
Overview
Background
Dr Woodruff is a Professor of Pharmacology who leads a research team aiming to find new therapeutic treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. Current therapies for these diseases are vastly inadequate, and so new research is needed to identify novel targets to slow or halt their progression. Prof Woodruff’s specific research revolves around the innate immune system in the brain, and the role of neuroinflammation in propagating disease. A key focus of his current work is testing new drugs developed at the University of Queensland in models of motor neuron disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson's disease, as well as maintaining an active interest in acute inflammatory disorders including sepsis and ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Using a series of potent and orally active complement C5a and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors developed at UQ, Prof Woodruff's team has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of targeting innate immune-mediated neuroinflammation to reduce neuronal cell death in animal models of these neurodegenerative diseases. His team has recently shown that in addition to their roles in neurodegeneration, innate immune factors also play essential roles in stem and neuronal cell development during embryogenesis, revealing the widespread physiological and pathological roles of this evolutionarily ancient immune system.
Availability
- Professor Trent Woodruff is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Neurodegenerative disease
Studying new treatments to halt disease progression
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Parkinson's disease
Studying new treatments to halt disease progression
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Motor neuron disease
Studying new treatments to halt disease progression
Works
Search Professor Trent Woodruff’s works on UQ eSpace
2015
Journal Article
C5a alters blood-brain barrier integrity in a human in vitro model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Mahajan, Supriya D., Parikh, Neil U., Woodruff, Trent M., Jarvis, James N., Lopez, Molly, Hennon, Teresa, Cunningham, Patrick, Quigg, Richard J., Schwartz, Stanley A. and Alexander, Jessy J. (2015). C5a alters blood-brain barrier integrity in a human in vitro model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunology, 146 (1), 130-143. doi: 10.1111/imm.12489
2015
Journal Article
The role of C5a receptor signaling in endotoxin-induced miscarriage and preterm birth
Denny, Kerina J., Coulthard, Liam G., Mantovani, Susanna, Simmons, David, Taylor, Stephen M. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2015). The role of C5a receptor signaling in endotoxin-induced miscarriage and preterm birth. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 74 (2), 148-155. doi: 10.1111/aji.12386
2015
Journal Article
Antiallodynic effects of alpha lipoic acid in an optimized RR-EAE mouse model of MS-neuropathic pain are accompanied by attenuation of upregulated BDNF-TrkB-ERK signalling in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord
Khan, Nemat, Gordon, Richard, Woodruff, Trent M. and Smith, Maree T. (2015). Antiallodynic effects of alpha lipoic acid in an optimized RR-EAE mouse model of MS-neuropathic pain are accompanied by attenuation of upregulated BDNF-TrkB-ERK signalling in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Pharmacology Research and Perspectives, 3 (3) e00137, 1-16. doi: 10.1002/prp2.137
2015
Journal Article
Absence of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) extends survival in the hSOD1<sup>G93A</sup> mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Lee, Jia Y., Lee, John D., Phipps, Simon, Noakes, Peter G. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2015). Absence of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) extends survival in the hSOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 12 (1) 90, 90. doi: 10.1186/s12974-015-0310-z
2015
Journal Article
A commentary on: "NF kappa B-activated astroglial release of complement C3 compromises neuronal morphology and function associated with Alzheimer's disease". A cautionary note regarding C3aR
