Overview
Background
Genetics of mental health (new research)
We are using the genetic model organism, C. elegans, do investigate the genetic basis of both normal and disordered behaviour. Our current interests are identifying the genes responsible for anxiety and depression as well as the genes for eating disoders and addiction. Using C. elegans as a model organism will also allow us to study gene function as it relates to behaviour.
Molecular mechanisms of phosphine resistance (other research)
Genetic mapping of oxidative stress resistance genes. The fumigant phosphine disrupts oxidative metabolism, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen intermediates. This causes the premature ageing and death of targeted pests. Insect pests of stored grain in Australia now exhibit resistance to phosphine at levels more than 200 times the normal lethal dose.
We have genetically mappedf and identified the genes responsible for phosphine resistance in tall major insect pests of stored grain. We are using a systems biology approach in the model organism C. elegans to understand the molecular basis of phosphine action. Our genetic studies have recently shown that resistance to phosphine is associated with an extension of lifespan
Availability
- Associate Professor Paul Ebert is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of California-Riverside
- Masters (Coursework) of Science, University of Washington
- Doctor of Philosophy, Washington State University
Research interests
-
Genetics of mental health
The genetics of mental health is notoriously difficult to study. I am developing behavioural assays in the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans to study the genetics and neuropharmacology of anxiety and depression as well as anorexia and addiction.
-
Metabolic toxicology - fumigant toxicology
I am interested in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. My work is based around the toxicology of the agricultural fumigant, phosphine. The phosphine resistance gene, dld, not only results in phosphine resistance, but also modulates cellular energy metabolism.
Research impacts
Mental health
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition. Hundreds of candidate anxiety genes have been identified by human Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), but the functions of these genes are difficult to study in humans or mammalian model organisms. We have developed behavioural assays using C. elegans that are allowing us to confirm the role in anxiety of the candidate genes identified by GWAS.
We have also identified a suite of compounds that can induce anorexia in C. elegans. This system is allowing us to test the limited number of candidate anorexia genes that have been identified by GWAS and to identify new genes by genetic screens.
Other research
Our discovery of the economically important phosphine resistance gene has allowed us to characterise resistance across Australia and India. It is now being use to monitor resistance management strategies in collaboration with major grain handling companies to improve commercial practice in Australia and India. This is the subject of a recent Australia-India AISRF project on which I was the UQ lead investigator. We have also used the gene marker to characterise resistance in Vietnam, China, Turkey. Others have used our work to characterise resistance in the USA and Brazil.
We have also sought to use our understanding of how phosphine works to identify synergistic gases that might be used to extend the useful life of phosphine as a grain fumigant. This work was supported by an ARC Discovery grant and a research grant from the Plant Biosecurity CRC.
We have also discovered the the phosphine resistance gene, dld, is a lifespan extending factor. Interestingly, it also protects against pathology in a C. elegans model of Alzheimer's disease, a serious ageing associated disease. Alzheimer's disease is a major disease of global importance with huge economic ramifications due to the level of care required by people who suffer from dementia. Our system allows us to explore the metabolic basis of the disease, an aspect that has until recently been largely neglected.
