Professor Benjamin Schulz
Professor

Benjamin Schulz

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54875
Mobile: 
0434298062

Background

I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering and Science in 2000 from The University of Queensland, after which I joined Proteome Systems, an Australian biotechnology company. In 2004 I moved to the ETH Zurich in Switzerland for my doctoral studies. I joined the School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences as a University of Queensland Postdoctoral Research Fellow in 2008 and NHMRC Career Development Fellow in 2012. I am now Associate Professor in Biochemistry.

Availability

Professor Benjamin Schulz is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biological Sciences Clinical sciences

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Engineering - Chemical, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zürich

Research interests

  • Viral Glycobiology

    Glycosylation shields viruses from the immune response and is critical for many of the functions of viral proteins. This is especially important for the respiratory pathogens Influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. We aim to understand the mechanisms controlling these processes using cell based infection systems, protein structural and biochemical analyses, mass spectrometry glycoproteomics, and bioinformatics to determine their impact on viral biology and vaccine design.

  • Mass Spectrometry Glycoproteomics

    Most proteins are modified with complex sugar groups that affect their function. We develop new mass spectrometry approaches to systematically and globally identify and quantify proteins and their sugar modifications in fundamental biology and disease.

  • Beer

    Beer brewing is perhaps the most ancient biotechnology. We use modern analytical techniques to investigate and improve this complex and important process.

Research impacts

My research focuses on the mechanisms, biological roles and applications in biotechnology of glycosylation, the most abundant and complex post-translational modification of proteins. Glycosylation is important in biological processes such as human development, cancer and microbial infection. This is because glycosylation is essential in biological activities as diverse as protein folding, fine-tuning protein enzymatic activity and determining protein-protein interactions. Half of all proteins are glycosylated, and a single protein can be modified by hundreds of different sugar moieties. The diversity of glycoproteins therefore requires that we take a systems biology approach in our research. All of our projects use a core set of methods in molecular biology, genetic manipulation, protein biochemistry, glycoprotein analysis and mass spectrometry. I aim to understand the mechanisms controlling glycosylation in these various systems to develop diagnostics, therapies, vaccines and applications in biotechnology.

Search Professor Benjamin Schulz’s works on UQ eSpace

154 works between 2002 and 2024
All (154) Journal Article (144) Book Chapter (4) Conference Publication (6)

1 - 20 of 154 works

2024

Journal Article

Modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathways by respiratory viruses

Macauslane, Kyle L., Pegg, Cassandra L., Short, Kirsty R. and Schulz, Benjamin L. (2024). Modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathways by respiratory viruses. Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 50 (5), 750-768. doi: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2274840

Modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathways by respiratory viruses

2024

Journal Article

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 cardiovascular symptoms are associated with trace-level cytokines that affect cardiomyocyte function

Sinclair, Jane E., Vedelago, Courtney, Ryan, Feargal J., Carney, Meagan, Redd, Meredith A., Lynn, Miriam A., Grubor-Bauk, Branka, Cao, Yuanzhao, Henders, Anjali K., Chew, Keng Yih, Gilroy, Deborah, Greaves, Kim, Labzin, Larisa, Ziser, Laura, Ronacher, Katharina, Wallace, Leanne M., Zhang, Yiwen, Macauslane, Kyle, Ellis, Daniel J., Rao, Sudha, Burr, Lucy, Bain, Amanda, Karawita, Anjana, Schulz, Benjamin L., Li, Junrong, Lynn, David J., Palpant, Nathan, Wuethrich, Alain, Trau, Matt and Short, Kirsty R. (2024). Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 cardiovascular symptoms are associated with trace-level cytokines that affect cardiomyocyte function. Nature Microbiology, 9 (12), 1-13. doi: 10.1038/s41564-024-01838-z

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 cardiovascular symptoms are associated with trace-level cytokines that affect cardiomyocyte function

2024

Journal Article

Biomimetic surface nanoengineering of biodegradable Zn-based orthopedic implants for enhanced biocompatibility and immunomodulation

Xiang, Enmao, Vaquette, Cedryck, Liu, Shulei, Raveendran, Nimal, Schulz, Benjamin L., Nowwarote, Nunthawan, Dargusch, Matthew, Abdal-hay, Abdalla, Fournier, Benjamin P. J. and Ivanovski, Saso (2024). Biomimetic surface nanoengineering of biodegradable Zn-based orthopedic implants for enhanced biocompatibility and immunomodulation. Advanced Functional Materials. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202410033

Biomimetic surface nanoengineering of biodegradable Zn-based orthopedic implants for enhanced biocompatibility and immunomodulation