Woodruff, Trent M. and Tenner, Andrea J. (2015). A commentary on: "NF kappa B-activated astroglial release of complement C3 compromises neuronal morphology and function associated with Alzheimer's disease". A cautionary note regarding C3aR. Frontiers in Immunology, 6 (MAY) 220, 220. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00220
2015
Journal Article
The complement receptor C5aR controls acute inflammation and astrogliosis following spinal cord injury
Brennan, Faith H., Gordon, Richard, Lao, Hong W., Biggins, Patrick J., Taylor, Stephen M., Franklin, Robin J. M., Woodruff, Trent M. and Ruitenberg, Marc J. (2015). The complement receptor C5aR controls acute inflammation and astrogliosis following spinal cord injury. Journal of Neuroscience, 35 (16), 6517-6531. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5218-14.2015
2015
Journal Article
Is the complement activation product C3a a proinflammatory molecule? Re-evaluating the evidence and the myth
Coulthard, Liam G. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2015). Is the complement activation product C3a a proinflammatory molecule? Re-evaluating the evidence and the myth. Journal of Immunology, 194 (8), 3542-3548. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1403068
2015
Journal Article
A novel anticonvulsant mechanism via inhibition of complement receptor C5ar1 in murine epilepsy models
Benson, Melissa J, Thomas, Nicola K, Talwar, Sahil, Hodson, Mark P, Lynch, Joseph W, Woodruff, Trent M and Borges, Karin (2015). A novel anticonvulsant mechanism via inhibition of complement receptor C5ar1 in murine epilepsy models. Neurobiology of Disease, 76, 87-97. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.004
2015
Journal Article
Properdin provides protection from Citrobacter rodentium-induced intestinal inflammation in a C5a/IL-6-dependent manner
Jain, Umang, Cao, Qi, Thomas, Nikhil A, Woodruff, Trent M, Schwaeble, Wilhelm J, Stover, Cordula M and Stadnyk, Andrew W (2015). Properdin provides protection from Citrobacter rodentium-induced intestinal inflammation in a C5a/IL-6-dependent manner. Journal of Immunology, 194 (7), 3414-3421. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401814
2015
Conference Publication
Blood brain barrier impairment alters the pharmacokinetic properties of the complement C5aR1 antagonist PMX205 in mouse models of neurodegeneration
Kumar, Vinod, Lee, John, Noakes, Peter and Woodruff, Trent (2015). Blood brain barrier impairment alters the pharmacokinetic properties of the complement C5aR1 antagonist PMX205 in mouse models of neurodegeneration. 8th International Conference on Complement Therapeutics, Chania, Crete, Greece, 1-6 January 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Peripheral immune complement activation in neurodegenerative disease
Mantovani, S., Gordon, R., Ngo, S., Pfluger, C., O'Sullivan, J., Noakes, P., Henderson, R., McCombe, P. and Woodruff, T. (2015). Peripheral immune complement activation in neurodegenerative disease. 25th Biennial Meeting of the International-Society-for-Neurochemistry Jointly with the 13th Meeting of the Asian-Pacific-Society-for-Neurochemistry in Conjunction with the 35th Meeting of the Australasian-Neuroscience-Society, Cairns Australia, 23-27 August 2015. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/jnc.13188
2015
Conference Publication
Investigating the role of C5a-CD88 signalling axis in diabetic nephropathy
Tan, S. M., Nguyen, T. V., Woodruff, T. M. and Coughlan, M. T. (2015). Investigating the role of C5a-CD88 signalling axis in diabetic nephropathy. 51st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology, Canberra, Australia, 7-9 September, 2015. Richmond, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/nep.12543
2015
Conference Publication
Paraquat activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome in microglia via the NADPH oxidase pathway
Albornoz, E., Deora, V., Robertson, B. A., Cooper, M. A., Schroder, K., Woodruff, T. M. and Gordon, R. (2015). Paraquat activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome in microglia via the NADPH oxidase pathway. International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Melbourne, Australia, Aug 21-26, 2016. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-Blackwell.
