
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
2019
Journal Article
Complement alone drives efficacy of a chimeric antigonococcal monoclonal antibody
Gulati, Sunita, Beurskens, Frank J., de Kreuk, Bart-Jan, Roza, Marcel, Zheng, Bo, DeOliveira, Rosane B., Shaughnessy, Jutamas, Nowak, Nancy A., Taylor, Ronald P., Botto, Marina, He, Xianbao, Ingalls, Robin R., Woodruff, Trent M., Song, Wen-Chao, Schuurman, Janine, Rice, Peter A. and Ram, Sanjay (2019). Complement alone drives efficacy of a chimeric antigonococcal monoclonal antibody. PLoS Biology, 17 (6) e3000323, e3000323. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000323
2019
Journal Article
The complement receptor C5aR2: a powerful modulator of innate and adaptive immunity
Li, Xaria X., Lee, John D., Kemper, Claudia and Woodruff, Trent M. (2019). The complement receptor C5aR2: a powerful modulator of innate and adaptive immunity. Journal of Immunology, 202 (12), 3339-3348. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900371
2019
Journal Article
Gut microbiota in ALS: possible role in pathogenesis?
McCombe, Pamela A., Henderson, Robert D., Lee, Aven, Lee, John D., Woodruff, Trent M., Restuadi, Restuadi, McRae, Allan, Wray, Naomi R., Ngo, Shyuan and Steyn, Frederik J. (2019). Gut microbiota in ALS: possible role in pathogenesis?. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 19 (9), 1-21. doi: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1623026
2019
Journal Article
Deletion of biliverdin reductase A in myeloid cells promotes chemokine expression and chemotaxis in part via a complement C5a–C5aR1 pathway
Bisht, Kavita, Canesin, Giacomo, Cheytan, Tasneem, Li, Mailin, Nemeth, Zsuzsanna, Csizmadia, Eva, Woodruff, Trent M., Stec, David E., Bulmer, Andrew C., Otterbein, Leo E. and Wegiel, Barbara (2019). Deletion of biliverdin reductase A in myeloid cells promotes chemokine expression and chemotaxis in part via a complement C5a–C5aR1 pathway. The Journal of Immunology, 202 (10), ji1701443-2990. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701443
2019
Journal Article
Complement receptor C3aR1 controls neutrophil mobilization following spinal cord injury through physiological antagonism of CXCR2
Brennan, Faith H., Jogia, Trisha, Gillespie, Ellen R., Blomster, Linda V., Li, Xaria X., Nowlan, Bianca, Williams, Gail M., Jacobson, Esther, Osborne, Geoff W., Meunier, Frederic A., Taylor, Stephen M., Campbell, Kate E., MacDonald, Kelli P.A., Levesque, Jean-Pierre, Woodruff, Trent M. and Ruitenberg, Marc J. (2019). Complement receptor C3aR1 controls neutrophil mobilization following spinal cord injury through physiological antagonism of CXCR2. JCI Insight, 4 (9) e98254. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.98254
2019
Journal Article
Partial ligand-receptor engagement yields functional bias at the human complement receptor, C5aR1
Pandey, Shubhi, Li, Xaria X., Srivastava, Ashish, Baidya, Mithu, Kumari, Punita, Dwivedi, Hemlata, Chaturvedi, Madhu, Ghosh, Eshan, Woodruff, Trent M. and Shukla, Arun K. (2019). Partial ligand-receptor engagement yields functional bias at the human complement receptor, C5aR1. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 294 (24), jbc.RA119.007485-9429. doi: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007485
2019
Journal Article
Complement component 5 does not interfere with physiological hemostasis but is essential for Escherichia coli-induced coagulation accompanied by Toll-like receptor 4
Landsem, A., Fure, H., Krey Ludviksen, J., Christiansen, D., Lau, C., Mathisen, M., Bergseth, G., Nymo, S., Lappegård, K. T., Woodruff, T. M., Espevik, T., Mollnes, T. E. and Brekke, O. L. (2019). Complement component 5 does not interfere with physiological hemostasis but is essential for Escherichia coli-induced coagulation accompanied by Toll-like receptor 4. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 196 (1), 97-110. doi: 10.1111/cei.13240
2019
Journal Article
Therapeutic blockade of HMGB1 reduces early motor deficits, but not survival in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Lee, John D., Liu, Ning, Levin, Samantha C., Ottosson, Lars, Andersson, Ulf, Harris, Helena E. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2019). Therapeutic blockade of HMGB1 reduces early motor deficits, but not survival in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 16 (1) 45, 45. doi: 10.1186/s12974-019-1435-2
2019
Conference Publication
Deciphering key roles for complement peptide receptors in brain development
Woodruff, T., Hawksworth, O., Lee, J. and Coulthard, L. (2019). Deciphering key roles for complement peptide receptors in brain development. Joint Meeting of the International Society for Neurochemistry and American Society for Neurochemistry (ISN-ASN), Montreal, Canada, 4-8 August 2019. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
2019
Conference Publication
Complement C5a induces renal injury in diabetic kidney disease via mitochondrial reprogramming
Coughlan, M. T., Tan, S., Ziemann, M., Snelson, M., El-Osta, A., MacIsaac, R. J., Meikle, P. J., Forbes, J. M., Cooper, M. E., Ekinci, E. I. and Woodruff, T. M. (2019). Complement C5a induces renal injury in diabetic kidney disease via mitochondrial reprogramming. 55th Annual Meeting of the European-Association-for-the-Study-of-Diabetes (EASD), Barcelona Spain, 16-20 September 2019. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer.