Works
Search Professor Paul Ebert’s works on UQ eSpace
Featured
2016
Journal Article
Metformin attenuates Aβ pathology mediated through levamisole sensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in a C. elegans model of Alzheimer’s disease
Ahmad, Waqar and Ebert, Paul R. (2016). Metformin attenuates Aβ pathology mediated through levamisole sensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in a C. elegans model of Alzheimer’s disease. Molecular Neurobiology, 54 (7), 1-13. doi: 10.1007/s12035-016-0085-y
Featured
2012
Journal Article
A core metabolic enzyme mediates resistance to phosphine gas
Schlipalius, David I., Valmas, Nicholas, Tuck, Andrew G., Jagadeesan, Rajeswaran, Ma, Li, Kaur, Ramandeep, Goldinger, Anita, Anderson, Cameron, Kuang, Jujiao, Zuryn, Steven, Mau, Yosep S., Cheng, Qiang, Collins, Patrick J., Nayak, Manoj K., Schirra, Horst Joachim, Hilliard, Massimo A. and Ebert, Paul R. (2012). A core metabolic enzyme mediates resistance to phosphine gas. Science, 338 (6108), 807-810. doi: 10.1126/science.1224951
Featured
2012
Journal Article
WormScan: A technique for high-throughput phenotypic analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans
Mathew, Mark D., Mathew, Neal D. and Ebert, Paul R. (2012). WormScan: A technique for high-throughput phenotypic analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans. Plos One, 7 (3) e33483, e33483.1-e33483.6. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033483
Featured
2012
Journal Article
The failure to extend lifespan via disruption of complex II is linked to preservation of dynamic control of energy metabolism
Kuang, Jujiao and Ebert, Paul R. (2012). The failure to extend lifespan via disruption of complex II is linked to preservation of dynamic control of energy metabolism. Mitochondrion, 12 (2), 280-287. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2011.10.003
Featured
2010
Journal Article
Mitochondrial dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans causes metabolic restructuring, but this is not linked to longevity
Zuryn, Steven, Kuang, Jujiao, Tuck, Andrew and Ebert, Paul R. (2010). Mitochondrial dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans causes metabolic restructuring, but this is not linked to longevity. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 131 (9), 554-561. doi: 10.1016/j.mad.2010.07.004
Featured
2008
Journal Article
The genome of the model beetle and pest Tribolium castaneum
Tribolium Genome Sequencing Consortium and Ebert, Paul R. (2008). The genome of the model beetle and pest Tribolium castaneum. Nature, 452 (7190), 949-955. doi: 10.1038/nature06784
Featured
2008
Journal Article
Mitochondrial modulation of phosphine toxicity and resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans
Zuryn, Steven, Kuang, Jujiao and Ebert, Paul (2008). Mitochondrial modulation of phosphine toxicity and resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxicological Sciences, 102 (1), 179-186. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfm278
2024
Book Chapter
Phosphine toxicology and mode of action
Alzahrani, Saad M. and Ebert, Paul R. (2024). Phosphine toxicology and mode of action. Reference module in biomedical sciences. (pp. 597-604) edited by Philip Wexler. Cham, Switzerland: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824315-2.01068-x
2023
Journal Article
Pesticidal toxicity of phosphine and its interaction with other pest control treatments
Alzahrani, Saad M. and Ebert, Paul R. (2023). Pesticidal toxicity of phosphine and its interaction with other pest control treatments. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 45 (3), 2461-2473. doi: 10.3390/cimb45030161
2021
Journal Article
First report of strong phosphine resistance in stored grain insects in a far northern tropical region of Australia, combining conventional and genetic diagnostics
Nayak, Manoj K., Jagadeesan, Rajeswaran, Singarayan, Virgine T., Nath, Nisa S., Pavic, Hervoika, Dembowski, Brock, Daglish, Gregory J., Schlipalius, David I. and Ebert, Paul R. (2021). First report of strong phosphine resistance in stored grain insects in a far northern tropical region of Australia, combining conventional and genetic diagnostics. Journal of Stored Products Research, 92 101813, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jspr.2021.101813
2021
Journal Article
Hindgut microbiota reflects different digestive strategies in dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Ebert, Kathryn M., Arnold, William G., Ebert, Paul R. and Merritt, David J. (2021). Hindgut microbiota reflects different digestive strategies in dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae). Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 87 (5), 1-17. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02100-20
2021
Journal Article
Gene introgression in assessing fitness costs associated with phosphine resistance in the rusty grain beetle
Singarayan, Virgine T., Jagadeesan, Rajeswaran, Nayak, Manoj K., Ebert, Paul R. and Daglish, Gregory J. (2021). Gene introgression in assessing fitness costs associated with phosphine resistance in the rusty grain beetle. Journal of Pest Science, 94 (4), 1415-1426. doi: 10.1007/s10340-020-01315-6
2021
Journal Article