2024

Journal Article

Electron-Activated Dissociation and Collision-Induced Dissociation Glycopeptide Fragmentation for Improved Glycoproteomics

Macauslane, Kyle L., Pegg, Cassandra L., Nouwens, Amanda S., Kerr, Edward D., Seitanidou, Joy and Schulz, Benjamin L. (2024). Electron-Activated Dissociation and Collision-Induced Dissociation Glycopeptide Fragmentation for Improved Glycoproteomics. Analytical Chemistry, 96 (27), 10986-10994. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01450

Electron-Activated Dissociation and Collision-Induced Dissociation Glycopeptide Fragmentation for Improved Glycoproteomics

2024

Journal Article

The ABC toxin complex from Yersinia entomophaga can package three different cytotoxic components expressed from distinct genetic loci in an unfolded state: the structures of both shell and cargo

Busby, Jason N., Trevelyan, Sarah, Pegg, Cassandra L., Kerr, Edward D., Schulz, Benjamin L., Chassagnon, Irene, Landsberg, Michael J., Weston, Mitchell K., Hurst, Mark R. H. and Lott, J. Shaun (2024). The ABC toxin complex from Yersinia entomophaga can package three different cytotoxic components expressed from distinct genetic loci in an unfolded state: the structures of both shell and cargo. IUCrJ, 11 (3), 299-308. doi: 10.1107/s2052252524001969

The ABC toxin complex from Yersinia entomophaga can package three different cytotoxic components expressed from distinct genetic loci in an unfolded state: the structures of both shell and cargo

2024

Journal Article

TcrXY is an acid-sensing two-component transcriptional regulator of Mycobacterium tuberculosis required for persistent infection

Stupar, Miljan, Tan, Lendl, Kerr, Edward D., De Voss, Christopher J., Forde, Brian M., Schulz, Benjamin L. and West, Nicholas P. (2024). TcrXY is an acid-sensing two-component transcriptional regulator of Mycobacterium tuberculosis required for persistent infection. Nature Communications, 15 (1) 1615, 1-14. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-45343-7

TcrXY is an acid-sensing two-component transcriptional regulator of Mycobacterium tuberculosis required for persistent infection

2023

Journal Article

SAGA complex subunit Hfi1 is important in the stress response and pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans

Yu, Chendi K., Stephenson, Christina J., Villamor, Tristan C., Dyba, Taylor G., Schulz, Benjamin L. and Fraser, James A. (2023). SAGA complex subunit Hfi1 is important in the stress response and pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans. Journal of Fungi, 9 (12) 1198, 1-16. doi: 10.3390/jof9121198

SAGA complex subunit Hfi1 is important in the stress response and pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans

2023

Journal Article

The role of N-glycosylation in spike antigenicity for the SARS-CoV-2 gamma variant

Pegg, Cassandra L., Modhiran, Naphak, Parry, Rhys H., Liang, Benjamin, Amarilla, Alberto A., Khromykh, Alexander A., Burr, Lucy, Young, Paul R., Chappell, Keith, Schulz, Benjamin L. and Watterson, Daniel (2023). The role of N-glycosylation in spike antigenicity for the SARS-CoV-2 gamma variant. Glycobiology, 34 (2) cwad097, 1-13. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwad097

The role of N-glycosylation in spike antigenicity for the SARS-CoV-2 gamma variant

2023

Journal Article

Fate of pesticide residues in beer and its by-products

Hakme, Elena, Kallehauge Nielsen, Ida, Fermina Madsen, Jennifer, Storkehave, Lasse Munch, Skjold Elmelund Pedersen, Mette, Schulz, Benjamin Luke, Poulsen, Mette Erecius, Hobley, Timothy John and Duedahl-Olesen, Lene (2023). Fate of pesticide residues in beer and its by-products. Food Additives and Contaminants: Part A, 41 (1), 45-59. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2023.2282557

Fate of pesticide residues in beer and its by-products

2023

Journal Article

Covariance clustering: modelling covariance in designed experiments when the number of variables is greater than experimental units

Forknall, Clayton R., Verbyla, Arūnas P., Nazarathy, Yoni, Yousif, Adel, Osama, Sarah, Jones, Shirley H., Kerr, Edward, Schulz, Benjamin L., Fox, Glen P. and Kelly, Alison M. (2023). Covariance clustering: modelling covariance in designed experiments when the number of variables is greater than experimental units. Journal of Agricultural, Biological and Environmental Statistics, 29 (2), 232-256. doi: 10.1007/s13253-023-00574-x

Covariance clustering: modelling covariance in designed experiments when the number of variables is greater than experimental units

