
Overview
Background
Our research focuses on understanding how cells work and what goes wrong in disease. We are studying the role of cellular organelles in defence against pathogens, the molecular changes underlying muscle disease, and optimising methods to deliver therapeutics to specific cell types in whole animals.
Professor Robert Parton is an ARC Laureate Fellow, a group leader in the IMB Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease, and Deputy Director of the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and an Associate Member of EMBO.
Availability
- Professor Robert Parton is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Edinburgh
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Leicester
Research interests
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Multiscale analysis of cellular membrane function
Each of the cells that make up the organs of our bodies is enclosed by a plasma membrane, a complex sheet made up of lipids (fats) and proteins. The plasma membrane plays a crucial role in detecting signals for growth or in taking nutrients up into the cell. At the same time the plasma membrane protects the cell against unwanted invaders and must remain intact in the face of considerable forces. The properties of the plasma membrane rely on the specialisation of the plasma membrane into regions of specific function. The Parton group are studying caveolae, a specialised domain of the cell surface with a distinct structure (see Figure). Caveolae have been implicated in the regulation of cell growth and in maintaining the balance of lipids in the cell. Defective caveolae in human patients are associated with cancer, lipodystrophies (lack of fat tissue), muscular dystrophy, and cardiac disease. We have shown that caveolae can respond to forces on the plasma membrane by flattening and releasing proteins into the cell. In addition, we have shown that caveolae can respond to other signals, such as oxidative stress. We are now studying how these functions of caveolae are disrupted in human disease conditions. A significant goal of the group is to move from cell culture systems to studying cell biology in the whole organism. For this we extensively use the zebrafish, Danio rerio, as a model system. We are interested in using these systems to dissect how nanoparticles can be targeted to specific cell types, such as cancer cells. Finally, we have a major interest in the way that cells defend against invading pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. We have shown that cellular organelles that store fat, called lipid droplets, can kill invading bacteria. With our international collaborators, we are now unravelling the mechanisms and molecules involved in this novel defence pathway.
Works
Search Professor Robert Parton’s works on UQ eSpace
2002
Other Outputs
Caveolins
Parton, R. G. (2002). Caveolins.
2002
Journal Article
Characterization of a distinct plasma membrane macrodomain in differentiated adipocytes
Parton, R. G., Molero, Juan Carlos, Floetenmeyer, Matthias, Green, Kathryn M. and James, David E. (2002). Characterization of a distinct plasma membrane macrodomain in differentiated adipocytes. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 277 (48), 46769-46778. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M205683200
2001
Conference Publication
A role for cholesterol-dependent membrane microdomains in E-cadherin adhesion
McCormack, AJ, Pol, A, Parton, RG and Yap, AS (2001). A role for cholesterol-dependent membrane microdomains in E-cadherin adhesion. BETHESDA: AMER SOC CELL BIOLOGY.
2001
Conference Publication
Caveolin dominant-negative mutants perturb Ras signalling through cholesterol-rich raft domains
Parton, RG, Pol, A, Roy, S, Luetterforst, R and Hancock, JH (2001). Caveolin dominant-negative mutants perturb Ras signalling through cholesterol-rich raft domains. OXFORD: BLACKWELL SCIENCE LTD.
2001
Journal Article
A caveolin dominant negative mutant associates with lipid bodies and induces intracellular cholesterol imbalance
Pol, Albert, Luetterforst, Robert, Lindsay, Margaret, Heino, Sanna, Ikonen, Elina and Parton, Robert G. (2001). A caveolin dominant negative mutant associates with lipid bodies and induces intracellular cholesterol imbalance. Journal of Cell Biology, 152 (5), 1057-1070. doi: 10.1083/jcb.152.5.1057
2001
Journal Article
GTP-dependent segregation of H-ras from lipid rafts is required for biological activity
Prior, Ian A., Harding, Angus, Yan, Jun, Sluimer, Judith, Parton, Robert G. and Hancock, John F. (2001). GTP-dependent segregation of H-ras from lipid rafts is required for biological activity. Nature Cell Biology, 3 (4), 368-375. doi: 10.1038/35070050
2001
Journal Article
A novel 14-kilodalton protein interacts with the mitogen-activated protein kinase scaffold MP1 on a late endosomal/lysosomal compartment
Wunderlich, Winfried, Fialka, Irene, Teis, David, Alpi, Arno, Pfeifer, Andrea, Parton, Robert G., Lottspeich, Friedrich and Huber, Lukas A. (2001). A novel 14-kilodalton protein interacts with the mitogen-activated protein kinase scaffold MP1 on a late endosomal/lysosomal compartment. Journal of Cell Biology, 152 (4), 765-776. doi: 10.1083/jcb.152.4.765
2001
Journal Article
Which Ras rides the raft? - Reply
Prior, I. A., Parton, R. G. and Hancock, J. F. (2001). Which Ras rides the raft? - Reply. Nature Cell Biology, 3 (8), E172-E172. doi: 10.1038/35087100
2001
Journal Article
Effect of the toxic milk mutation (tx) on the function and intracellular localization of Wnd, the murine homologue of the Wilson copperATPase
La Fontaine, S., Theophilos, M. B., Firth, S. D., Gould, R., Parton, R. G. and Mercer, J. F. B. (2001). Effect of the toxic milk mutation (tx) on the function and intracellular localization of Wnd, the murine homologue of the Wilson copperATPase. Human Molecular Genetics, 10 (4), 361-370. doi: 10.1093/hmg/10.4.361
2001
Journal Article
N4WBP5, a potential target for ubiquitination by the nedd4 family of oriteins, is a novel golgi-associated protein
Harvey, K.F., Shearwin-Whyatt, L.M., Fotia, A., Parton, R. G. and Kimar, S. (2001). N4WBP5, a potential target for ubiquitination by the nedd4 family of oriteins, is a novel golgi-associated protein. The Journal of biological chemistry, 277 (11), 9307-9317.
