Dr Damian Holsinger
School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience]
Head, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Dementia
Dr Holsinger's research focuses on investigating molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease. His seminal discovery that protein and activity levels of the pivotal Alzheimer's disease-related enzyme, BACE1, were increased in the brain of subjects (Annals of Neurology, 51:783-786) have been widely accepted in the field (over 600 citations) and have led to a concentrated focus on this enzyme as a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. He continues to investigate molecular mechanisms underpinning neurodegenerative diseases with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease and neuroinflammation. Current research projects in the laboratory investigate both pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological interventions that can bring about treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Research interests surround the understanding of mechanisms by which complex neurological disorders (with a special interest in Alzheimer's disease) arise and methods of treating these diseases.
Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Neuropathology, Neuroplasticity, Neuromolecular Medicine, Neurology, Molecular Biology, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Unit of Study Coordinator:
BIOS1166 - Neuroscience I: Communication Disorders
BIOS1167 - Foundations of Biomedical Science
BIOS2166 - Neuroscience of Hearing
BIOS3166 - Neuroscience of Hearing II
- Fecal microbiota transplantation as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases
- Non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
- Development of nanoscaffolds for nerve regeneration
- Alzheimer’s Association USA International Research Grant Program (IRGP) Council
- SUPRA Supervisor of the Year - 2022
Publications
Book Chapters
- Evin, G., Sernee, M., Barnham, K., Holsinger, R., Culvenor, J., Hoke, D., Li, Q., et al (2002). Modulation of Alzheimer's disease Aβ pathways for rational therapeutic intervention: secretase inhibition and metalloprotein active compounds. In K. Iqbal and B Winblad (Eds.), Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders: Research advances, (pp. 513-523). Bucharest, Romania: "Ana Alsan" International Academy of Aging.
Journals
- Ni, K., Liu, Y., Di, P., Wang, L., Huang, H., Holsinger, D., Kiang, K., Jiao, J. (2025). Chromobox protein homolog 7 suppresses the stem-like phenotype of glioblastoma cells by regulating the myosin heavy chain 9-NF-κB signaling pathway. Cell Death Discovery, 11(1), 1-16. [More Information]
- Huynh, Q., Holsinger, D. (2024). Development of a Cell Culture Chamber for Investigating the Therapeutic Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Neural Growth. Biomedicines, 12(2). [More Information]
- Elangovan, S., Borody, T., Holsinger, D. (2023). Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Reduces Pathology and Improves Cognition in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells, 12(1). [More Information]
Edited Journals
- Holsinger, D. (2023). Guest Editor Special Issue "Molecular Insights into Neurodegenerative Diseases". Cells, 12. [More Information]
- Holsinger, D. (2023). Guest Editor Special Issue "Therapeutic Agents for Neurological Disorders 2023". Pharmaceuticals, 16. [More Information]
- Holsinger, D. (2023). Guest Editor Special Issue "Therapeutic Approaches for Neurodegenerative Diseases". Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. [More Information]
Conferences
- Holsinger, D., Petersen, G., Hilbert, B., Strappe, P. (2013). Generation of induced neuronal cells from adult stem cells for tissue engineering applications by lentiviral vector expression of transcription factors. Australian Society of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (ASBTE), Tanunda, Barossa Valley, South Australia: ASBTE.
- Holsinger, D., Chua, Y., Goense, N., Alomari, M., Rao, G., Bohorquez, J., Chen, Y. (2012). A novel BACE1-regulating protein with therapeutic potential. Alzheimer’s Association Internatonal Conference 2012, Vancouver, Canada.: Alzheimer’s Association Internatonal Conference 2012.
- Holsinger, D., Li, W., Graeber, M. (2012). Microglia as a therapeutic target in glioma. Personalised Medicine Workshop - HMRI, University of Newcastle NSW: Personalised Medicine Workshop HMRI.
2025
- Ni, K., Liu, Y., Di, P., Wang, L., Huang, H., Holsinger, D., Kiang, K., Jiao, J. (2025). Chromobox protein homolog 7 suppresses the stem-like phenotype of glioblastoma cells by regulating the myosin heavy chain 9-NF-κB signaling pathway. Cell Death Discovery, 11(1), 1-16. [More Information]
2024
- Huynh, Q., Holsinger, D. (2024). Development of a Cell Culture Chamber for Investigating the Therapeutic Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Neural Growth. Biomedicines, 12(2). [More Information]
2023
- Elangovan, S., Borody, T., Holsinger, D. (2023). Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Reduces Pathology and Improves Cognition in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells, 12(1). [More Information]
- Holsinger, D. (2023). Guest Editor Special Issue "Molecular Insights into Neurodegenerative Diseases". Cells, 12. [More Information]
- Holsinger, D. (2023). Guest Editor Special Issue "Therapeutic Agents for Neurological Disorders 2023". Pharmaceuticals, 16. [More Information]
2022
- Huynh, Q., Elangovan, S., Holsinger, D. (2022). Non-Pharmacological Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23, 11037. [More Information]
- Olufunmilayo, E., Holsinger, D. (2022). Variant TREM2 Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Molecular Biology, 434(7), 167470. [More Information]
2021
- Kwasi, V., Niwa, R., Hara, T., Holsinger, D. (2021). Diagnostic Conundrums in Cerebellar Cryptic Arteriovenous Malformations. Journal of Neurology and Neuroscience, 12(5), 368.