2023

Journal Article

Proteomics and metabolomics reveal that an abundant α-glucosidase drives sorghum fermentability for beer brewing

Kerr, Edward D., Fox, Glen P. and Schulz, Benjamin L. (2023). Proteomics and metabolomics reveal that an abundant α-glucosidase drives sorghum fermentability for beer brewing. Journal of Proteome Research, 22 (11), 3596-3606. doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00436

Proteomics and metabolomics reveal that an abundant α-glucosidase drives sorghum fermentability for beer brewing

2023

Journal Article

High-frequency changes in pilin glycosylation patterns during Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup a Meningitis Outbreaks in the African meningitis belt

Jen, Freda E.-C., Abrahams, Jodie L., Schulz, Benjamin L., Lamelas, Araceli, Pluschke, Gerd and Jennings, Michael P. (2023). High-frequency changes in pilin glycosylation patterns during Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup a Meningitis Outbreaks in the African meningitis belt. ACS Infectious Diseases, 9 (8), 1451-1457. doi: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00149

High-frequency changes in pilin glycosylation patterns during Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup a Meningitis Outbreaks in the African meningitis belt

2023

Journal Article

Structure and antigenicity of divergent Henipavirus fusion glycoproteins

Isaacs, Ariel, Low, Yu Shang, Macauslane, Kyle L., Seitanidou, Joy, Pegg, Cassandra L., Cheung, Stacey T. M., Liang, Benjamin, Scott, Connor A. P., Landsberg, Michael J., Schulz, Benjamin L., Chappell, Keith J., Modhiran, Naphak and Watterson, Daniel (2023). Structure and antigenicity of divergent Henipavirus fusion glycoproteins. Nature Communications, 14 (1) 3577, 1-10. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-39278-8

Structure and antigenicity of divergent Henipavirus fusion glycoproteins

2023

Journal Article

Application of quantitative proteomics to discover biomarkers for tick resistance in cattle

Raza, Ali, Schulz, Benjamin L., Nouwens, Amanda, Naseem, Muhammad Noman, Kamran, Muhammad, Mantilla Valdivieso, Emily F., Kerr, Edward D., Constantinoiu, Constantin, Jonsson, Nicholas N., James, Peter and Tabor, Ala E. (2023). Application of quantitative proteomics to discover biomarkers for tick resistance in cattle. Frontiers in Immunology, 14 1091066, 1091066. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1091066

Application of quantitative proteomics to discover biomarkers for tick resistance in cattle

2023

Journal Article

Glycosylation and the global virome

Pegg, Cassandra L., Schulz, Benjamin L., Neely, Benjamin A., Albery, Gregory F. and Carlson, Colin J. (2023). Glycosylation and the global virome. Molecular Ecology, 32 (1), 37-44. doi: 10.1111/mec.16731

Glycosylation and the global virome

2022

Journal Article

CRISPR-knockout of β-kafirin in sorghum does not recapitulate the grain quality of natural mutants

Massel, Karen, Hintzsche, Jessica, Restall, Jemma, Kerr, Edward D., Schulz, Benjamin L. and Godwin, Ian D. (2022). CRISPR-knockout of β-kafirin in sorghum does not recapitulate the grain quality of natural mutants. Planta, 257 (1) 8, 1-14. doi: 10.1007/s00425-022-04038-3

CRISPR-knockout of β-kafirin in sorghum does not recapitulate the grain quality of natural mutants

2022

Journal Article

Pasting properties of high-amylose wheat in conventional and high-temperature Rapid Visco Analyzer: molecular contribution of starch and gluten proteins

Li, Hai-Teng, Kerr, Edward D., Schulz, Benjamin L., Gidley, Michael J. and Dhital, Sushil (2022). Pasting properties of high-amylose wheat in conventional and high-temperature Rapid Visco Analyzer: molecular contribution of starch and gluten proteins. Food Hydrocolloids, 131 107840, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2022.107840

Pasting properties of high-amylose wheat in conventional and high-temperature Rapid Visco Analyzer: molecular contribution of starch and gluten proteins

2022

Journal Article

Metabolomics of non-saccharomyces yeasts in fermented beverages

Ellis, Daniel J., Kerr, Edward D., Schenk, Gerhard and Schulz, Benjamin L. (2022). Metabolomics of non-saccharomyces yeasts in fermented beverages. Beverages, 8 (3) 41, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/beverages8030041

Metabolomics of non-saccharomyces yeasts in fermented beverages

2022

Journal Article

Proteomics and glycoproteomics of beer and wine

Liu, Shulei, Kerr, Edward D., Pegg, Cassandra L. and Schulz, Benjamin L. (2022). Proteomics and glycoproteomics of beer and wine. Proteomics, 22 (15-16) 2100329, 1-11. doi: 10.1002/pmic.202100329

