Professor Brian Key
Professor

Brian Key

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52955

Background

How to build a brain—2.0

For 25 years I was sole chief investigator on 17 NHMRC-ARC project grants that provided funding to decipher the molecular & cellular bases of brain development and regeneration in fish, frogs and mice. This work culminated in the discovery of how to genetically construct an evolutionary novel axon tract in the embryonic brain. This is what I now call an easy problem.

Now my lab has turned its attention to the hardest problem in the natural sciences—how does the brain experience subjective feelings?

Together with my collaborator Professor Deborah Brown (Professor of Philosophy at UQ) we have approached this problem through the sensation of pain and model organisms. We advance the framework of the brain as an inference machine that generates models of its own internal processes (Key and Brown, 2018). When hierarchically arranged, the outputs of these models represent progressive levels of awareness that are antecedent to feelings (i.e. the brain’s experience of its own neural activity). We have proposed a parallel forwards model algorithm and to date have found that fish and molluscs lack the required neural architecture to execute this algorithm and therefore do not feel pain.

Key, B. and Brown, D. (2018) Designing brains for pain: Human to mollusc. Frontiers in physiology 9:1027.

Availability

Professor Brian Key is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biological Sciences Neurosciences

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Education, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • brain development

  • fish pain

Search Professor Brian Key’s works on UQ eSpace

149 works between 1984 and 2024
All (149) Journal Article (132) Book Chapter (5) Conference Publication (9) Other Outputs (3)

21 - 40 of 149 works

2018

Journal Article

Potential roles of dental pulp stem cells in neural regeneration and repair

Luo, Lihua , He, Yan , Wang, Xiaoyan , Key, Brian , Lee, Bae Hoon , Li, Huaqiong and Ye, Qingsong (2018). Potential roles of dental pulp stem cells in neural regeneration and repair. Stem Cells International, 2018 1731289, 1-15. doi: 10.1155/2018/1731289

Potential roles of dental pulp stem cells in neural regeneration and repair

2017

Journal Article

Responses of larval zebrafish to low pH immersion assay. Comment on Lopez-Luna et al.

Diggles, B. K., Arlinghaus, R., Browman, H. I., Cooke, S. J., Cowx, I. G., Kasumyan, A. O., Key, B., Rose, J. D., Sawynok, W., Schwab, A., Skiftesvik, A. B., Stevens, E. D., Watson, C. A. and Wynne, C. D.L. (2017). Responses of larval zebrafish to low pH immersion assay. Comment on Lopez-Luna et al.. Journal of Experimental Biology, 220 (17), 3191-3192. doi: 10.1242/jeb.162834

Responses of larval zebrafish to low pH immersion assay. Comment on Lopez-Luna et al.

2017

Journal Article

Epidermal YAP2-5SA-ΔC drives β-catenin activation to promote keratinocyte proliferation in mouse skin in vivo

Akladios, Bassem, Mendoza-Reinoso, Veronica, Samuel, Michael S., Hardeman, Edna C., Khosrotehrani, Kiarash, Key, Brian and Beverdam, Annemiek (2017). Epidermal YAP2-5SA-ΔC drives β-catenin activation to promote keratinocyte proliferation in mouse skin in vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 137 (3), 716-726. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.10.029

Epidermal YAP2-5SA-ΔC drives β-catenin activation to promote keratinocyte proliferation in mouse skin in vivo

2017

Journal Article

Problems with equating thermal preference with ‘emotional fever’ and sentience: comment on ‘fish can show emotional fever: stress-induced hyperthermia in zebrafish’ by Rey et al. (2015)

Key, B., Arlinghaus, R., Browman, H. I., Cooke, S. J., Cowx, I. G., Diggles, B. K., Rose, J. D., Sawynok, W., Schwab, A., Skiftesvik, A. B., Stevens, E. D. and Watson, C. A. (2017). Problems with equating thermal preference with ‘emotional fever’ and sentience: comment on ‘fish can show emotional fever: stress-induced hyperthermia in zebrafish’ by Rey et al. (2015). Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 284 (1847) 20160681, 20160681. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0681

Problems with equating thermal preference with ‘emotional fever’ and sentience: comment on ‘fish can show emotional fever: stress-induced hyperthermia in zebrafish’ by Rey et al. (2015)

2016

Journal Article

Phenomenal consciousness in insects? A possible way forward

Key, Brian (2016). Phenomenal consciousness in insects? A possible way forward. Animal Sentience: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Animal Feeling, 1 (9).