- Moylan, C., Cao, T., Huynh, Q., Pratap, A., Holsinger, D. (2021). Exercise-Induced Alterations in TrkB expression in the 5XFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's and Dementia, 17, e058733. [More Information]
- Rahman, M., Islam, T., Shahjaman, M., Rana, M., Holsinger, D., Quinn, J., Gov, E., Moni, M. (2021). Genome-Wide Integrative Analysis Reveals Common Molecular Signatures in Blood and Brain of Alzheimer's Disease. Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, 11(2), 8686-8701. [More Information]
2020
- Pratap, A., Holsinger, D. (2020). Altered Brain Adiponectin Receptor Expression in the 5XFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals, 13(7), 1-13. [More Information]
- Pratap, A., Holsinger, D. (2020). Altered Brain Leptin and Leptin Receptor Expression in the 5XFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals, 13(11), 1-15. [More Information]
- Elangovan, S., Holsinger, D. (2020). Cyclical amyloid beta-astrocyte activity induces oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease. Biochimie, 171-172, 38-42. [More Information]
2018
- Buljan, V., Graeber, M., Holsinger, D., Brown, D., Hambly, B., Delikatny, E., Vuletic, V., Krebs, X., Tomas, I., Bohorquez-Florez, J., Banati, R., et al (2018). Calcium-axonemal microtubuli interactions underlie mechanism(s) of primary cilia morphological changes. Journal of Biological Physics, 44(1), 53-80. [More Information]
- Wang, R., Holsinger, D. (2018). Exercise-Induced Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression: Therapeutic Implications for Alzheimer's Dementia. Ageing Research Reviews, 48, 109-121. [More Information]
- Porto, R., Dutra, F., Crestani, A., Holsinger, D., Quillfeldt, J., de Bittencourt, P., de Oliveira Alvares, L. (2018). HSP70 Facilitates Memory Consolidation of Fear Conditioning through MAPK Pathway in the Hippocampus. Neuroscience, 375(April), 108-118. [More Information]
2017
- Kosaraju, J., Holsinger, D., Guo, L., Tam, K. (2017). Linagliptin, a Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor, Mitigates Cognitive Deficits and Pathology in the 3xTg-AD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Molecular Neurobiology, 54(8), 6074-6084. [More Information]
2016
- Rollo, J., Banihashemi, N., Vafaee, F., Crawford, J., Kuncic, Z., Holsinger, D. (2016). Unraveling the mechanistic complexity of Alzheimer's disease through systems biology. Alzheimer's and Dementia, 12(6), 708-718. [More Information]
2015
- Holsinger, D. (2015). Translation of low-risk dementia-associated interventions into practice- a call to action. Healthy Aging Research, 4(30), 1-9. [More Information]
2014
- Thompson, G., Ireland, T., Larkin, X., Arnold, J., Holsinger, D. (2014). A Novel Segmentation-Based Algorithm for the Quantification of Magnified Cells. Journal Of Cellular Biochemistry, 115, 1849-1854. [More Information]
- Buljan, V., Holsinger, D., Hambly, B., Kanellis, V., Matar, E., Larkin, X., Liu, G., Bohorquez-Florez, J., Banati, R. (2014). Intrinsic synergistic-topological mechanism versus synergistic-topological matrix in microtubule self-organization. EPJ Nonlinear Biomedical Physics, 2, 1-28. [More Information]
- Sajjan, S., Holsinger, D., Fok, S., Ebrahimkhani, S., Rollo, J., Banati, R., Graeber, M. (2014). Up-regulation of matrix metallopeptidase 12 in motor neurons undergoing synaptic stripping. Neuroscience, 274, 331-340. [More Information]
2013
- Holsinger, D., Petersen, G., Hilbert, B., Strappe, P. (2013). Generation of induced neuronal cells from adult stem cells for tissue engineering applications by lentiviral vector expression of transcription factors. Australian Society of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (ASBTE), Tanunda, Barossa Valley, South Australia: ASBTE.
- Buljan, V., Holsinger, D., Hambly, B., Banati, R., Ivanova, E. (2013). Intrinsic microtubule GTP-cap dynamics in semi-confined systems: kinetochore-microtubule interface. Journal of Biological Physics, 39(1), 81-98. [More Information]
- Kosaraju, J., Gali, C., Khatwal, R., Dubala, A., Chinni, S., Holsinger, D., Madhunapantula, V., Nataraj, S., Basavan, D. (2013). Saxagliptin: A dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor ameliorates streptozotocin induced Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology, 72, 291-300. [More Information]
2012
- Holsinger, D., Chua, Y., Goense, N., Alomari, M., Rao, G., Bohorquez, J., Chen, Y. (2012). A novel BACE1-regulating protein with therapeutic potential. Alzheimer’s Association Internatonal Conference 2012, Vancouver, Canada.: Alzheimer’s Association Internatonal Conference 2012.
