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)

61 - 80 of 149 works

2007

Journal Article

Motile membrane protrusions regulate cell–cell adhesion and migration of olfactory ensheathing glia

Windus, L., Claxton, C., Allen, C., Key, B. and St John, J. A. (2007). Motile membrane protrusions regulate cell–cell adhesion and migration of olfactory ensheathing glia. Glia, 55 (16), 1708-1719. doi: 10.1002/glia.20586

Motile membrane protrusions regulate cell–cell adhesion and migration of olfactory ensheathing glia

2006

Journal Article

Implantation of a scaffold following bulbectomy induces laminar organization of regenerating olfactory axons

Chehrehasa, Fatemeh, St John, James A. and Key, Brian (2006). Implantation of a scaffold following bulbectomy induces laminar organization of regenerating olfactory axons. Brain Research, 1119 (1), 58-64. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.08.060

Implantation of a scaffold following bulbectomy induces laminar organization of regenerating olfactory axons

2006

Conference Publication

Dendritic cell adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase-like protein 1 (AHCYL1) and inositol phospholipid signaling are potential targets for modulating their function.

Kato, Masato, Key, Brian, Carter, Adrian, Argel, Nicola Z., Cooper, Benjamine J. and Hart, Derek (2006). Dendritic cell adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase-like protein 1 (AHCYL1) and inositol phospholipid signaling are potential targets for modulating their function.. 48th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology, Orlando Fl, Dec 09-12, 2006.

Dendritic cell adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase-like protein 1 (AHCYL1) and inositol phospholipid signaling are potential targets for modulating their function.

2006

Journal Article

Genetic manipulation of blood group carbohydrates alters development and pathfinding of primary sensory axons of the olfactory systems

St John, James A., Claxton, Christina, Robinson, Mark W., Yamamoto, Fumiichiro, Domino, Steven E. and Key, Brian (2006). Genetic manipulation of blood group carbohydrates alters development and pathfinding of primary sensory axons of the olfactory systems. Developmental Biology, 298 (2), 470-484. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.06.052

Genetic manipulation of blood group carbohydrates alters development and pathfinding of primary sensory axons of the olfactory systems

2006

Journal Article

Septal organ of Gruneberg is part of the olfactory system

Storan, Melonie Joanne and Key, Brian (2006). Septal organ of Gruneberg is part of the olfactory system. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 494 (5), 834-844. doi: 10.1002/cne.20858

Septal organ of Gruneberg is part of the olfactory system

2006

Journal Article

Neogenin interacts with RGMa and Netrin-1 to guide axons within the embryonic vertebrate forebrain

Wilson, N. H. and Key, B. (2006). Neogenin interacts with RGMa and Netrin-1 to guide axons within the embryonic vertebrate forebrain. Developmental Biology, 296 (2), 485-498. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.06.018

Neogenin interacts with RGMa and Netrin-1 to guide axons within the embryonic vertebrate forebrain

2006

Journal Article

Suppression and overexpression of adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase-like protein 1 (AHCYL1) influences zebrafish embryo development A - Possible role for AHCYL1 in inositol phospholipid signaling

Cooper, B. J., Key, B., Carter, A., Angel, N. Z., Hart, D. N. J. and Kato, M. (2006). Suppression and overexpression of adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase-like protein 1 (AHCYL1) influences zebrafish embryo development A - Possible role for AHCYL1 in inositol phospholipid signaling. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 281 (32), 22471-22484. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M602520200

Suppression and overexpression of adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase-like protein 1 (AHCYL1) influences zebrafish embryo development A - Possible role for AHCYL1 in inositol phospholipid signaling

2006

Conference Publication

Expression and role of complex carbohydrates in axon guidance in the olfactory system

Key, B. and St. John, J. (2006). Expression and role of complex carbohydrates in axon guidance in the olfactory system. Seventeenth Annual Meeting of the European Chemoreception Research Organisation, Granada, Spain, 4-8 September 2006. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjl029

Expression and role of complex carbohydrates in axon guidance in the olfactory system

2006

Journal Article

Knockdown of zebrafish crim1 results in a bent tail phenotype with defects in somite and vascular development

Kinna, G., Kolle, G., Carter, A., Key, B., Lieschke, G. J., Perkins, A. and Little, M. H. (2006). Knockdown of zebrafish crim1 results in a bent tail phenotype with defects in somite and vascular development. Mechanisms of Development, 123 (4), 277-287. doi: 10.1016/j.mod.2006.01.003

Knockdown of zebrafish crim1 results in a bent tail phenotype with defects in somite and vascular development

2005

Journal Article

Erratum: BOC, brother of CDO, is a dorsoventral axon-guidance molecule in the embryonic vertebrate brain (Journal of Comparative Neurology (2005) 485 (32-42))

