Overview
Background
Associate Professor Paul Dawson is the Mater Research Head of Education, MRI-UQ Director of Higher Degree Research, and a Mater Foundation Principal Research Fellow. Paul leads the Neurodevelopmental Research Group at Mater, which is focussed on cerebral palsy in preterm infants, non-syndromic intellectual disability and autism.
Paul’s research group collaborates very closely with neonatologists, maternal fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, bioinformaticians and biochemical pathologists at Mater to investigate clinical, biochemical and genetic markers that predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. In particular, his research is focussed on the role of nutrient sulphate in brain development. Paul through his work has brought many collaborative groups together. Some of his notable collaborations are with the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), the University of Sydney and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
With over 80 research publications, Paul notes a career highlight as being one of the key investigators, and Autism Biobank member, in the Autism Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) which was awarded $31 million from the Australian government.
Paul is heavily involved in national and international peer review and is a strong advocate for health and medical research with executive roles (Past-President 2012, Chair Advisory Committee) for the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR).
‘My career in medical research happened for many reasons, including my interest and passion for understanding the genetics of disorders that impact on people’s health and well-being. In my early days, I was fortunate to work with a group of like-minded biomedical and clinician scientists which kicked off many discoveries in neurodevelopment, as well as the opportunity to develop and investigate pre-clinical models with the aim of implementing research outcomes to improve healthcare. Working at Mater provides a fantastic opportunity to investigate new approaches for reducing the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. I look forward to the coming years when the benefits of our Mater-led research will be realised and proven around the globe. It’s a privilege to contribute to Australian health and medical research.’
Availability
- Dr Paul Dawson is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of New England Australia
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research impacts
Since joining Mater Research in 2010, A/Prof Dawson has brought together collaborative groups of clinicians, biomedical researchers, research entities (MCH/LCCH, MMH, QBI, QCIDD, AIBN, UQ CAI and SBMS) and the Mater Foundation, to investigate the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. These collaborations align with Mater’s strategic research programs Neuroscience and Cognitive Health and Mothers, Babies and Maternal Care. A/Prof Dawson was appointed Program Leader of Neurosciences and Cognitive Health in June 2016. Highlights of A/Prof Dawson’s research achievements include:
- Investigator (and Autism Biobank member representing Mater Research) in Program 1 of Autism CRC ($31.01M) 2013-2020.
- Investigator in the Queensland Floods 2011 (QF2011) study, studying the consequences of prenatal maternal stress on child behavioural, developmental and metabolic outcomes. Co-author on 2 publications.
- CIA on NHMRC-funded study ($720k 2015-2019, ranked 3rd quartile category 6) to investigate the links between biochemistry, genetics and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including cerebral palsy, in preterm infants.
- Principal Investigator on an Autism CRC Innovative grant using iPS cells as a model to study the cellular and molecular basis of autism ($40k, 2014-2015).
- Investigator on genetic/clinical studies of Intellectual Disability, with collaborations between Mater Research, LCCH, QCIDD and the Queensland Brain Institute.
- Initiated and led a world-first NATA approved diagnostic test (and establishment of clinical reference ranges) for plasma and urine sulphate measurements in Mater Pathology, South Brisbane, which has gained media attention for use in his NHMRC-funded neurodevelopmental studies.
- His achievements in perinatal research were recognised with the 2016 Simon & Nell George Award ($10,000) in recognition of exceptional work undertaken at the Mater in the area of Maternal and/or early childhood health and for support for the work of the Mater Foundation.
- Oral presentations at 25 local and 20 national/international scientific meetings.
- Initiated and prepared grant applications with successful funding of $1.5M (2010-present).
- Contributed as investigator on equipment grants with funding of $540,000 (2011-present).
- Recipient of Mater Foundation Research Fellowship (2014-20).
Works
Search Professor Paul Dawson’s works on UQ eSpace
2008
Journal Article
Development of an HPLC-MS/MS method for the selective determination of paracetamol metabolites in mouse urine
Hewavitharana, A., Lee, S., Dawson, P. A., Markovich, D. and Shaw, P. N. (2008). Development of an HPLC-MS/MS method for the selective determination of paracetamol metabolites in mouse urine. Analytical Biochemistry, 374 (1), 106-111. doi: 10.1016/j.ab.2007.11.011
2008
Conference Publication
Renal NaS1 sulfate transporter defect in autistic patients
Bowling, F. G., Heussler, H., Dawson, P., VanDongen, J. and Markovich, D. (2008). Renal NaS1 sulfate transporter defect in autistic patients. unknown, unknown, unknown. DORDRECHT: SPRINGER.
