
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
2012
Journal Article
Complement activation in the injured central nervous system: Another dual-edged sword?
Brennan, Faith H., Anderson, Aileen J., Taylor, Stephen M., Woodruff, Trent M. and Ruitenberg, Marc J. (2012). Complement activation in the injured central nervous system: Another dual-edged sword?. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 9 (1) 137, 137. doi: 10.1186/1742-2094-9-137
2012
Journal Article
Complement C5a regulates prolabor mediators in human placenta
Lappas, Martha, Woodruff, Trent M., Taylor, Stephen M. and Permezel, Michael (2012). Complement C5a regulates prolabor mediators in human placenta. Biology of Reproduction, 86 (6) 190, 190.1-190.9. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.098475
2012
Journal Article
De novo peptide design with C3a receptor agonist and antagonist activities: Theoretical predictions and experimental validation
Bellows-Peterson, Meghan L., Fung, Ho Ki, Floudas, Christodoulos A., Kieslich, Chris A., Zhang, Li, Morikis, Dimitrios, Wareham, Kathryn J., Monk, Peter N., Hawksworth, Owen A. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2012). De novo peptide design with C3a receptor agonist and antagonist activities: Theoretical predictions and experimental validation. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 55 (9), 4159-4168. doi: 10.1021/jm201609k
2012
Conference Publication
Antagonizing C5aR reduces T Cell- IL-10-dependent colitis in pre-clinical models
Jain, Umang, Woodruff, Trent and Stadnyk, Andrew (2012). Antagonizing C5aR reduces T Cell- IL-10-dependent colitis in pre-clinical models. 2012 Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s National Clinical & Research Conference, Hollywood, Fl, United States, 13-15 December 2012. Philadelphia, PA, United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. doi: 10.1002/ibd.23058
2012
Conference Publication
Deficiency of the complement anaphylatoxin receptor C3aR on leukocytes worsens the outcome from spinal cord injury by promoting neutrophilia
Brennan, Faith H., Blomster, Linda V., Costantini, Alexander M., Taylor, Stephen M., Woodruff, Trent M. and Ruitenberg, Marc J. (2012). Deficiency of the complement anaphylatoxin receptor C3aR on leukocytes worsens the outcome from spinal cord injury by promoting neutrophilia. 11th International Congress of Neuroimmunology (ISNI), Boston MA., United States, 4-8 November 2012. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier.
2012
Conference Publication
The C3a receptor mediates protection from intestinal ischemia reperfusion injuries by impairing neutrophil mobilization
Woodruff, Trent M., Wu, Mike C. L., Brennan, Faith H., Wetsel, Rick A., Ruitenberg, Marc J. and Taylor, Stephen M. (2012). The C3a receptor mediates protection from intestinal ischemia reperfusion injuries by impairing neutrophil mobilization. 24th International Complement Workshop (ICW), Chania, Crete, Greece, 10-15 October 2012. Jena, Germany: Urban und Fischer Verlag. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.08.229
2012
Book Chapter
Innate immunity in ALS
Lee, John D., Lee, Jia Y., Taylor, Stephen M., Noakes, Peter G. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2012). Innate immunity in ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (pp. 393-412) edited by Martin H. Maurer. Croatia: InTech - Open Access Publisher. doi: 10.5772/30341
2012
Conference Publication
De novo protein design of agonists and antagonists of C5a receptors
Monkl, Peter N., Bellows-Peterson, Meghan L., Smadbeck, James, Floudas, Christodoulos A., Kieslich, Christopher A., Morikis, Dimitrios and Woodruff, Trent M. (2012). De novo protein design of agonists and antagonists of C5a receptors. 24th International Complement Workshop (ICW), Chania, Crete, Greece, 10-15 October 2012. Jena, Germany: Urban und Fischer Verlag. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.08.097
2012
Conference Publication
Expression of complement factors and functional C5a receptors in human embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells
Hawksworth, Owen A., Coulthard, Liam G., Taylor, Stephen M., Wolvetang, Ernst J. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2012). Expression of complement factors and functional C5a receptors in human embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. 24th International Complement Workshop (ICW), Chania, Crete, Greece, 10-15 October 2012. Jena, Germany: Urban und Fischer Verlag. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.08.116
2012
Conference Publication
The complement receptors CD88, C5L2 and C3AR mediate inflammatory injury following transient cerebral ischemia
Pavlovski, D., Thundyil, J., Taylor, S. M., Arumugam, T., V and Woodruff, T. M. (2012). The complement receptors CD88, C5L2 and C3AR mediate inflammatory injury following transient cerebral ischemia. Stroke 2012 Conference - A combined event of the Stroke Society of Australasia 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting and the 8th Smart Strokes Australasian Nursing and Allied Health Stroke Conference, Sydney NSW Australia, 29-31 August 2012. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia.