2015
Conference Publication
Unexpected activities of the complement pathway in migrating neurons
Reiner, O., Gorelik, A., Sapir, T., Bialas, A. R., Stevens, B., Woodruff, T. M. and Haffner-Krausz, R. (2015). Unexpected activities of the complement pathway in migrating neurons. 25th Biennial Meeting of the International Society for Neurochemistry Jointly with the 13th Meeting of the Asian Pacific Society for Neurochemistry in Conjunction with the 35th Meeting of the Australasian Neuroscience Society, Cairns, QLD Australia, 23-27 August 2015. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/jnc.13185
2014
Journal Article
Derivation of ligands for the complement C3a receptor from the C-terminus of C5a
Halai, Reena, Bellows-Peterson, Meghan L., Branchett, Will, Smadbeck, James, Kieslich, Chris A., Croker, Daniel E., Cooper, Matthew A., Morikis, Dimitrios, Woodruff, Trent M., Floudas, Christodoulos A. and Monk, Peter N. (2014). Derivation of ligands for the complement C3a receptor from the C-terminus of C5a. European Journal of Pharmacology, 745, 176-181. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.10.041
2014
Journal Article
Brief report: Complement C5a promotes human embryonic stem cell pluripotency in the absence of FGF2
Hawksworth, Owen A., Coulthard, Liam G., Taylor, Stephen M., Wolvetang, Ernst J. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2014). Brief report: Complement C5a promotes human embryonic stem cell pluripotency in the absence of FGF2. Stem Cells, 32 (12), 3278-3284. doi: 10.1002/stem.1801
2014
Journal Article
Establishment and characterization of an optimized mouse model of multiple sclerosis-induced neuropathic pain using behavioral, pharmacologic, histologic and immunohistochemical methods
Khan, Nemat, Woodruff, Trent M. and Smith, Maree T. (2014). Establishment and characterization of an optimized mouse model of multiple sclerosis-induced neuropathic pain using behavioral, pharmacologic, histologic and immunohistochemical methods. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 126, 13-27. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.09.003
2014
Journal Article
Crosstalk between TGF-β1 and complement activation augments epithelial injury in pulmonary fibrosis
Gu H., Mickler E.A., Cummings O.W., Sandusky G.E., Weber D.J., Gracon A., Woodruff T., Wilkes D.S. and Vittal R. (2014). Crosstalk between TGF-β1 and complement activation augments epithelial injury in pulmonary fibrosis. FASEB Journal, 28 (10), 4223-4234. doi: 10.1096/fj.13-247650
2014
Journal Article
Elevation of the terminal complement activation products C5a and C5b-9 in ALS patient blood
Mantovani, S., Gordon, R., Macmaw, J. K., Plfluger, C. M., Henderson, R. D., Noakes, P. G., McCombe, P. A. and Woodruff, T. M. (2014). Elevation of the terminal complement activation products C5a and C5b-9 in ALS patient blood. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 276 (1-2), 213-218. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.09.005
2014
Journal Article
Insights into the mechanism of C5aR inhibition by PMX53 via implicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations and docking
Tamamis, Phanourios, Kieslich, Chris A., Nikiforovich, Gregory V., Woodruff, Trent M., Morikis, Dimitrios and Archontis, Georgios (2014). Insights into the mechanism of C5aR inhibition by PMX53 via implicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations and docking. BMC Biophysics, 7 (1) 5, 1-16. doi: 10.1186/2046-1682-7-5
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Trent Woodruff is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Role of immune and inflammatory pathways in the progression of neurodegenerative disease
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Therapeutic blockade of neuroinflammation for the treatment of Huntington's disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr John Lee, Dr Eduardo Albornoz Balmaceda
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Doctor Philosophy
Preclinical evaluation of complement receptor targeted drugs for neurological disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Richard Clark, Dr John Lee, Dr Vinod Kumar
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Doctor Philosophy
Elucidating the Role of Neuronal C5aR1
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mark Bellingham
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Doctor Philosophy
The role of neuronal complement activation in Motor Neuron Disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jenny Fung, Dr John Lee
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Doctor Philosophy
The role of C5a and ß-1 adrenergic receptors on cardiovascular function in cats
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Wally Thomas, Professor Paul Mills
-
Doctor Philosophy
The potential role of CXCR2 activation in motor neuron disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Pamela McCombe, Dr Jenny Fung, Dr John Lee
-
Doctor Philosophy
The role of terminal complement pathway in neurodevelopment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jenny Fung, Dr John Lee
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Doctor Philosophy
Design and development of peptide ligands targeting the complement system
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Richard Clark
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Doctor Philosophy
A novel treatment for chronic pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Maree Smith, Dr Andy Kuo, Dr Amanda Kijas, Dr Felicity Han
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Doctor Philosophy
Unravelling the Role of Astrocytes in Motor Neuron Disease to discover new therapeutic targets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jenny Fung, Dr John Lee
-
Doctor Philosophy
The potential role of CXCR2 activation in motor neuron disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Pamela McCombe, Dr Jenny Fung, Dr John Lee
-
Doctor Philosophy
The role of terminal complement pathway in neurodevelopment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr John Lee, Dr Jenny Fung
-
Doctor Philosophy
Complement in subarachnoid haemorrhage
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr John Lee, Dr Liam Coulthard