Unique genetic variants in dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (dld) gene confer strong resistance to phosphine in the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens)
Jagadeesan, Rajeswaran, Schlipalius, David I., Singarayan, Virgine T., Nath, Nisa S., Nayak, Manoj K. and Ebert, Paul R. (2021). Unique genetic variants in dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (dld) gene confer strong resistance to phosphine in the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens). Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 171 104717. doi: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104717
2020
Journal Article
Suppression of a core metabolic enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (dld) protects against amyloid beta toxicity in C. elegans model of Alzheimer's disease
Ahmad, Waqar and Ebert, Paul R. (2020). Suppression of a core metabolic enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (dld) protects against amyloid beta toxicity in C. elegans model of Alzheimer's disease. Genes and Diseases, 8 (6), 849-866. doi: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.08.004
2020
Journal Article
Synergism between phosphine (PH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2): implications for managing PH3 resistance in rusty grain beetle (Laemophloeidae: Coleoptera)
Constantin, Myrna, Jagadeesan, Rajeswaran, Chandra, Kerri, Ebert, Paul and Nayak, Manoj K (2020). Synergism between phosphine (PH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2): implications for managing PH3 resistance in rusty grain beetle (Laemophloeidae: Coleoptera). Journal of Economic Entomology, 113 (4), 1-8. doi: 10.1093/jee/toaa081
2020
Journal Article
Resistance to the fumigant phosphine and its management in insect pests of stored products: a global perspective
Nayak, Manoj K., Daglish, Gregory J., Phillips, Thomas W. and Ebert, Paul R. (2020). Resistance to the fumigant phosphine and its management in insect pests of stored products: a global perspective. Annual Review of Entomology, 65 (1), 333-350. doi: 10.1146/annurev-ento-011019-025047
2019
Journal Article
Attenuation of radiation toxicity by the phosphine resistance factor dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD)
Alzahrani, Saad M. and Ebert, Paul R. (2019). Attenuation of radiation toxicity by the phosphine resistance factor dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD). Scientific Reports, 9 (1) 6455, 6455. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-42678-w
2019
Journal Article
A high-throughput system used to determine frequency and distribution of phosphine resistance across large geographical regions: next-generation markers for phosphine resistance
Schlipalius, David I., Tuck, Andrew G., Pavic, Hervoika, Daglish, Gregory J., Nayak, Manoj K. and Ebert, Paul R. (2019). A high-throughput system used to determine frequency and distribution of phosphine resistance across large geographical regions: next-generation markers for phosphine resistance. Pest Management Science, 75 (4), 1091-1098. doi: 10.1002/ps.5221
2019
Journal Article
Oxygen and arsenite synergize phosphine toxicity by distinct mechanisms
Alzahrani, Saad M. and Ebert, Paul R. (2019). Oxygen and arsenite synergize phosphine toxicity by distinct mechanisms. Toxicological Sciences, 167 (2), 419-425. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy248
2018
Journal Article
Modeling meets metabolomics— the WormJam consensus model as basis for metabolic studies in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans
Witting, Michael, Hastings, Janna, Rodriguez, Nicolas, Joshi, Chintan J., Hattwell, Jake P. N., Ebert, Paul R., van Weeghel, Michel, Gao, Arwen W., Wakelam, Michael J. O., Houtkooper, Riekelt H., Mains, Abraham, Le Novère, Nicolas, Sadykoff, Sean, Schroeder, Frank, Lewis, Nathan E., Schirra, Horst-Joachim, Kaleta, Christoph and Casanueva, Olivia (2018). Modeling meets metabolomics— the WormJam consensus model as basis for metabolic studies in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 5 (NOV) 96, 96. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00096
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Paul Ebert is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Phosphine toxicology
This project is focused on energy metabolism and mitochondrial function as it relates to the toxicology of the agricultural fumigant, phosphine. This project employs a systems biology approach that ionvolves bioinformatics, genomics, metabolomics and functional genetics in the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans.
-
Genetics of mental health
A major focus of my lab is investigating the genetics of mental health in the genetic model organism, C. elegans. The fundamental insight that makes it possible to study mental health in a nematode like C. elegans is that at the foundation of every behavioural disorder is a completely normal evolved behaviour. Thus, to study anxiety, the most widespread mental health problem that affects society, one has only to recognise that it is a component of harm avoidance mechanisms. Every animal has the ability to detect and evaluate potential harms, so the genetics of harm avoidance can provide fundamental insight into a bewildering array of anxiety disorders that currently lack a unifying theoretical foundation.
