Lawson laboratory: Neurodegenerative disease caused by prions
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Head of Laboratory
Associate Professor Vicki Lawson+61 3 8344 4049
Research Overview
Dr Lawson's research interests are focused on understanding the pathogenesis of transmissible diseases. This interests is focused primarily on understanding the nature of disease caused by prions (transmissible proteins) with an expanding interest in other neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinson's Disease.
Prion diseases are transmissible neurodegenerative diseases caused by the misfolding of the normal cellular prion protein. Diseases may be acquired, familial or arise sporadically. This fascinating disease incorporates the disciplines of pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. Recent studies suggest that other neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's Disease may have similarly transmissible etiologies.
Staff
Laura Ellett, Research Assistant
Collaborators
Professor Andrew Hill
Professor Kevin Barnham
Professor Steven Collins
Dr Simon Drew
Dr Cath Haigh
Associate Professor Fred Hollande
Dr Theo Mantamadiotis
Funding
- 2013-2015 NHMRC Project Grant: Non-invasive near-infrared optical imaging of neurodegeneration (CIC)
- 2013-2015 NHMRC Project Grant:Investigating exosomes in the early diagnosis of prion disease. (CIB)