2008
Journal Article
Effect of commercial rosemary oleoresin preparations on ground chicken thigh meat quality packaged in a high-oxygen atmosphere
Keokamnerd, T., Acton, J. C., Han, I. Y. and Dawson, P. L. (2008). Effect of commercial rosemary oleoresin preparations on ground chicken thigh meat quality packaged in a high-oxygen atmosphere. Poultry Science, 87 (1), 170-179. doi: 10.3382/ps.2007-00066
2008
Book Chapter
Novel methods to improve the safety and quality of in-pack processed ready-to-eat meat and poultry products
Dawson, P. L. (2008). Novel methods to improve the safety and quality of in-pack processed ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. In-Pack Processed Foods: Improving Quality. (pp. 358-381) Elsevier Ltd.. doi: 10.1533/9781845694692.4.358
2008
Book Chapter
Environmentally friendly packaging of muscle foods
Dawson, P., Cooksey, K. and Mangalassary, S. (2008). Environmentally friendly packaging of muscle foods. Environmentally Compatible Food Packaging. (pp. 496-520) Elsevier Inc.. doi: 10.1533/9781845694784.3.496
2007
Book Chapter
Poultry Meat Flavor
Dawson, Paul L. and Spineli, Nick (2007). Poultry Meat Flavor. Handbook of Meat, Poultry and Seafood Quality. (pp. 439-454) Ames, Iowa, USA: Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1002/9780470277829.ch34
2007
Journal Article
Hyperserotonaemia and reduced brain serotonin in NaS1 sulfate transporter null mice
Lee, S., Kesby, J., Muslim, M. D., Steane, S. E., Eyles, D., Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2007). Hyperserotonaemia and reduced brain serotonin in NaS1 sulfate transporter null mice. NeuroReport, 18 (18), 1981-1985. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e3282f22998
2007
Journal Article
Genetic polymorphisms of human sulfate transporters
Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2007). Genetic polymorphisms of human sulfate transporters. Current Pharmacogenomics, 5 (4), 262-274. doi: 10.2174/157016007782793692
2007
Journal Article
Effect of ethanol rinse, Lactobacillus fermentum inoculation, and modified atmosphere on ground chicken meat quality
Keokamnerd, T., Acton, J. C., Han, I. Y. and Dawson, P. L. (2007). Effect of ethanol rinse, Lactobacillus fermentum inoculation, and modified atmosphere on ground chicken meat quality. Poultry Science, 86 (7), 1424-1430. doi: 10.1093/ps/86.7.1424
2007
Journal Article
Residence time and food contact time effects on transfer of Salmonella Typhimurium from tile, wood and carpet: Testing the five-second rule
Dawson, P., Han, I., Cox, M., Black, C. and Simmons, L. (2007). Residence time and food contact time effects on transfer of Salmonella Typhimurium from tile, wood and carpet: Testing the five-second rule. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 102 (4), 945-953. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03171.x
2007
Conference Publication
Sulfate ions in mammalian physiology: lesson from sulfate transporter null mice
Dawson, Paul A., McGukin, M. A. and Markovich, Daniel (2007). Sulfate ions in mammalian physiology: lesson from sulfate transporter null mice. Experimental Biology 2007, Washington, DC, April 28 - May 2 2007. USA: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
2007
Conference Publication
Sulfate ions in mammalian physiology: Lessons from sulfate transporter null mice
Dawson, Paul Anthony, McGuckin, Michael A. and Markovich, Daniel (2007). Sulfate ions in mammalian physiology: Lessons from sulfate transporter null mice. Experimental Biology 2007 Annual Meeting, Washington, DC, United States, 28 April-2 May 2007. FEDERATION AMER SOC EXP BIOL.
