![Professor Trent Woodruff](/sites/default/files/profiles/614.jpeg)
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
2023
Journal Article
200 Complement drives Parkinson’s disease neuropathology through activation of microglial C5a receptors
Albornoz, Eduardo and Woodruff, Trent (2023). 200 Complement drives Parkinson’s disease neuropathology through activation of microglial C5a receptors. Immunobiology, 228 (5) 152650, 1-1. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152650
2023
Conference Publication
T cell-intrinsic C5L2 activation protects against uncontrolled inflammatory Th responses and autoimmunity
Merle, Nicolas S., Freeley, Simon, Bibby, Jack, Singh, Parul, Rahman, Jubayer, Kolev, Martin, Niyonzima, Nathalie, Morgensen, Trine Hyrup, Woodruff, Trent M., Monk, Peter, Lappegard, Knut, Espevik, Terje, Mollness, Tom Eirik, Christiansen, Mette, West, Erin E. and Kemper, Claudia (2023). T cell-intrinsic C5L2 activation protects against uncontrolled inflammatory Th responses and autoimmunity. Immunology 2023™ Meeting, Washington, DC United States, 11-15 May 2023. Rockville, MD United States: American Association of Immunologists. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.210.supp.64.15
2023
Journal Article
Multi-parametric MR for detection of pathological changes in CNS of mouse model of multiple sclerosis in vivo
Althobity, Abdullah A., Khan, Nemat, Sandrock, Cheyenne J., Woodruff, Trent M, Cowin, Gary J., Brereton, Ian M. and Kurniawan, Nyoman D. (2023). Multi-parametric MR for detection of pathological changes in CNS of mouse model of multiple sclerosis in vivo. NMR in Biomedicine, 36 (10) e4964, e4964. doi: 10.1002/nbm.4964
2023
Journal Article
Complement peptide receptors in GtoPdb v.2023.1
Cianciulli, Antonia, Coulthard, Liam, Hawksworth, Owen, Lee, John D., Li, Xaria X., Mitolo, Vincenzo, Monk, Peter, Panaro, Maria A. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2023). Complement peptide receptors in GtoPdb v.2023.1. IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology CITE, 2023 (1). doi: 10.2218/gtopdb/f5/2023.1
2023
Journal Article
Neutrophil conversion to a tumor-killing phenotype underpins effective microbial therapy
Yam, Andrew O., Bailey, Jacqueline, Lin, Francis, Jakovija, Arnolda, Youlten, Scott E., Counoupas, Claudio, Gunzer, Matthias, Bald, Tobias, Woodruff, Trent M., Triccas, James A., Goldstein, Leonard D., Gallego-Ortega, David, Grey, Shane T. and Chtanova, Tatyana (2023). Neutrophil conversion to a tumor-killing phenotype underpins effective microbial therapy. Cancer Research, 83 (8), 1315-1328. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4025
2023
Journal Article
In vitro evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticle-induced thromboinflammatory response using a combined human whole blood and endothelial cell model
Gerogianni, Alexandra, Bal, Melissa, Mohlin, Camilla, Woodruff, Trent M., Lambris, John D., Mollnes, Tom E., Sjöström, Dick J. and Nilsson, Per H. (2023). In vitro evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticle-induced thromboinflammatory response using a combined human whole blood and endothelial cell model. Frontiers in Immunology, 14 1101387, 1101387. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1101387
2023
Journal Article
Maternal diet modulates the infant microbiome and intestinal Flt3L necessary for dendritic cell development and immunity to respiratory infection
Sikder, Md. Al Amin, Rashid, Ridwan B., Ahmed, Tufael, Sebina, Ismail, Howard, Daniel R., Ullah, Md. Ashik, Rahman, Muhammed Mahfuzur, Lynch, Jason P., Curren, Bodie, Werder, Rhiannon B., Simpson, Jennifer, Bissell, Alec, Morrison, Mark, Walpole, Carina, Radford, Kristen J., Kumar, Vinod, Woodruff, Trent M., Ying, Tan Hui, Ali, Ayesha, Kaiko, Gerard E., Upham, John W., Hoelzle, Robert D., Cuív, Páraic Ó., Holt, Patrick G., Dennis, Paul G. and Phipps, Simon (2023). Maternal diet modulates the infant microbiome and intestinal Flt3L necessary for dendritic cell development and immunity to respiratory infection. Immunity, 56 (5), 1098-1114.e10. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.03.002
2023
Journal Article
TLQP-21 is a low potency partial C3aR activator on human primary macrophages
Li, Xaria X., Lee, John D., Lee, Han S., Clark, Richard J. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2023). TLQP-21 is a low potency partial C3aR activator on human primary macrophages. Frontiers in Immunology, 14 1086673, 1-10. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1086673