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Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Neutrophils in Motor Neuron Disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Pamela McCombe, Dr Jenny Fung, Dr John Lee, Dr Cedric Cui
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding pathomechanisms in Alzheimer's disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Pranesh Padmanabhan
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Elucidating the Role of Neuronal C5aR1
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mark Bellingham
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Complement Modulation of Peripheral Immunity in Motor Neurone Disease and Huntington's Disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr John Lee, Professor Naomi Wray
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Preclinical development of complement C5aR1 antagonists for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Richard Clark, Dr John Lee, Dr Vinod Kumar, Dr Felicity Han
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the Immunopharmacology of the Complement C5a Receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Richard Clark, Dr John Lee, Professor Mark Blaskovich
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Pharmacological targeting of the inflammasome: towards novel therapeutics for Parkinson's disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Avril Robertson, Dr Richard Gordon
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The role of GPR43 in neuroinflammation and the hSOD1G93A mouse model of motor neuron disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr John Lee, Dr Richard Gordon
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Contribution of innate immune signalling to microglial activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Noakes, Dr Richard Gordon
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of the C5a Receptor, C5aR2, in Neurodegenerative Disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Richard Gordon
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the role of C5a-C5aR1 signalling in development through pluripotent stem cell modelling
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ernst Wolvetang, Dr David Simmons
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Pharmacokinetics of complement C5a receptor 1 antagonists in mice, and their role in protecting CNS barriers during neurodegeneration
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Noakes
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
The Anaphylatoxin Receptors in Neural Progenitor Cell Physiology
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Simmons
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
The role of complement anaphylatoxin receptors in mammary tumour growth: identification of new therapeutic targets
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Barbara Rolfe, Dr Wenyi Gu
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of the Complement System in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Noakes
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Role of innate immune complement and toll-like receptor signalling in neurodegeneration.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Noakes
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
The role of complement anaphylatoxin receptors in intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury: Pathophysiology and mechanism of action
Principal Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
The generation and role of complement factor C5a during cerebral brain ischemia/reperfusion.
Principal Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Novel disease-modifying therapeutic targets for neuroinflammation and progressive neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease and motor neuron disease.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Richard Gordon
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Design and Development of Peptides Targeting the C5a-C5aR Interaction
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Johan Rosengren, Associate Professor Richard Clark
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Modulating innate immune responses through the putative anti-inflammatory target FFA2
Associate Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Deciphering the role of innate and adaptive immunity following traumatic spinal cord injury: a route to improved outcomes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marc Ruitenberg
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Contribution of complement anaphylatoxin receptors to melanoma growth: potential therapeutic targets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Barbara Rolfe, Dr Wenyi Gu
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
The role of complement in epilepsy: A specific focus on C5ar1 and its role in seizure initiation and disease development
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Karin Borges
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Complement Anaphylatoxin Receptors in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marc Ruitenberg
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Role of complement in ALS: regulating peripheral immune cells in skeletal muscle of hSOD1G93A mouse model of ALS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Noakes
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Cellular and molecular insights into multiple sclerosis-induced neuropathic pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Maree Smith
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Novel receptor-mediated mechanisms and treatment strategies in ischemic stroke therapy
Associate Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of C5a in Pregnancy and Fetal Development
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Leonie Callaway
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Trent Woodruff directly for media enquiries about:
- Drug Development
- Huntington's disease
- motor neuron disese
- Neurodegenerative disease
- Parkinson's disease
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