2007
Journal Article
Effect of combining nisin and/or lysozyme with in-package pasteurization on thermal inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat turkey bologna
Mangalassary, Sunil, Han, Inyee, Rieck, James, Acton, James, Jiang, Xiuping, Sheldon, Brian and Dawson, Paul (2007). Effect of combining nisin and/or lysozyme with in-package pasteurization on thermal inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat turkey bologna. Journal of Food Protection, 70 (11), 2503-2511. doi: 10.4315/0362-028X-70.11.2503
2006
Journal Article
Effect of dry honey on the shelf life of packaged Turkey slices
Antony, S., Rieck, J. R., Acton, J. C., Han, I. Y., Halpin, E. L. and Dawson, P. L. (2006). Effect of dry honey on the shelf life of packaged Turkey slices. Poultry Science, 85 (10), 1811-1820. doi: 10.1093/ps/85.10.1811
2006
Journal Article
Growth depth effects of bacteria in ground turkey meat patties subjected to high carbon dioxide or high oxygen atmospheres
Dhananjayan, R., Han, I. Y., Acton, J. C. and Dawson, P. L. (2006). Growth depth effects of bacteria in ground turkey meat patties subjected to high carbon dioxide or high oxygen atmospheres. Poultry Science, 85 (10), 1821-1828. doi: 10.1093/ps/85.10.1821
2006
Journal Article
Effects of packaging atmospheres on shelf-life quality of ground ostrich meat
Seydim, A. C., Acton, J. C., Hall, M. A. and Dawson, P. L. (2006). Effects of packaging atmospheres on shelf-life quality of ground ostrich meat. Meat Science, 73 (3), 503-510. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2006.01.010
2006
Journal Article
Disruption of NaS1 sulfate transport function in mice leads to enhanced acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity
Lee, S., Dawson, P. A., Hewavitharana, A. K., Shaw, P. N. and Markovich, D. (2006). Disruption of NaS1 sulfate transport function in mice leads to enhanced acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatology, 43 (6), 1241-1247. doi: 10.1002/hep.21207
2006
Conference Publication
Increased acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in the NaS1 and Sat1 sulfate transporter null mice
Lee, S, Dawson, P A, Hewavitharana, A, Shaw, P N and Markovich, D (2006). Increased acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in the NaS1 and Sat1 sulfate transporter null mice. ComBio2006, Brisbane / Brisbane Convention Centre, 24-28 September 2006. Brisbane: Australian Physiological Society.
2006
Journal Article
Transcriptional profile reveals altered hepatic lipid and cholesterol metabolism in hyposulfatemic NaS1 null mice
Dawson, P. A., Gardiner, B., Grimmond, S. and Markovich, D. (2006). Transcriptional profile reveals altered hepatic lipid and cholesterol metabolism in hyposulfatemic NaS1 null mice. Physiological Genomics, 26 (2), 116-124. doi: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00300.2005
2006
Conference Publication
Profiling acetaminophen metabolites in mouse urine by LC-MS-MS
Shaw, P N, Hewavitharana, A, Lee, S, Dawson, P A and Markovich, D (2006). Profiling acetaminophen metabolites in mouse urine by LC-MS-MS. British Pharmaceutical Conference, Manchester UK / Mancester International Convention Centre, 4-6 September 2006. Belfast, Northern Ireland: Pharmaceutical Press.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Paul Dawson is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
-
Neuroprotective role of sulfate in preterm infants
PhD project to investigate the molecular genetics and pathophysiology of nutrient sulfate deficiency in human fetal and neonatal development. The project will incorporate clinical, biochemical, genetic and molecular biology approaches.
-
Investigation of individuals with idiopathic intellectual disability
This study will investigate the genetic causes/factors that may contribute to currently unexplained intellectual disability. The study will increase understanding of fundamental biological abnormalities underpinning intellectual disability.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Neuroprotective role of sulphate among preterm infants (SuPreme study)
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular analyses of sulfation pathways in neurodevelopment following preterm birth
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Yvonne Eiby
-
Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of sulfate deficiency on preterm neonatal bone growth and development.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Allison Pettit, Dr Yvonne Eiby, Dr Susan Millard
-
Doctor Philosophy
Neuroprotective role of sulphate among preterm infants (SuPreme study)
Principal Advisor
-
Master Philosophy
The right ventricular (RV) response to exercise in patients with established pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and correlation to prognostic markers
Associate Advisor
Completed supervision
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
Physiological analysis of xenobiotic toxicity, steroids and neurotransmitters in mouse models of hyposulfataemia
Principal Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the role of the placental sulfate transporter Slc13a4 in fetal development.
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Simmons
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Genetic variants in Angelman syndrome and related disorders: relationship to phenotype and neuronal function
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Honey Heussler
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Role of the Sulfate Transporter SLC13A4 in Brain Development and Function
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Simmons
Media
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