness?
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019
    A versatile accurate mass, high resolution QTOF mass spectrometer for chemistry and proteomic applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Enabling at Traditional Australian Medicinal Plants Agribusiness (CRCNA project administered by Integria Healthcare Pty Ltd)
    CRC for Developing Northern Australia
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Gas chromatography: Separating inseparables, identifying unidentifiables (ARC LIEF grant administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Development of a bio-enabled synthesis for the glycopeptide antibiotics (ARC Discovery Project administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Bio-actives: Value-adding to industrial hemp production
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - FirstLink
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Separation of Terpenes
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Online, virtual and adaptive learning environments: improving the journey through large first year chemistry courses
    Technology-Enhanced Learning Grants
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Identification of Dopamine Receptor Agonists from Chaste Tree Berry
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Bioproduction and bioavailability of steroidal saponins, bioactives in herbal medicines
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Understanding the mechanism of two important cytochrome P450 catalysed reactions: dehydrogenation and C-C cleavage
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Can understanding antibiotic biogenesis allow construction of chemotherapeutics?
    Go8 Australia - Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Understanding the structural basis for catalysis and substrate specificity in non-heme diiron medium-chain alkane hydroxylases (ARC Discovery Project administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    A NEW CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC TARGET FROM LEISHMANIA SPP. UNDERSTANDING AND INHIBITING CYP61LD, A STEROL C22 DESATURASE
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Biotransformation of Cholesterol into Commercially Important Steroidal Saponins Present in Herbal Medicines
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2010
    An integrated high -throughput fluorescence imaging facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Cytochrome P450 libraries for Lead Optimisation in Drug Discovery
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Putting smells into context: Using in vivo technologies to understand plant-insect odour signalling.
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Analytical and preparative enantioselective chromatography
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2010
    Understanding and Inhibiting P450 CYP24, a target for cancer chemotherapeutics
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    An X-Ray Diffraction Facility for Molecular Structure Determination
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Understanding and Inhibiting P450 CYP24, a target for cancer chemotherapuetics.
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006
    A high resolution, high-throughput chromatographic system for separation and characterisation of complex samples
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    Biocatalysts mined from cytochrome P450 Libraries: an innovative tool for accelerating drug development
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Molecular Breeding Of Biocatalysts Mined From Cytochrome P450 Libraries: An Innovative Tool for Accelerating Drug Development
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2007
    What is in therapeutically prescribed herbal medicines? Phytochemical characterisation of steroidal saponins from two popular nutraceuticals, False Unicorn and Tribulus terrestris.
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Disruption of Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis: A Novel Control Method for Pestiferous Fruit Flies
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004
    The Insect-Plant Chemical Ecology Network (IPCEN)
    ARC Seed Funding for Research Networks
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Unprecedented Alkaloid Hybrids that Selectively Modulate Various Cancers and the Central Nervous System
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2005
    Structural chacterization of active constituents in plant extracts with potential for the control of ovine lice and parasitic worms
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Molecular breeding of cytochrome P450 enzymes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    The Biosynthesis of Mycobactin T, a Virulence Factor from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Characterisation of Biol, a Carbon Carbon Bond Cleaving P450
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Fruit-fly sex pheromones: biosynthesis and enzymology
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Polyketide synthases from marine molluscs
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Conversion of P450cn into P450 cam: a prelude to engineering biodegradative pathways
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Cloning, expression and characterisation of two novel proteins involved in biotin biosynthesis
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1998
    Pyochelin: a siderophore and virulence factor from pathogenic pseudomonads
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Professor James De Voss is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biochemical and molecular characterization of Cytochrome P450 (CYPs) from extremophilic sources and their biotechnological applications

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Synthesis of peptide antibiotic constituents for elucidation of their biosyntheses and II) Characterization of bacterial cytochromes P450

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Joanne Blanchfield

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biochemical and molecular characterization of Cytochrome P450 (CYPs) from extremophilic sources and their biotechnological applications

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Structure Elucidation in Pursuit of Bioactive Compounds

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Joanne Blanchfield

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biochemical and molecular characterization of Cytochrome P450 (CYPs) from extremophilic sources and their biotechnological applications

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biochemical and molecular characterization of Cytochrome P450 (CYPs) from extremophilic sources and their biotechnological applications

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Bioactive Phytochemicals from Australian Native Plants used as Ingienous medicines

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Joanne Blanchfield

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Microbial manufacturing of plant saponin-inspired vaccine adjuvants

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biochemical and molecular characterization of Cytochrome P450 (CYPs) from extremophilic sources and their biotechnological applications

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Identification of the Structure and bioavailability of bioactive compounds from Australian native plants.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Joanne Blanchfield

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Stingless bee enzymes for biotransformation of cane sugar to a low GI sugar

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Dr Loan Nguyen, Dr Natasha Hungerford

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Synthesis of novel probes and inhibitors of carbohydrate-binding proteins

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Vito Ferro

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae for triterpenoid production

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Birgitta Ebert

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Stingless bee enzymes for biotransformation of cane sugar to a low GI sugar

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher, Dr Loan Nguyen, Dr Natasha Hungerford

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Isolation and identification of natural products from Australian Native Medicinal Plants

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Joanne Blanchfield

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Isolation and identification of natural products from Australian Native Medicinal Plants

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Joanne Blanchfield

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploiting plant biosynthesis to produce vaccine adjuvants

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Birgitta Ebert

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor James De Voss directly for media enquiries about:

  • Bio-organic chemistry
  • Biosynthesis of natural products
  • Chemistry - organic
  • Enzymes - P450
  • Enzymology
  • Herbs - bioactives
  • Natural products - chemistry of
  • Organic chemistry
  • P450 enzymes

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