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
- Hon Assoc Professor 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
Associate Professor Paul Dawson is an internationally recognised leader in sulfate biology whose research has transformed understanding of how sulfate supports healthy pregnancy, fetal development and brain function. For more than 20 years, his discoveries have advanced biomedical knowledge while delivering tangible benefits for mothers, newborns and children.
Improving outcomes for preterm infants. A/Prof Dawson identified sulfate deficiency as a previously under-recognised risk factor for impaired neurodevelopment. His research underpins the SuPreme Program, a world-first initiative investigating sulfate supplementation as a strategy to improve brain development and reduce the risk of cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities in very preterm infants. This work has attracted more than $2 million in competitive funding and is progressing toward clinical application.
Translating research into healthcare. His team developed Australia’s first NATA-accredited diagnostic test for plasma and urine sulfate measurements, providing clinicians and researchers with a practical tool to assess sulfate status in pregnancy, newborns and rare genetic disorders. This work was recognised through a Top 10 Translational Achievements Award from the Translational Research Institute.
Creating global impact. A/Prof Dawson’s discoveries established that maternal-fetal sulfate transport is essential for healthy growth and brain development. His work identified key sulfate transporter genes and linked disrupted sulfate supply to developmental disorders, influencing research in neuroscience, genetics, obstetrics and neonatology worldwide.
Building research capacity and leadership. A/Prof Dawson has supervised more than 60 research students and early-career researchers, many of whom now hold positions in academia, medicine and industry. He has also led research-training initiatives, established international collaborations, and contributed to major national programs including the Australian Autism Biobank.
Research impact beyond academia. Through scientific discovery, clinical translation and research leadership, A/Prof Dawson’s work is improving healthcare, enabling new diagnostic capabilities, supporting the development of therapies for vulnerable newborns, and strengthening Australia’s biomedical research workforce.
Works
Search Professor Paul Dawson’s works on UQ eSpace
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.
2006
Journal Article
Molecular cloning and characterization of the mouse Na+ sulfate cotransporter gene (Slc13a4): structure and expression
Dawson, Paul A., Pirlo, Katrina J., Steane, Sarah E., Kunzelmann, Karl, Chien, Yu Ju and Markovich, Daniel (2006). Molecular cloning and characterization of the mouse Na+ sulfate cotransporter gene (Slc13a4): structure and expression. Genes and Genetic Systems, 81 (4), 265-272. doi: 10.1266/ggs.81.265
2006
Journal Article
Effects of rosemary extract and sodium lactate on quality of vacuum-packaged ground ostrich meat
Seydim, Atif C., Guzel-Seydim, Zeynep B., Acton, Jim C. and Dawson, Paul L. (2006). Effects of rosemary extract and sodium lactate on quality of vacuum-packaged ground ostrich meat. Journal of Food Science, 71 (1), S71-S76. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2006.tb12409.x
2006
Conference Publication
Hyposulfataemia and gastrointestinal physiology
Dawson, P A, Strachan, A J, Huxley,, Mcguckin, M. A. and Markovich, D (2006). Hyposulfataemia and gastrointestinal physiology.
2006
Journal Article
Quality of fresh chicken breasts using a combination of modified atmosphere packaging and chlorine dioxide sachets
Ellis, M., Cooksey, K., Dawson, P., Han, I. and Vergano, P. (2006). Quality of fresh chicken breasts using a combination of modified atmosphere packaging and chlorine dioxide sachets. Journal of Food Protection, 69 (8), 1991-1996. doi: 10.4315/0362-028X-69.8.1991
2006
Conference Publication
Profiling acetaminophen metabolites in mouse urine by LC-MS-MS
Shaw, P. N., Hewavitharana, A. K., Lee, S., Dawson, P. and Markovich, D. (2006). Profiling acetaminophen metabolites in mouse urine by LC-MS-MS. The British Pharmaceutical Conference, Manchester, England, 4-6 September 2006. West Sussex, England, U.K.: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.. doi: 10.1211/002235706778251375
2005
Journal Article
Normal HPRT coding region in a male with gout due to HPRT deficiency (Brief Communication)
Dawson, Paul A., Gordon, Ross B., Keough, Dianne T. and Emmerson, Bryan T. (2005). Normal HPRT coding region in a male with gout due to HPRT deficiency (Brief Communication). Molecular Genetics And Metabolism, 85 (1), 78-80. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2005.01.005
2005
Journal Article
Pathogenetics of the human SLC26 transporters
Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2005). Pathogenetics of the human SLC26 transporters. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 12 (4), 385-396. doi: 10.2174/0929867053363144
2005
Journal Article
NaSi-1 and Sat-1: structure, function and transcriptional regulation of two genes encoding renal proximal tubular sulfate transporters
Lee, A., Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2005). NaSi-1 and Sat-1: structure, function and transcriptional regulation of two genes encoding renal proximal tubular sulfate transporters. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 37 (7), 1350-1356. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2005.02.013
2005
Conference Publication
Altered metabolism and lifespan in the NAs1 sulfate transporter null mouse
Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2005). Altered metabolism and lifespan in the NAs1 sulfate transporter null mouse. ComBio2005 Combined Conference, Adelaide S.A., 25-29 Sept 2005. South Australia: Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc..