Connor, R. M., Allen, C. L., Devine, C. A., Claxton, C. and Key, B. (2005). Erratum: BOC, brother of CDO, is a dorsoventral axon-guidance molecule in the embryonic vertebrate brain (Journal of Comparative Neurology (2005) 485 (32-42)). Journal of Comparative Neurology, 490 (2), 207-208. doi: 10.1002/cne.20672

Erratum: BOC, brother of CDO, is a dorsoventral axon-guidance molecule in the embryonic vertebrate brain (Journal of Comparative Neurology (2005) 485 (32-42))

2005

Journal Article

Olfactory marker protein modulates primary olfactory axon overshooting in the olfactory bulb

St John, James A. and Key, Brian (2005). Olfactory marker protein modulates primary olfactory axon overshooting in the olfactory bulb. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 488 (1), 61-69. doi: 10.1002/cne.20573

Olfactory marker protein modulates primary olfactory axon overshooting in the olfactory bulb

2005

Journal Article

BOC, brother of CDO, is a dorsoventral axon-guidance molecule in the embryonic vertebrate brain

Connor, Robin M., Allen, Chelsea L., Devine, Christine A., Claxton, Christina and Key, Brian (2005). BOC, brother of CDO, is a dorsoventral axon-guidance molecule in the embryonic vertebrate brain. Journal Of Comparative Neurology, 485 (1), 32-42. doi: 10.1002/cne.20503

BOC, brother of CDO, is a dorsoventral axon-guidance molecule in the embryonic vertebrate brain

2005

Conference Publication

A model for axon navigation based on glycocodes in the primary olfactory system

St John, James and Key, Brian (2005). A model for axon navigation based on glycocodes in the primary olfactory system. International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste, Kyoto, Japan, 5-9 July 2004. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjh145

A model for axon navigation based on glycocodes in the primary olfactory system

2005

Journal Article

Zebrafish as a model for caveolin-associated muscle disease; caveolin-3 is required for myofibril organization and muscle cell patterning

Nixon, S. J., Wegner, J., Ferguson, C., Mery, P. F., Hancock, J. F., Currie, P. D., Key, B., Westerfield, M. and Parton, R. G. (2005). Zebrafish as a model for caveolin-associated muscle disease; caveolin-3 is required for myofibril organization and muscle cell patterning. Human Molecular Genetics, 14 (13), 1727-1743. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddi179

Zebrafish as a model for caveolin-associated muscle disease; caveolin-3 is required for myofibril organization and muscle cell patterning

2005

Journal Article

The sorting behaviour of olfactory and vomeronasal axons during regeneration

Chehrehasa, Fatemeh, St John, James and Key, Brian (2005). The sorting behaviour of olfactory and vomeronasal axons during regeneration. Journal of Molecular Histology, 36 (6-7), 427-436. doi: 10.1007/s10735-006-9015-z

The sorting behaviour of olfactory and vomeronasal axons during regeneration

2004

Journal Article

Target tissue influences the peripheral trajectory of mouse primary sensory olfactory axons

Storan, M. J. and Key, B. (2004). Target tissue influences the peripheral trajectory of mouse primary sensory olfactory axons. Journal of Neurobiology, 61 (2), 175-188. doi: 10.1002/neu.20060

Target tissue influences the peripheral trajectory of mouse primary sensory olfactory axons

2004

Journal Article

Expression and putative role of lactoseries carbohydrates present on NCAM in the rat primary olfactory pathway

Storan, Melonie Joanne, Magnaldo, Thierry, Biol-NGaragba, Marie-Claire, Zick, Yehiel and Key, Brian (2004). Expression and putative role of lactoseries carbohydrates present on NCAM in the rat primary olfactory pathway. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 475 (3), 289-302. doi: 10.1002/cne.20167

Expression and putative role of lactoseries carbohydrates present on NCAM in the rat primary olfactory pathway

2003

Journal Article

Axon mis-targeting in the olfactory bulb during regeneration of olfactory neuroephithelium

St John, James A. and Key, Brian (2003). Axon mis-targeting in the olfactory bulb during regeneration of olfactory neuroephithelium. Chemical Senses, 28 (9), 773-779. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjg068

Axon mis-targeting in the olfactory bulb during regeneration of olfactory neuroephithelium

2003

Journal Article

Making developmental biology relevant to undergraduates in an era of economic rationalism in Australia

Key, B. and Nurcombe, V. (2003). Making developmental biology relevant to undergraduates in an era of economic rationalism in Australia. International Journal of Developmental Biology, 47 (2-3), 105-115.

Making developmental biology relevant to undergraduates in an era of economic rationalism in Australia

2003

Journal Article

Identifying axon guidance defects in the embryonic zebrafish brain

Devine, C. and Key, B. (2003). Identifying axon guidance defects in the embryonic zebrafish brain. Methods in Cell Science, 25 (1-2), 33-37. doi: 10.1023/B:MICS.0000006851.84998.e0

Identifying axon guidance defects in the embryonic zebrafish brain

Past funding

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

  • 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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