2019
Conference Publication
Complement Inhibition: A Possible Therapeutic Strategy For Controlling Cobra Envenomation
Silva-de-Franca, Felipe, Villas-Boas, Isadora, Cogliati, Bruno, Woodruff, Trent, da-Silva-Reis, Edimara, Lambris, John and Tambourgi, Denise (2019). Complement Inhibition: A Possible Therapeutic Strategy For Controlling Cobra Envenomation. 17th European Meeting on Complement in Human Disease (EMCHD), Madrid, Spain, 2019. Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier .
2019
Conference Publication
Bacterial-induced il-8 release is dependent on c5a-05ar1 and thrombin-dependent activation of platelets in human whole blood
Quang Huy Quach,, Johnson, Christina, Lau, Corinna, Woodruff, Trent M., Pischke, Soren E., Mollnes, Tom Eirik and Nilsson, Per H. (2019). Bacterial-induced il-8 release is dependent on c5a-05ar1 and thrombin-dependent activation of platelets in human whole blood. 17th European Meeting on Complement in Human Disease (EMCHD), Madrid, Spain, 2019. Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier .
2019
Conference Publication
Complement alone drives efficacy of a chimeric anti-gonococcal monoclonal antibody
Beurskens, Frank, de Kreuk, Bart-Jan, Roza, Marcel, Zheng, Bo, DeOliveira, Rosane, Shaughnessy, Jutamas, Taylors, Ronald, Botto, Marina, He, Xianbao, Ingalls, Robin, Woodruff, Trent, Song, Wen-Chao, Schuurman, Janine, Rice, Peter and Ram, Sanjay (2019). Complement alone drives efficacy of a chimeric anti-gonococcal monoclonal antibody. 17th European Meeting on Complement in Human Disease (EMCHD), Madrid, Spain, 2019. Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier .
2019
Conference Publication
Complement C5a receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2, mediate opposing pathologies in a mouse model of melanoma
Nabizadeh, J., Manthey, H., Panagides, N., Steyn, F., Lee, J., Li, X., Woodruff, T. and Rolfe, B. (2019). Complement C5a receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2, mediate opposing pathologies in a mouse model of melanoma. 17th International Congress of Immunology (IUIS), Beijing, China, 19-23 October 2019. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley.
2018
Journal Article
C5aR1 regulates T follicular helper differentiation and chronic graft-versus-host disease bronchiolitis obliterans
Verghese, Divya A., Chun, Nicholas, Paz, Katelyn, Fribourg, Miguel, Woodruff, Trent M., Flynn, Ryan, Hu, Yuan, Xiong, Huabao, Zhang, Weijia, Yi, Zhengzi, Du, Jing, Blazar, Bruce R. and Heeger, Peter S. (2018). C5aR1 regulates T follicular helper differentiation and chronic graft-versus-host disease bronchiolitis obliterans. JCI Insight, 3 (24). doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.124646
2018
Journal Article
Characterisation of small molecule ligands 4CMTB and 2CTAP as modulators of human FFA2 receptor signalling
Schofield, Zoe V., Croker, Daniel, Robertson, Avril A. B., Massey, Nicholas L., Donovan, Chantal, Tee, Ernest, Edwards, David, Woodruff, Trent M., Halai, Reena, Hansbro, Philip M. and Cooper, Matthew A. (2018). Characterisation of small molecule ligands 4CMTB and 2CTAP as modulators of human FFA2 receptor signalling. Scientific Reports, 8 (1) 17819, 17819. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-36242-1
2018
Conference Publication
Mass cytometry analysis detects dysregulated T cell complement responses in scleroderma patients
Ong, Voon, Arbore, Giuseppina, Costantini, Benedetta, Abrahams, David, Denton, Christopher, Placais, Leo, Mitchell, Lynne, Ellis, Richard, Heck, Susanne, Woodruff, Trent, Kordasti, Shahram, Kemper, Claudia and Hourcade, Dennis (2018). Mass cytometry analysis detects dysregulated T cell complement responses in scleroderma patients. 27th International Complement Workshop (ICW), Santa Fe Nm, Sep 16-20, 2018. OXFORD: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.06.098
2018
Conference Publication
The distinct roles of the anaphylatoxin receptors C5aR1, C5aR2 and C3aR during experimental invasive meningococcal disease
Muenstermann, Marcel, Herrmann, Johannes, Strobel, Lea, Woodruff, Trent, Klos, Andreas, Wetsel, Rick, Gerard, Craig, Koehl, Joerg and Johswich, Kay Ole (2018). The distinct roles of the anaphylatoxin receptors C5aR1, C5aR2 and C3aR during experimental invasive meningococcal disease. 27th International Complement Workshop (ICW), Santa Fe Nm, Sep 16-20, 2018. OXFORD: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.06.109
2018
Conference Publication
Complement activation contributes to the pathogenesis of African cobra envenomation
Silva-de-Franca, Felipe, Villas-Boas, Isadora, Cogliati, Bruno, Woodruff, Trent and Tambourgi, Denise (2018). Complement activation contributes to the pathogenesis of African cobra envenomation. 27th International Complement Workshop (ICW), Santa Fe Nm, Sep 16-20, 2018. OXFORD: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.06.220
2018
Journal Article
Complement C3a receptor modulates embryonic neural progenitor cell proliferation and cognitive performance
Coulthard, Liam G., Hawksworth, Owen A., Conroy, Jacinta, Lee, John D. and Woodruff, Trent M. (2018). Complement C3a receptor modulates embryonic neural progenitor cell proliferation and cognitive performance. Molecular Immunology, 101, 176-181. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.06.271
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
Elucidating the Role of Neuronal C5aR1
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mark Bellingham
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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
-
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
The role of terminal complement pathway in neurodevelopment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jenny Fung, Dr John Lee
-
Doctor Philosophy
Design and development of peptide ligands targeting the complement system
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Richard Clark
-
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
-
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
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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
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
-
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
-
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
-
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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