2001
Journal Article
Caveolin and Ras function
Parton, R. G. and Hancock, J. F. (2001). Caveolin and Ras function. Methods in Enzymology, 333, 172-183. doi: 10.1016/S0076-6879(01)33055-0
2001
Journal Article
Flotillin-1-enriched lipid raft domains accumulate on maturing phagosomes
Dermine, J. F., Duclos, S., Garin, J., St-Louis, F., Rea, S., Parton, R. G. and Desjardins, M. (2001). Flotillin-1-enriched lipid raft domains accumulate on maturing phagosomes. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 276 (21), 18507-18512. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M101113200
2001
Conference Publication
Insights into the regulation of hedgehog signalling from subcellular localisation studies
Wicking, C. A., Evans, T., Wainwright, B. and Parton, R. (2001). Insights into the regulation of hedgehog signalling from subcellular localisation studies. -, -, -. Chicago, IL United States: University of Chicago Press.
2001
Journal Article
Cross-talk between caveolae and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-rich domains
Fivaz, M., Abrami, L., Kobayashi, T., Kinoshita, T., Parton, R. G. and van der Groot, G. F. (2001). Cross-talk between caveolae and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-rich domains. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 276 (33), 30729-30736. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M102039200
2001
Journal Article
Protein targeting to the plasma membrane of adult skeletal muscle fiber: An organized mosaic of functional domains
Rahkila, P., Takala, T. E. S., Parton, R. G. and Metsikko, K. (2001). Protein targeting to the plasma membrane of adult skeletal muscle fiber: An organized mosaic of functional domains. Experimental Cell Research, 267 (1), 61-72. doi: 10.1006/excr.2001.5101
2001
Journal Article
Life without caveolae
Parton, R. G. (2001). Life without caveolae. Science, 293 (5539), 2404-2405. doi: 10.1126/science.1065677
2000
Journal Article
Localization of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate in yeast and mammalian cells
Gillooly, D. J., Morrow, I. C., Lindsay, M., Gould, R., Bryant, N. J., Gaullier, J. M., Parton, R. G. and Stenmark, H. (2000). Localization of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate in yeast and mammalian cells. EMBO Journal, 19 (17), 4577-4588. doi: 10.1093/emboj/19.17.4577
2000
Journal Article
Syntaxin 7 is localized to late endosome compartments, associates with Vamp 8, and is required for late endosome-lysosome fusion
Mullock, Barbara M. M, Smith, Chez W., Ihrke, Gudrun, Bright, Nicholas A., Lindsay, Margaret, Parkinson, Emma J., Brooks, Doug A., Parton, Robert G., James, David E., Luzio, J. Paul and Piper, Robert C. (2000). Syntaxin 7 is localized to late endosome compartments, associates with Vamp 8, and is required for late endosome-lysosome fusion. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 11 (9), 3137-3153. doi: 10.1091/mbc.11.9.3137
2000
Journal Article
The growth suppressing gas1 product is a GPI-linked protein
Stebel, M, Vatta, P, Ruaro, ME, Del Sal, G, Parton, RG and Schneider, C (2000). The growth suppressing gas1 product is a GPI-linked protein. Febs Letters, 481 (2), 152-158. doi: 10.1016/S0014-5793(00)02004-4
2000
Journal Article
The recycling endosome of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells is a mildly acidic compartment rich in raft components
Gagescu, Raluca, Demaurex, Nicolas, Parton, Robert G., Hunziker, Walter, Huber, Lukas A. and Gruenberg, Jean (2000). The recycling endosome of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells is a mildly acidic compartment rich in raft components. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 11 (8), 2775-2791. doi: 10.1091/mbc.11.8.2775
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Robert Parton is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Zebrafish as a model to understand human muscle diseases
Contact Prof. Parton for further details
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Structure and function of a new family of caveolar coat proteins
Contact Prof. Parton for further details
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Novel pathways of endocytosis in cultured cells and in tissues
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Bioengineering of novel nanovesicles for drug delivery
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Tracking Nanoparticles in Cells and Tissues
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tom Hall
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Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Caveolar Proteins in Cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brett Collins, Dr Harriet Lo
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Doctor Philosophy
Molecular and Functional Characterisation of the Lipid Droplet as an Innate Immunity Hub
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Harriet Lo, Dr Tom Hall
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Doctor Philosophy
Functional Analysis of Caveolae
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicholas Ariotti, Dr Harriet Lo
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Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of The Role of Caveolar Coat Proteins in Breast Cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brett Collins, Dr Harriet Lo
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Doctor Philosophy
Mechanical and biological determinants of epithelial homeostasis.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alpha Yap
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Doctor Philosophy
Uncovering why CCM vascular malformations are restricted to the brain.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Anne Lagendijk
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Doctor Philosophy
A lipid sensing nexus between endocytosis and cardiovascular disease: characterising a new regulation pathway for eNOS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicholas Ariotti