Phenomenal consciousness in insects? A possible way forward

2016

Journal Article

“Cellular basis of consciousness”: Not just radical but wrong

Key, Brian (2016). “Cellular basis of consciousness”: Not just radical but wrong. Animal Sentience: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Animal Feeling, 1 (11). doi: 10.51291/2377-7478.1163

“Cellular basis of consciousness”: Not just radical but wrong

2016

Journal Article

Stress is not pain. Comment on Elwood and Adams (2015) 'Electric shock causes physiological stress responses in shore crabs, consistent with prediction of pain'

Stevens, E. D., Arlinghaus, R., Browman, H. I., Cooke, S. J., Cowx, I. G., Diggles, B. K., Key, B., Rose, J. D., Sawynok, W., Schwab, A., Skiftesvik, A. B., Watson, C. A. and Wynne, C. D. L. (2016). Stress is not pain. Comment on Elwood and Adams (2015) 'Electric shock causes physiological stress responses in shore crabs, consistent with prediction of pain'. Biology Letters, 12 (4) 20151006, 20151006. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2015.1006

Stress is not pain. Comment on Elwood and Adams (2015) 'Electric shock causes physiological stress responses in shore crabs, consistent with prediction of pain'

2016

Journal Article

Burden of proof lies with proposer of celestial teapot hypothesis

Key, Brian (2016). Burden of proof lies with proposer of celestial teapot hypothesis. Animal Sentience: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Animal Feeling, 1 (3).

Burden of proof lies with proposer of celestial teapot hypothesis

2016

Journal Article

Going beyond just-so stories

Key, Brian (2016). Going beyond just-so stories. Animal Sentience: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Animal Feeling, 1 (3).

Going beyond just-so stories

2016

Journal Article

Falsifying the null hypothesis that “fish do not feel pain"

Key, Brian (2016). Falsifying the null hypothesis that “fish do not feel pain". Animal Sentience: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Animal Feeling, 1 (3).

Falsifying the null hypothesis that “fish do not feel pain"

2015

Other Outputs

Why fish (likely) don't feel pain

Key, Brian (2015). Why fish (likely) don't feel pain. New York, NY, USA: Massimo Pigliucci.

Why fish (likely) don't feel pain

2014

Journal Article

Activity-dependent expression of neuronal PAS domain-containing protein 4 (npas4a) in the developing zebrafish brain

Klaric, Thomas, Lardelli, Michael, Key, Brian, Koblar, Simon and Lewis, Martin (2014). Activity-dependent expression of neuronal PAS domain-containing protein 4 (npas4a) in the developing zebrafish brain. Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, 8 (148) 148, 148. doi: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00148

Activity-dependent expression of neuronal PAS domain-containing protein 4 (npas4a) in the developing zebrafish brain

2014

Journal Article

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Mycbp2 genetically interacts with Robo2 to modulate axon guidance in the mouse olfactory system

James, G., Key, B. and Beverdam, A. (2014). The E3 ubiquitin ligase Mycbp2 genetically interacts with Robo2 to modulate axon guidance in the mouse olfactory system. Brain Structure and Function, 219 (3), 861-874. doi: 10.1007/s00429-013-0540-8

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Mycbp2 genetically interacts with Robo2 to modulate axon guidance in the mouse olfactory system

2013

Journal Article

The expression pattern of EVA1C, a novel slit receptor, is consistent with an axon guidance role in the mouse nervous system

James, Gregory, Foster, Simon R., Key, Brian and Beverdam, Annemiek (2013). The expression pattern of EVA1C, a novel slit receptor, is consistent with an axon guidance role in the mouse nervous system. PloS One, 8 (9) e74115, e74115.1-e74115.10. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074115

The expression pattern of EVA1C, a novel slit receptor, is consistent with an axon guidance role in the mouse nervous system

2013

Journal Article

Yap controls stem/progenitor cell proliferation in the mouse postnatal epidermis

Beverdam, Annemiek, Claxton, Christina, Zhang, Xiaomeng, James, Gregory, Harvey, Kieran F. and Key, Brian (2013). Yap controls stem/progenitor cell proliferation in the mouse postnatal epidermis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 133 (6), 1497-1505. doi: 10.1038/jid.2012.430

Yap controls stem/progenitor cell proliferation in the mouse postnatal epidermis

2013

Journal Article

Growth cone dynamics in the zebrafish embryonic forebrain are regulated by Brother of Cdo

St John, James A., Scott, Susan, Chua, Kah Yau, Claxton, Christina and Key, Brian (2013). Growth cone dynamics in the zebrafish embryonic forebrain are regulated by Brother of Cdo. Neuroscience Letters, 545, 11-16. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.04.009

Growth cone dynamics in the zebrafish embryonic forebrain are regulated by Brother of Cdo

2013

Journal Article

Frizzled-3a and Wnt-8b genetically interact during forebrain commissural formation in embryonic zebrafish

Hofmeister, Wolfgang and Key, Brian (2013). Frizzled-3a and Wnt-8b genetically interact during forebrain commissural formation in embryonic zebrafish. Brain Research, 1506 (2-3), 25-34. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.02.028

Frizzled-3a and Wnt-8b genetically interact during forebrain commissural formation in embryonic zebrafish

2013

Journal Article

Distinct expression patterns of syndecans in the embryonic zebrafish brain

Hofmeister, Wolfgang, Devine, Christine A. and Key, Brian (2013). Distinct expression patterns of syndecans in the embryonic zebrafish brain. Gene Expression Patterns, 13 (3-4), 126-132. doi: 10.1016/j.gep.2013.02.002