2023
Conference Publication
Dietary resistant starch alters gut microbiota, microbially produced metabolites and albuminuria in diabetic mice
Snelson, M., Tan, S. M., Kumar, V., Woodruff, T. and Coughlan, M. T. (2023). Dietary resistant starch alters gut microbiota, microbially produced metabolites and albuminuria in diabetic mice. 46th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Perth, WA, Australia, 29 November – 2 December 2022. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665123001921
2022
Journal Article
Success in navigating hurdles to oral delivery of a bioactive peptide complement antagonist through use of nanoparticles to increase bioavailability and in vivo efficacy (Adv. Therap. 12/2022)
Xu, Weizhi, Kumar, Vinod, Cui, Cedric S., Li, Xaria X., Whittaker, Andrew K., Xu, Zhi Ping, Smith, Maree T., Woodruff, Trent M. and Han, Felicity Y. (2022). Success in navigating hurdles to oral delivery of a bioactive peptide complement antagonist through use of nanoparticles to increase bioavailability and in vivo efficacy (Adv. Therap. 12/2022). Advanced Therapeutics, 5 (12) 2270030, 1-1. doi: 10.1002/adtp.202270030
2022
Journal Article
Valproic acid attenuates cellular senescence in diabetic kidney disease through the inhibition of complement C5a receptors
Coughlan, Melinda T., Ziemann, Mark, Laskowski, Adrienne, Woodruff, Trent M. and Tan, Sih Min (2022). Valproic acid attenuates cellular senescence in diabetic kidney disease through the inhibition of complement C5a receptors. Scientific Reports, 12 (1) 20278, 1-10. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-24851-w
2022
Journal Article
Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide CpG motifs activate human complement through their backbone structure and induce complement-dependent cytokine release
de Boer, Eline, Sokolova, Marina, Quach, Huy Q., McAdam, Karin E., Götz, Maximilian P., Chaban, Viktoriia, Vaage, Jarle, Fageräng, Beatrice, Woodruff, Trent M., Garred, Peter, Nilsson, Per H., Mollnes, Tom E. and Pischke, Søren E. (2022). Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide CpG motifs activate human complement through their backbone structure and induce complement-dependent cytokine release. The Journal of Immunology, 209 (9), 1760-1767. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101191
2022
Journal Article
Complement system inhibition modulates the inflammation induced by the venom of Premolis semirufa, an Amazon rainforest moth caterpillar
Gabrili, Joel J. M., Villas-Boas, Isadora Maria, Pidde, Giselle, Squaiella-Baptistão, Carla Cristina, Woodruff, Trent M. and Tambourgi, Denise V. (2022). Complement system inhibition modulates the inflammation induced by the venom of Premolis semirufa, an Amazon rainforest moth caterpillar. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23 (21) 13333, 1-20. doi: 10.3390/ijms232113333
2022
Journal Article
Potential mechanisms to modify impaired glucose metabolism in neurodegenerative disorders
McDonald, Tanya S., Lerskiatiphanich, Titaya, Woodruff, Trent M., McCombe, Pamela A. and Lee, John D. (2022). Potential mechanisms to modify impaired glucose metabolism in neurodegenerative disorders. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, 43 (1), 26-43. doi: 10.1177/0271678x221135061
2022
Journal Article
Success in navigating hurdles to oral delivery of a bioactive peptide complement antagonist through use of nanoparticles to increase bioavailability and in vivo efficacy
Xu, Weizhi, Kumar, Vinod, Cui, Cedric S., Li, Xaria X., Whittaker, Andrew K., Xu, Zhi Ping, Smith, Maree T., Woodruff, Trent M. and Han, Felicity Y (2022). Success in navigating hurdles to oral delivery of a bioactive peptide complement antagonist through use of nanoparticles to increase bioavailability and in vivo efficacy. Advanced Therapeutics, 5 (12) 2200109, 2200109. doi: 10.1002/adtp.202200109
2022
Journal Article
Nucleocapsid specific diagnostics for the detection of divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants
Isaacs, Ariel, Amarilla, Alberto A., Aguado, Julio, Modhiran, Naphak, Albornoz, Eduardo A., Baradar, Alireza A., McMillan, Christopher L. D., Choo, Jovin J. Y., Idris, Adi, Supramaniam, Aroon, McMillan, Nigel A. J., Muller, David A., Young, Paul R., Woodruff, Trent M., Wolvetang, Ernst J., Chappell, Keith J. and Watterson, Daniel (2022). Nucleocapsid specific diagnostics for the detection of divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants. Frontiers in Immunology, 13 926262, 926262. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.926262