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding Cytoskeletal-Golgi cross talk in cellular pathfinding in crowded tissue environments
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mel White, Dr Samantha Stehbens
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Doctor Philosophy
Revealing the mechanobiology of neural tube formation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Yanina Alvarez, Dr Mel White
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL MODULAR ENCAPSULATION SYSTEM FOR TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tom Hall
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of the cavin proteins role in the circadian rhythm
Principal Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Proteomic mapping of cavin-associated proteins in muscle: in vitro and in vivo proteomic approaches
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Harriet Lo, Dr Tom Hall
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Functional characterisation of caveolae: in vivo investigations using the zebrafish
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Harriet Lo, Dr Tom Hall
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of the function of caveolar coat cavin proteins in cancer progression
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Cell-free caveola formation as a system for high throughput interaction analysis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicholas Ariotti
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Structural and functional characterisation of the cavin membrane coat complex
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brett Collins
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular and Functional Characterization of a Clathrin-Independent Endocytic pathway, the CLIC/GEEC pathway
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alpha Yap
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Towards the development of a prokaryotic system for the in vitro study of caveola formation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brett Collins
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
The cavin proteins as regulators of caveolae formation and function
Principal Advisor
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
Clathrin Independent Carriers: Molecular characterisation of a novel clathrin-independent endocytic pathway
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Fiona Simpson
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
THE ROLE OF CAVEOLIN IN ENDOCYTOSIS AND CAVEOLAE BIOGENESIS
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
EFFECTS OF CELLULAR INTERACTIONS ON MICROTUBULE - DEPENDENT EVENTS IN MYELINATION
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL EXPRESSION OF CAVEOLIN
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Noakes
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
PROTEIN-LIPID INTERACTIONS WITHIN THE CELL
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Noakes
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
ENTRY OF ONCOGENIC DNA VIRUSES INTO ANIMAL CELLS
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Noakes
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Caveolae Respond to Acute Mechanical Stress by Activating a Novel Signalling Pathway for Reinforcement of Actomyosin
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alpha Yap
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Caveolae/Caveolin-1: A regulator of monolayer tension and oncogenic cell extrusion
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alpha Yap
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the role of caveolae in the uptake process of Streptococcus pyogenes into non-phagocytic host cells
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Walker
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular characterisation of the adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2
Associate Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Biomechanics of Epithelial Interactions: From Multicellular Cohesion to Oncogenic Transformation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alpha Yap
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Biodiscovery Search for Marine-Derived Inhibitors of P-gp, BCRP and MRP1 as a Means to Improve Cancer Chemotherapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Angela Salim, Professor Rob Capon
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation into the Regulation of Iosine- Monophophate Dehydogenase (IMPDH)
Associate Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Hypervariable regions of Ras isoforms dictate distinct functionality by targeting to specific protein complexes at microdomains
Associate Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
The Functional Characterisation of Centrobin in Endocytic Trafficking and Microtubule Dynamics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Kum Kum Khanna, Honorary Professor Nathan Subramaniam
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
A Proteomic Analysis of Ras-Containing Nanodomains & The Investigation of Endogenous Ras Signalling
Associate Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Cadherin-Microtubule Cooperativity
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alpha Yap
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
A STUDY OF THE MEMBRANE INTERACTIONS OF K-RAS
Associate Advisor
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
CO-OPERATION BETWEEN E-CADHERIN, PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL-3-KINASE, RAC AND THE WASP FAMILY PROTEIN, WAVE, IS NECESSARY FOR PRODUCTIVE CADHERIN-DEPENDENT CONTACT FORMATION.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alpha Yap
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
A NOVEL ROLE FOR THE NUCLEAR GROWTH HORMONE RECEPTOR IN CELLULAR PROLIFERATION
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Robert Parton directly for media enquiries about:
- Cancer development
- Caveolae
- Cell surface
- Cells
- Muscular dystrophy
- Plasma membrane
- Tumour formation
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