My lab is using a combination of psychoactive drugs, C. elegans strains with neural signalling mutations and the tools of systems biology to study:
- Eating disorders
- Addiction
- Anxiety
And possibly:
- Depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Learning and forgetting
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Comparative analysis of instinctual feeding behaviour and addiction in the genetic model organism, C. elegans.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Zuryn
-
Master Philosophy
Mechanisms of phosphine toxicity under low oxygen
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Transposon Activation as an Adaptive Stress Response in C. elegans
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandie Degnan
-
Doctor Philosophy
Comparative analysis of instinctual feeding behaviour and addiction in the genetic model organism, C. elegans.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Zuryn
-
Doctor Philosophy
Pharmacogenetics of anorexia in the model organism C.elegans
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Zuryn
Completed supervision
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating Environmental Stress as a Driver of Epigenetic and Genetic Variation Using the Model Organism C. elegans.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Zuryn
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
The relationship between phosphine resistance and genetic determinants of longevity
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rebecca Cramp
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Phosphine Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans: Synergy and Cross-Resistance with Other Pest Control Treatments, Including Gamma Radiation
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Characterization of Caenorhabditis elegans phosphine resistant mutant alh-6(wr3)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James Fraser
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Metabolic study of Alzheimer's disease using mutant C. elegans
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jürgen Götz
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Phosphine resistance mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Massimo Hilliard
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Genetics of phosphine resistance in the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steve Chenoweth
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Developing high-throughput methods for C. elegans to better understand the newly discovered gasotransmitter sulfur dioxide
Principal Advisor
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular genetics and ecology of phosphine resistance in Lesser Grain Borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)
Principal Advisor
-
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Studies on Phosphine Toxicity and resistance mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans
Principal Advisor
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
Comparative Genetic and Toxicological Analysis of Phosphine Resistance in the Lesser Grain Borer [(Rhyzopertha dominica (f.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)]
Principal Advisor
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
Mitochondrial Phosphine Toxicity and the Physiology and Genetics of Longevity in Caenorhabditis Elegans
Principal Advisor
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
Genetic mapping and pharmacological analysis of phosphine toxicity and resistance pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Simon Worrall
-
2006
Doctor Philosophy
ROLE OF IRON AND FERRITIN IN THE TOXICITY OF PHOSPHINE TO Caenorhabditis elegans
Principal Advisor
-
2005
Master Philosophy
GABA NEUROTRANSMITTER TRANSPORTERS (GAT)-1A AND GAT-1B, FROM THE HONEY BEE (APIS MELLIFERA): STRUCTURE, PHYLOGENETICS, EXPRESSION AND FUNCTION
Principal Advisor
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF CROSS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAYS DURING PATHOGEN RESISTANCE RESPONSE IN Arabidopsis thaliana
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
GENETIC ENGINEERING OF DISEASE RESISTANCE BY THE MANIPULATION OF PLANT DEFENCE SIGNALLING GENES
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
MOLECULAR GENETICS AND LINKAGE ANALYSIS OF PHOSPHINE RESISTANCE IN THE LESSER GRAIN BORER, RHYZOPERTHA DOMINICA (COLEOPTERA: BOSTRICHIDAE)
Principal Advisor
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
BANANA STREAK BADNAVIRUS (BSV) PROMOTERS - CHARACTERISATION, OPTIMISATION AND APPLICATION
Principal Advisor
-
2002
Doctor Philosophy
MOLECULAR-GENETICS OF OLFACTION AND ITS ROLE IN THE REGULATION OF INSECT BEHAVIOUR
Principal Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Mechanisms underlying inhibition of muscle disuse atrophy during aestivation in the green-striped burrowing frog, Cyclorana alboguttata
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rebecca Cramp, Professor Craig Franklin
-
2007
Doctor Philosophy
MITOCHONDRIAL GENOMICS OF LICE (INSECTA: PHTHIRAPETERA)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Stephen Barker
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
Biochemical and functional characterization of cysteine proteases from ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale)
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Paul Ebert directly for media enquiries about:
- C elegans - genetics
- Fumigant phosphine resistance in insects
- Genetics - C elegans
- Grain storage insects
- Insect fumigants
- Insect genetics
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: