Schneider-Futschik laboratory: Rare and complex lung disease
Research Overview
View A/Prof Schneider Futschik's latest PubMed publications listing here.
Our research focuses on rare and complex lung diseases. Rare and complex lung diseases encompass a range of conditions that often involve severe respiratory dysfunction and are difficult to diagnose. These diseases can have genetic, autoimmune, or environmental origins and often present with symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Treatment varies, ranging from medications to lung transplantation in severe cases. Early diagnosis and targeted therapy are crucial, as many of these conditions progress rapidly and can lead to irreversible lung damage if left untreated.
Our research integrates pharmacy, pharmacology, medicine and molecular biology to investigate of drug mechanisms, interactions, and therapeutic applications.
Novel approaches my lab investigate include the role of the microbiome in lung infections, exploring personalised treatments through precision medicine in cystic fibrosis or asthma, and harnessing advanced imaging techniques for early disease detection e.g. lung inflammation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We also apply these techniques in understanding the molecular biology of bronchiectasis.
My lab has a strong focus in cystic fibrosis due to its complex underlying genetic condition (multi-organ disease; >2,000 genetic variations). We work on understanding how the underlying mechanisms of the genetic variation are disease-causing and how to best target them with therapeutics. This is particularly important for patients with rare mutations or vulnerable sub-populations like pregnant patients, babies and children.
Another research theme in my lab, led by Dr Chris Armstrong, investigates the application of metabolomics to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), uncovering metabolic anomalies consistently replicated worldwide. This work links amino acid metabolism and gut microbiota to ME/CFS pathophysiology.
The interdisciplinary nature of our research, blending genetics, molecular biology, and therapeutics, underscores its novelty, offering hope for transformative treatments and ultimately, a brighter future for individuals living with chronic respiratory diseases.
Staff
- A/Prof Elena Schneider-Futschik, Lab Head: Rare and Complex Lung Disease Laboratory Theme Lead: Respiratory Pharmacology
Current Staff
- Dr Chris Armstrong, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Dr Natalie Thomas
- Dr Katherine Huang
- Fei Yan
- Dr Aleksandar Dobric
- Heather Daykin
- Dr Samin Ghasem Zadeh
- Emily Allen
Previous Staff
- XiaoXuan Han Harry
- Dr Felisa Reyes-Ortega (visiting postdoc)
- Dr Marsha Tan
- Dr Mao Pu
- Rafah Allobawi
- Dr Amber Jaa-Kwee
- Dr Neil McGregor
Current students:
- Danni Li (PhD)
- Yimin Zhu (PhD)
- Shan Wenjie (PhD)
- Liu Zhengzheng (PhD)
- Sandy Wang (PhD)
- Dr David Fineberg (PhD, co-supervisor)
- Ellen Wang (PhD, supervised by Dr Armstrong)
- Elena Christopoulos (PhD, supervised by Dr Armstrong)
- Jamie Elliott (PhD, supervised by Dr Armstrong)
- Ava Totaro (Masters)
Previous students:
- Sandy Wang (Masters)
- Fadil Fahri (Masters)
- Kai Knighton (BIOM30003)
- Hanna Klose (visiting student)
- Danni Li (Honours)
- Antonia-Tong Wu (Honours)
- Yimin Zhu (Honours)
- Ming Jiang (BIOM30003)
- XiaoXuan Han Harry (Masters)
- Ngoc Chau Phung (BIOM30003)
- Kiera Harwood (Honours)
- Fiona Qiu (Honours)
- Drishti Ghelani (Honours)
- Fan Frank Chen (Masters)
- Adil Hanif (Masters)
- Xiaohan Hu (Masters)
- Karishma Karunagaran (Honours)
- Ethan Lv (Honours)
Collaborators
- A/Prof Laura Edington-Mitchell (University of Melbourne)
- Professor Peter Wark The Alfred Hospital
- Prof Andre Schultz (Telethon Kids)
- Dr Kimberly Wang (UWA)
- Prof Peter Middleton, U Sydney
- Prof Jennifer Taylor-Cousar (Jewish Health)
- A/Prof Holly Chinnery, Curtin University
- Dr Jane Bourke, Monash University
- Professor Isabelle Sermet-Gaudelus, INSERM Paris
- Professor Claire Wainwright, Health QLD
- Dr Martin Donnelley (The University of Adelaide)
- Associate Professor David Parsons (The University of Adelaide)
- Dr Mark Habgood, University of Melbourne
- Dr Rachel McQuade, University of Melbourne
Funding
2025: NHMRC Ideas Grant 2025-2028, Veski FAIR Fellowship 2025
2024: Cure4CF, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Research Opportunities
This research project is available to PhD students, Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science to join as part of their thesis.
Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.
Research Publications
Scientific advocacy
2019: Expert Position Statement on health-based standards for Australian regulated thresholds of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone in ambient air. Published: Lung Foundation Australia