Distinct expression patterns of syndecans in the embryonic zebrafish brain

2013

Journal Article

Netrin-1 is required for efficient neural tube closure

Kee, Nigel, Wilson, Nicole, Key, Brian and Cooper, Helen (2013). Netrin-1 is required for efficient neural tube closure. Developmental Neurobiology, 73 (2), 176-187. doi: 10.1002/dneu.22051

Netrin-1 is required for efficient neural tube closure

2012

Journal Article

HuC-eGFP mosaic labelling of neurons in zebrafish enables in vivo live cell imaging of growth cones

St John, James A. and Key, Brian (2012). HuC-eGFP mosaic labelling of neurons in zebrafish enables in vivo live cell imaging of growth cones. Journal of Molecular Histology, 43 (6), 615-623. doi: 10.1007/s10735-012-9462-7

HuC-eGFP mosaic labelling of neurons in zebrafish enables in vivo live cell imaging of growth cones

Current funding

  • 2020 - 2024
    Towards Closure on the Animal Pain Debate
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2015
    A state-of-the-art spinning disc confocal microscope for high speed imaging of live cells and super resolution microscopy
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Assessing the biological significance of candidate autism genes
    CRC for Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism CRC Limited)
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Establishment of an Integrated Facility for Single Cell Analysis
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    The role of potassium channels in photoreceptor function
    University of Western Australia
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Zebrafish Aquarium-Genetic Screening, Nursery and Importation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Establishing a UWA-UQ network for collaboration in Autism Research
    UWA-UQ Bilateral Research Collaboration Award
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Neurodevelopmental role of susceptibility genes for Autism spectrum disorders: from genes to behaviour
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Establishment of a digital Scanscope system for virtual microscopy
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Molecular and cellular mechanisms of vertebrate brain development
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Zebrafish Aquarium - expand capacity of existing Zebrafish facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Zebrafish behavioural suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Assessing gene function in the developing brain using zebrafish as a model system
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2010
    Olfactory ensheathing cells: a major contributor to axon guidance?
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Understanding cell physiology by confocal laser scanning microscopy
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2012
    Australian Zebrafish Phenomics Facility
    NHMRC Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Molecular and cellular mechanisms of axon guidance in the vertebrate nervous system
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Assessing Gene Function In The Developing Brain Using Zebrafish As A Model System
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Deciphering the mechanisms for constructing the olfactory system
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006
    NHMRC_Infrastructure Item_Manufactured zebrafish aquarium system designed to manage multiple transgenic lines, multiple users and multiple lays per day
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Understanding the role of the olfactory ensheathing cell in the olfactory sensory system
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Molecular And Cellular Mechanisms Of Axon Guidance In The Vertebrate Nervous System
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    A Molecular Approach To Constructing The Olfactory System
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    Assessing gene function in the developing vertebrate brain using zebrafish as a model system
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Defining the role of Eph5 in olfactory axon growth, guidance and fasciculation
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2002
    NHMRC Equipment Grant 2000
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Axon Growth and Guidance in the Vertebrate Nervous System
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2000
    High-resolution, high quality digital time-lapse microscopy system
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Molecular Mechanisms Required for Precise Olfactory Axon Targeting.
    UQ Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Real-time imaging of growing axons in Xenopus forebrain.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Development of the olfactory nerve pathway
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Brian Key is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Towards closure of the fish pain debate

    We are seeking an Arts-Biomedical Science graduate to partake in this ambitious project.

    Arguments to the effect that certain animals do or do not have feelings, such as pain, are presumptive arguments. Like legal arguments, presumptive arguments are defeasible arguments, the conclusions of which are thought to be rationally acceptable on the balance of considerations (Walton 1996, 2011). Also like legal arguments, they invite paradoxical worries about how an argument can be both defeasible yet rationally binding (Walton et al, 2008). In legal contexts, we do not have the luxury of leaving questions of guilt or innocence hanging. A decision must be made. So too in matters pertaining to animal welfare, it is necessary to evaluate whether we have sufficient reason to decide whether a particular species of animal does or does not feel pain if we are to ensure that our treatment of that species is ethically appropriate.

    Each of the arguments in the animal consciousness debate can and has been evaluated on its own terms, but an interesting pattern emerges when viewed together as constituting a single dialogue involving multiple reasoners operating on divergent background assumptions and principles of reasoning. From this perspective, it can be seen where the blockages to consensus lie and what it would take to move the debate towards some form of closure so that decisions of importance to animal welfare could be undertaken with more confidence than they currently are. No meta-analysis of this debate as an instance of multi-agent reasoning has hitherto been undertaken. The overarching aim of this project is to conduct just such an analysis in an effort to identify principles that both sides of the debate might rationally agree upon and move the debate towards epistemic closure.

    The principal aims are:

    Aim 1. To reconstruct the debate about pain in non-human animals as an instance of multi-agent reasoning or dialogue to clarify precise points of agreement and disagreement,

    Aim 2. To argue for shared principles of reasoning drawing on available neuroscientific evidence in order to create avenues towards closure, and

    Aim 3. To address concerns about moral risk exceeding epistemic risk in judgements about non-human animal pain.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Scepticism of other minds in the animal pain debate

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Deborah Brown

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Brian Key directly for media enquiries about:

  • brain development
  • fish pain

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