Proteomics and glycoproteomics of beer and wine

2022

Journal Article

Recent advances in the production of recombinant factor IX: bioprocessing and cell engineering

Beauglehole, Aiden C, Roche Recinos, Dinora, Pegg, Cassandra L, Lee, Yih Yean, Turnbull, Victor, Herrmann, Susann, Marcellin, Esteban, Howard, Christopher B and Schulz, Benjamin L (2022). Recent advances in the production of recombinant factor IX: bioprocessing and cell engineering. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 43 (3), 1-19. doi: 10.1080/07388551.2022.2036691

Recent advances in the production of recombinant factor IX: bioprocessing and cell engineering

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2027
    Applications-oriented elucidation of germination triggers for Emu Bush seed
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Gut leak and microbiome contribution to severe dengue disease
    NHMRC e-ASIA Joint Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    The dynamic subcellular glycoproteome during influenza virus infection
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022
    A cyclic ion-mobility mass spectrometer for resolving molecular isomers (ARC LIEF application led by Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    An integrated analytical network for protein characterisation
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Utilizing an 'omics' approach to identify novel biomarkers in classic galactosaemia (BDHP grant administered by CHQHHS)
    Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2019
    A versatile accurate mass, high resolution QTOF mass spectrometer for chemistry and proteomic applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Brewing teaching and research infrastructure
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Continuous chromatography system for advanced bioprocessing
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018
    The Mechanisms of Glycogen Superstructure Assembly in Diabetes
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    ARC Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Microevolution of Cryptococcus neoformans
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Identifying cellular factors controlling early-onset torsion dystonia
    The Parkinson's & Movement Disorder Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Molecular characterization of complex biological polymers
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Moonlighting from sugar to metal
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015
    A sensitive, high resolution QTOF mass spectrometer with nanoUPLC system for qualitative and quantitative biomolecule analysis.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    How Sweet It Is: diagnostic clinical and experimental glycoproteomics
    NHMRC Career Development Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    NHMRC Career Development Fellowship (Biomedical; Level 1): Phase variable protein glycosylation in bacteria mucosal pathogens and its role in immune evasion
    NHMRC Career Development Award
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    ResTeach Funding 2012 0.1 FTE School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    The protein O-glycosylation pathway in Neisseria meningitidis (ARC Discovery Project administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Mass spectrometer for biomolecule discovery, structural analysis and quantification.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Mechanisms of glycosylation site selection by yeast oligosaccharyltransferase
    Mizutani Foundation for Glycoscience
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    N-glycosylation in health and disease: a key role for Ost3p and Ost6p in regulation of substrate specificity.
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    ResTeach 2010 0.1 FTE School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Mechanisms of protein O-glycosylation in pathogenic Neisseria
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Structural and functional characterisation of Neisseria meningitidis glycoproteins
    UQ Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Benjamin Schulz is:
Available for supervision

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

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Genetic determinants of the dynamic subcellular glycoproteome in influenza infection

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Kirsty Short

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Metabolic and enzymatic diversity of native Australian yeasts

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Gary Schenk

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Characterisation of short peptides encoded by short open reading frames in eukaryotes

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The dynamic subcellular glycoproteome during influenza virus infection

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Kirsty Short

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Systems biology-guided cell line engineering for production of therapeutic proteins with complex post-translational modifications

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin, Dr Lucia Zacchi

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Structures and functions of secreted yeast glycoproteins in wine and beer quality

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Characterisation of Immune Cells in Response To RAGE Antagonism Therapy in Mouse Models of Type 1 Diabetes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Amelia Fotheringham, Honorary Professor Josephine Forbes, Dr Irina Buckle

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Characterisation of cellular receptors and membrane binding mechanisms utilized by YenTc

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Michael Landsberg

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The role of the cotranscriptional activator complex SAGA in virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor James Fraser

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Structure and Function of ScCAD, the first step of Pyrimidine Synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Bostjan Kobe, Associate Professor Michael Landsberg

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Environmental and genetic mechanisms that control seed germination of Australian native Eremophila (Emu Bush)

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Robyn Cave

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Cryptococcus neoformans SAGA: Investigating the SAGA associated Histone acetyltransferase and Deubiquitinase modules opposing influence on virulence

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor James Fraser

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Genotypic Responses to Heat Stress Events in Grain Yield, Malt Quality, and Proteome of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Vijaya Singh

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Benjamin Schulz directly for media enquiries about:

  • beer
  • fermentation
  • glycosylation
  • yeast

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