2005
Journal Article
Functional characterization and genomic organization of the human Na+-sulfate cotransporter hNaS2 gene (SLC13A4)
Markovich, D., Regeer, R. R., Kunzelmann, K. and Dawson, P. A. (2005). Functional characterization and genomic organization of the human Na+-sulfate cotransporter hNaS2 gene (SLC13A4). Biochemical And Biophysical Research Communications, 326 (4), 729-734. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.11.102
2005
Conference Publication
Increased acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in the NaS1 sulphate transporter null mouse
Lee, K, Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2005). Increased acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in the NaS1 sulphate transporter null mouse. AuPS/ASB Canberra 2005 Meeting, Canberra Rydges Lakeside Hotel, 27-30 Sept, 2005. Canberra: Australian Physiological Society.
2005
Journal Article
Impaired memory and olfactory performance in NaSi-1 sulphate transporter deficient mice
Dawson, P. A., Steane, S. E. and Markovich, D. (2005). Impaired memory and olfactory performance in NaSi-1 sulphate transporter deficient mice. Behavioural Brain Research, 159 (1), 15-20. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2004.09.020
2005
Journal Article
In-package pasteurization combined with biocide-impregnated films to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium in Turkey Bologna
McCormick, Kevin E., Han, Inyee Y., Acton, James C., Sheldon, Brian W. and Dawson, Paul L. (2005). In-package pasteurization combined with biocide-impregnated films to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium in Turkey Bologna. Journal of Food Science, 70 (1), M52-M57. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2005.tb09046.x
2005
Conference Publication
Sulphate ions in mammalian physiology: lessons from sulphate transporter knock-out mice
Dawson, P. A., Gardiner, B., Lee, S., Ku, and Markovich, D. (2005). Sulphate ions in mammalian physiology: lessons from sulphate transporter knock-out mice. AuPS/ASB Canberra 2005 Meeting, Canberra Rydges Lakeside Hotel, 27-30 September. Canberra: ANU.
2005
Journal Article
The rat Na+-sulfate cotransporter rNaS2: functional characterization, tissue distribution, and gene (slc13a4) structure
Dawson, P. A., Pirlo, K. J., Steane, S. E., Nguyen, K. A., Kunzelmann, K., Chien, Y. J. and Markovich, D. (2005). The rat Na+-sulfate cotransporter rNaS2: functional characterization, tissue distribution, and gene (slc13a4) structure. Pflugers Archiv-european Journal of Physiology, 450 (4), 262-268. doi: 10.1007/s00424-005-1414-6
2005
Journal Article
Antimicrobial activity of nisin-adsorbed silica and corn starch powders
Dawson, P. L., Harmon, L., Sotthibandhu, A. and Han, I. Y. (2005). Antimicrobial activity of nisin-adsorbed silica and corn starch powders. Food Microbiology, 22 (1), 93-99. doi: 10.1016/j.fm.2004.04.001
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Hon Assoc Professor 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
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
Other advisors: Professor Sailesh Kumar
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sulfate biology in bronchiectasis: integrating biobank analyses, dietary assessment, and mechanistic invitro models.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lucy Burr
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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