2022
Journal Article
Thrombin differentially modulates the acute inflammatory response to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in human whole blood
Johnson, Christina, Quach, Huy Quang, Lau, Corinna, Ekholt, Karin, Espevik, Terje, Woodruff, Trent M., Pischke, Søren Erik, Mollnes, Tom Eirik and Nilsson, Per H. (2022). Thrombin differentially modulates the acute inflammatory response to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in human whole blood. The Journal of Immunology, 208 (12), 2771-2778. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101033
2022
Journal Article
Bothrops jararaca snake venom inflammation induced in human whole blood: role of the complement system
Leonel, Thyago Bispo, Gabrili, Joel José Megale, Squaiella-Baptistão, Carla Cristina, Woodruff, Trent M., Lambris, John D. and Tambourgi, Denise V. (2022). Bothrops jararaca snake venom inflammation induced in human whole blood: role of the complement system. Frontiers in Immunology, 13 885223, 1-16. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.885223
2022
Journal Article
Complement C5a induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps by myeloid-derived suppressor cells to promote metastasis
Ortiz-Espinosa, Sergio, Morales, Xabier, Senent, Yaiza, Alignani, Diego, Tavira, Beatriz, Macaya, Irati, Ruiz, Borja, Moreno, Haritz, Remírez, Ana, Sainz, Cristina, Rodriguez-Pena, Alejandro, Oyarbide, Alvaro, Ariz, Mikel, Andueza, Maria P., Valencia, Karmele, Teijeira, Alvaro, Hoehlig, Kai, Vater, Axel, Rolfe, Barbara, Woodruff, Trent M., Lopez-Picazo, Jose Maria, Vicent, Silvestre, Kochan, Grazyna, Escors, David, Gil-Bazo, Ignacio, Perez-Gracia, Jose Luis, Montuenga, Luis M., Lambris, John D., Ortiz de Solorzano, Carlos ... Pio, Ruben (2022). Complement C5a induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps by myeloid-derived suppressor cells to promote metastasis. Cancer Letters, 529, 70-84. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.12.027
2022
Journal Article
Reduced Growth, Altered Gut Microbiome and Metabolite Profile, and Increased Chronic Kidney Disease Risk in Young Pigs Consuming a Diet Containing Highly Resistant Protein
Murray, Margaret, Coughlan, Melinda T., Gibbon, Anne, Kumar, Vinod, Marques, Francine Z., Selby-Pham, Sophie, Snelson, Matthew, Tsyganov, Kirill, Williamson, Gary, Woodruff, Trent M., Wu, Tong and Bennett, Louise E. (2022). Reduced Growth, Altered Gut Microbiome and Metabolite Profile, and Increased Chronic Kidney Disease Risk in Young Pigs Consuming a Diet Containing Highly Resistant Protein. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9 816749, 816749. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.816749
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Trent Woodruff is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
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
-
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
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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
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 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
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Doctor Philosophy
The role of terminal complement pathway in neurodevelopment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr John Lee, Dr Jenny Fung
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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
Completed supervision
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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
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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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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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 Anaphylatoxin Receptors in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marc Ruitenberg
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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
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
The Role of C5a in Pregnancy and Fetal Development
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Leonie Callaway
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Novel receptor-mediated mechanisms and treatment strategies in ischemic stroke therapy
Associate Advisor
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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