Professor Robert Parton
Professor

Robert Parton

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 62032

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

Biological Sciences

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Edinburgh
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Leicester

Research interests

  • 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.

Search Professor Robert Parton’s works on UQ eSpace

503 works between 1986 and 2024
All (503) Journal Article (448) Book Chapter (5) Conference Publication (48) Other Outputs (2)

501 - 503 of 503 works

1988

Journal Article

Tetanus Toxin Binding to Mouse Spinal-Cord Cells - An Evaluation of the Role of Gangliosides in Toxin Internalization

Parton, RG, Ockleford, CD and Critchley, DR (1988). Tetanus Toxin Binding to Mouse Spinal-Cord Cells - An Evaluation of the Role of Gangliosides in Toxin Internalization. Brain Research, 475 (1), 118-127. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(88)90204-1

Tetanus Toxin Binding to Mouse Spinal-Cord Cells - An Evaluation of the Role of Gangliosides in Toxin Internalization

1987

Journal Article

A study of the mechanism of internalization of tetanus toxin by primary mouse spinal-cord cultures

Parton, RG, Ockleford, CD and Critchley, DR (1987). A study of the mechanism of internalization of tetanus toxin by primary mouse spinal-cord cultures. Journal of Neurochemistry, 49 (4), 1057-1068. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1987.tb09994.x

A study of the mechanism of internalization of tetanus toxin by primary mouse spinal-cord cultures

1986

Journal Article

Characterization of Tetanus Toxin Binding to Rat-Brain Membranes - Evidence for a High-Affinity Proteinase-Sensitive Receptor

Pierce, E. J., Davison, M. D., Parton, R. G., Habig, W. H. and Critchley, D. R. (1986). Characterization of Tetanus Toxin Binding to Rat-Brain Membranes - Evidence for a High-Affinity Proteinase-Sensitive Receptor. Biochemical Journal, 236 (3), 845-852. doi: 10.1042/bj2360845

Characterization of Tetanus Toxin Binding to Rat-Brain Membranes - Evidence for a High-Affinity Proteinase-Sensitive Receptor