2011
Journal Article
Inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis by a complement C5a receptor antagonist in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats
Iyer, Abishek, Woodruff, Trent M., Wu, Mike C. L., Stylianou, Con, Reid, Robert C., Fairlie, David P., Taylor, Stephen M. and Brown, Lindsay (2011). Inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis by a complement C5a receptor antagonist in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 58 (5), 479-486. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0b013e31822a7a09
2011
Journal Article
Inhibiting the C5-C5a receptor axis
Woodruff, Trent M., Nandakumar, Kutty S. and Tedesco, Francesco (2011). Inhibiting the C5-C5a receptor axis. Molecular Immunology, 48 (14), 1631-1642. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2011.04.014
2011
Journal Article
Oral treatment with complement factor C5a receptor (CD88) antagonists inhibits experimental periodontitis in rats
Breivik, T., Gundersen, Y., Gjermo, P., Taylor, S. M., Woodruff, T. M. and Opstad, P. K. (2011). Oral treatment with complement factor C5a receptor (CD88) antagonists inhibits experimental periodontitis in rats. Journal of Periodontal Research, 46 (6), 643-647. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2011.01383.x
2011
Journal Article
Complement C5a inhibition reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE(-/-) mice
Manthey, Helga D., Thomas, Anita C., Shiels, Ian A., Zernecke, Alma, Woodruff, Trent M., Rolfe, Barbara and Taylor, Stephen M. (2011). Complement C5a inhibition reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE(-/-) mice. FASEB Journal, 25 (7), 2447-2455. doi: 10.1096/fj.10-174284
2011
Journal Article
Pathophysiology, treatment, and animal and cellular models of human ischemic stroke
Woodruff, Trent M., Thundyil, John, Tang, Sung Chun, Sobey, Christopher G., Taylor, Stephen M. and Arumugam, Thiruma V. (2011). Pathophysiology, treatment, and animal and cellular models of human ischemic stroke. Molecular Neurodegeneration, 6 (1) 11, 1-19. doi: 10.1186/1750-1326-6-11
2011
Journal Article
Increased expression of C5a receptor (CD88) mRNA in canine mammary tumors
Hezmee, Mohd Noor Mohd, Kyaw-Tanner, Myat, Lee, Jia Yu Peppermint, Shiels, Ian A., Rolfe, Barbara, Woodruff, Trent and Mills, Paul C. (2011). Increased expression of C5a receptor (CD88) mRNA in canine mammary tumors. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 139 (1), 50-56. doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2010.08.005
2011
Journal Article
Comparative efficacy of a secretory phospholipase A(2) inhibitor with conventional anti-inflammatory agents in a rat model of antigen-induced arthritis
Coulthard, Liam G., Costello, Jaclyn, Robinson, Brent, Shiels, Ian A., Taylor, Stephen M. and Woodruff, Ttrent M. (2011). Comparative efficacy of a secretory phospholipase A(2) inhibitor with conventional anti-inflammatory agents in a rat model of antigen-induced arthritis. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 13 (2) R42, R42-1-R42-10. doi: 10.1186/ar3278
2010
Journal Article
Evidence that adiponectin receptor 1 activation exacerbates ischemic neuronal death
Thundyil, John, Tang, Sung-Chun, Okun, Eitan, Shah, Kausik, Karamyan, Vardan T., Li , Yu-I, Woodruff, Trent M., Taylor, Stephen M., Jo, Dong-Gyu, Mattson, Mark P and Arumugam, Thiruma V. (2010). Evidence that adiponectin receptor 1 activation exacerbates ischemic neuronal death. Experimental and Translational Stroke Medicine, 2 (1) 15, 15-1-15-8. doi: 10.1186/2040-7378-2-15
2010
Journal Article
The role of the ribosomal protein S19 C-terminus in Gi protein-dependent alternative activation of p38 MAP kinase via the C5a receptor in HMC-1 cells
Nishiura, Hiroshi, Tokita, Kazutaka, Li, Ying, Harada, Koichi, Woodruff, Trent W., Taylor, Stephen M., Nsiama, Tienabe K., Nishino, Norikazu and Yamamoto, Tetsuro (2010). The role of the ribosomal protein S19 C-terminus in Gi protein-dependent alternative activation of p38 MAP kinase via the C5a receptor in HMC-1 cells. Apoptosis, 15 (8), 966-981. doi: 10.1007/s10495-010-0511-y
2010
Journal Article
The role of the complement system and the activation fragment C5a in the central nervous system
Woodruff, T. M., Ager, R. R., Tenner, A. J., Noakes, P. G. and Taylor, S. M. (2010). The role of the complement system and the activation fragment C5a in the central nervous system. Neuromolecular Medecine, 12 (2), 179-192. doi: 10.1007/s12017-009-8085-y
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
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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
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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
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
The Role of the C5a Receptor, C5aR2, in Neurodegenerative Disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Richard Gordon
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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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