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Super-resolution platform to accelerate biological and molecular research
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    Lipid droplets as innate immunity hubs (DRIMMS) (ERC Synergy Grant administered by Clínic Foundation for Biomedical Research - August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute)
    Clínic Foundation for Biomedical Research - August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Tracking nanoparticles: from cell culture to in vivo delivery
    ARC Australian Laureate Fellowships
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2024
    Functional analysis of a novel variant in CAV3
    Australian Functional Genomics Network
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Cryo-Focused Ion Beam Facility for soft and hard materials (ARC LIEF project administered by UNSW)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Making muscle: molecular dissection of membrane domain formation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Caveolin-1 regulates breast cancer metastasis through Gas6/AXL signalling (Cancer Council Victoria grant administered by La Trobe University)
    La Trobe University
    Open grant
  • 2019
    In vivo imaging system for tracking inflammation, infection, cancer, pain and bioactive molecules
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Structural and Functional Analysis of Plasma Membrane Microdomains in Health and Disease
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Translating membrane proteins into therapeutics; from bedside to bench (NHMRC Program Grant administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Automated high resolution & high contrast cryoTEM for 3D structural biology
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Cryoelectron Microscopy Platform for Cellular Structural Biology
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018
    In vivo optical imaging into the next generation
    UQ Research Facilities Infrastructure Grants
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Molecular dissection of the function of caveolae
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Lattice light sheet microscopy for imaging biology in real space and time
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2024
    ACRF Cancer Ultrastructure and Function Facility
    Australian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Molecular characterisation of transverse tubule development in skeletal muscle
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Mammalian lipid droplets: a central role in the organismal antibacterial response?
    Human Frontier Science Program Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Reaching new heights in high-resolution electron microscopy
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Femtosecond laser imaging system for multi-photon microscopy
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Structural basis for the assembly of caveolae
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2021
    ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology (Monash lead institution)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Dual Column-Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscope facility for Queensland
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Leica TCS SP8 microscope
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2018
    NHMRC Research Fellowship (SPRF): Multiscale analysis of plasma membrane microdomains in health and disease
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2017
    Program in membrane interface biology
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Molecular Characterisation of Clathrin-independent Endocytosis in Migrating Cells
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Quantitave real-time PCR instrumentation for rapid, high-throughput gene expression studies.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Scanning electron microscope to house 3-Dimensional Sectioning Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy system - Rapid live cell imaging of dynamic biological processes
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Structural Analysis of a Novel Plasma Membrane Coat Complex
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Zebrafish Aquarium-Genetic Screening, Nursery and Importation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Automated Deconvolution optical microscope workstation for high-throughput and high-resolution/live cell analysis
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Large scale automated electron microscopic sectioning facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Quantitative real-time PCR instrumentation for rapid, high-throughput gene expression studies
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2014
    Modulating cholesterol-dependent lipid rafts and caveolin in prostate cancer therapy
    Association for International Cancer Research
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Automated liquid handling platform
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Does PTRF-cavin control endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis?
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Molecular cell biological analysis of caveolin secretion
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Myosin VI: a novel molecular apparatus for epithelial cohesion.
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    The primary cilium in hedgehog signalling and disease
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Zebrafish Aquarium - expand capacity of existing Zebrafish facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Zebrafish behavioural suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2016
    The ACRF Cancer Biology Imaging Facility
    Australian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    A systems biology approach to elucidate the molecular mechanism of caveolin-1 and statins in prostate cancer progression and metastasis
    Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Young Investigator Grant Program
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Caveolin-1 and the formation of new blood vessels
    National Heart Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2013
    Caveospheres; from molecular cell biology to a novel therapeutic vehicle
    NHMRC Australia Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    High Speed Fluorescence Imaging coupled with Total Internal Reflection Microscopy and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching System
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2013
    Molecular and Functional Characterisation of Cell Surface Microdomains
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2011
    Physical and biochemical mechanisms of membrane deformation in lipid-mediated endocytosis
    Human Frontier Science Program Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Molecular Characterisation of Lipid Droplet Function
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Two-photon microscopy of albumin handling by the intact kidney
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    High Resolution EM Tomography of Specialised Plasma Membrane Domains
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    NHMRC PRINCIPAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2005
    NHMRC_Equipment Grant = Purchase of a biological transmission electron microscope (TEM)
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    NHMRC_Equipment Grant_IMB_Molecular Cell Biology
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Agilent Microarray Scanner
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    Regulation Of Endosome Function Of The AAA-ATPase Vps4
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    Regulation Of Hedgehog Signalling Through Intracellular Trafficking Events
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2007
    The role of plasma membrane microdomains In cellular function
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Functional characterization of caveolae and caveolins
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Molecular characterization of SV40 infection
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2002
    Molecular characterisation of the function of a muscle-specific caveolar protein
    NHMRC 5 Year Extended Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2004
    NHMRC RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
    NHMRC Fellowship Grant
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2002
    Lipid protein interactions in endocytosis
    Human Frontier Science Program Organisation
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Molecular characterisation of caveolae formation and function
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Molecular regulation of GLUT4 targeting
    Ramaciotti Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1999
    The role of caveolins in smooth muscle cell function
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Functional role of SNARE regulatory proteins in lysosomal biogenesis
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Surface to Nucleus Transport of Oncogenic DNA Viruses
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 2000
    Molecular analysts of protein function in the living cell
    Wellcome Trust
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Characterisation of SV40 virus entry into animal cells
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1999
    Functional characterisation of a novel muscle-specific caveolar protein
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Plasma membrane signalling domains in neuronal cells
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1997
    Molecular characterisation of endosome dynamics and organisation.
    Human Frontier Science Program Organisation
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1998
    Characterisation of caveolae biogenesis and function
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Robert Parton is:
Available for supervision

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

Available projects

  • Zebrafish as a model to understand human muscle diseases

    Contact Prof. Parton for further details

  • Structure and function of a new family of caveolar coat proteins

    Contact Prof. Parton for further details

  • Novel pathways of endocytosis in cultured cells and in tissues

    Contact Prof. Parton for further details

  • Bioengineering of novel nanovesicles for drug delivery

    Contact Prof. Parton for further details

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Functional Analysis of Caveolae

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tom Hall

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Tracking Nanoparticles in Cells and Tissues

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tom Hall

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Role of Caveolar Proteins in Cancer

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Brett Collins, Dr Harriet Lo

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Uncovering why CCM vascular malformations are restricted to the brain.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Anne Lagendijk

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding Cytoskeletal-Golgi cross talk in cellular pathfinding in crowded tissue environments

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Mel White, Dr Samantha Stehbens

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Revealing the mechanobiology of neural tube formation

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Yanina Alvarez, Dr Mel White

Completed supervision

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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