- Holsinger, D., Li, W., Graeber, M. (2012). Microglia as a therapeutic target in glioma. Personalised Medicine Workshop - HMRI, University of Newcastle NSW: Personalised Medicine Workshop HMRI.
- Holsinger, D., Brown, R., Richmond, R., Kay-Lambkin, F., Kirby, A., Chan, D. (2012). Prevalence of the long-allele genotype of the serotonin transporter-linked gene in female centenarians. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60(9), 1786-1788. [More Information]
2010
- George, A., Gordon, L., Beissbarth, T., Koukoulas, I., Holsinger, D., Perreau, V., Cappai, R., Tan, S., Masters, C., Scott, H., et al (2010). A Serial Analysis of Gene Expression Profile of the Alzheimer's Disease Tg2576 Mouse Model. Neurotoxicity Research, 17(4), 360-379. [More Information]
2009
- Kassiou, M., Banati, R., Holsinger, D., Meikle, S. (2009). Challenges in molecular imaging of Parkinson's disease: A brief overview. Brain Research Bulletin, 78(2-3), 105-108. [More Information]
2008
- Holsinger, D., Alomari, M. (2008). An endogenous regulator decreases levels of the Alzheimer’s disease BACE1. Society of Neuroscience Abstract, Washington DC USA: Society of Neuroscience Abstract.
- Einfeld, S., Goetz, J., Holsinger, D. (2008). Pathogenetic mechanisms in Down Syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(10), 813-813. [More Information]
- Einfeld, S., Goetz, J., Holsinger, R. (2008). Two novel genes associated with Down's syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(10), 813.
2006
- George, A., Gordon, L., Beissbarth, T., Koukoulase, L., Holsinger, R., Perreaua, V., Cappai, R., Tan, S., Masters, C., Scott, H., et al (2006). A Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) profile of the Alzheimer’s disease Tg2576 mouse model. The 10th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, Madrid, Spain: The 10th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders.
- White, A., Du, T., Laughton, K., Volitakis, I., Sharples, R., Hoke, D., Holsinger, R., Evin, G., Cherny, R., Hill, A., et al (2006). Clioquinol induces metal-dependent degradation of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid beta peptide by up-regulation of matrix metalloproteases. Journal of Neurochemistry, 98(90).
- Holsinger, D., Lee, J., Boyd, A., Masters, C., Collins, S. (2006). CSF BACE1 activity is increased in CJD and Alzheimer disease other dementias. Neurology, 67(4), 710-712. [More Information]
2005
- Mok, S., Holsinger, R., Li, Q., Cappai, R., Masters, C., Culvenor, J. (2005). Alpha-synuclein mutations increase sensitivity of human neuroblastoma cells to cytotoxicity. Journal of Neurochemistry, 94, 118-118.
- Mok, S., Holsinger, R., Li, Q., Cappai, R., Masters, C., Culvenor, J. (2005). Effect of pathogenic alpha-synucleain mutations on sensitivity of human neuroblastoma cells to toxicity. 7th International Conference AD/PD, Sorrento, Italy: 7th International Conference AD/PD.
- Holsinger, R., Saez-Valero, J., Lee, J., Collins, S., Masters, C., Evin, G. (2005). Evaluating BACE 1 as a diagnostic marker for Alzheimer’s disease. 7th International Conference AD/PD, Sorrento, Italy: 7th International Conference AD/PD.
2004
- Holsinger, R., McLean, C., Masters, C., Evin, G. (2004). Analysis of BACE protein and activity in human cerebrospinal fluid. Neurobiology of Aging, 25, 528-528.
- George, A., Holsinger, D., McLean, C., Laughton, K., Beyreuther, K., Evin, G., Masters, C., Li, Q. (2004). APP intracellular domain is increased and soluble Abeta is reduced with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer disease. Neurobiology of Disease, 16(1), 124-132. [More Information]
- George, A., Holsinger, R., McLean, C., Laughton, K., Evin, G., Masters, C., Li, Q. (2004). Dietary cholesterol regulates APP processing in the Alzheimer's transgenic mouse model. Australian Neuroscience Society, Melbourne, Victoria Australia: Australian Neuroscience Society.
2003
- Evin, G., Canterford, L., Holsinger, R., Masters, C. (2003). Analysis of Alzheimer's Disease gamma-Secretase Complex Using Biotinylated Inhibitors. International Conference on Aspartic Proteases and Inhibitors, Kyoto, Japan.: International Conference on Aspartic Proteases and Inhibitors.
- Holsinger, R., Chua, Y., Masters, C., Evin, G. (2003). Detection of the Alzheimer’s disease β secretase enzyme, BACE, using different extraction techniques. Society for Neuroscience Abstracts 2003, New Orleans, USA: Society for Neuroscience Abstract.
- Evin, G., Culvenor, J., Sernee, M., Hoke, D., Canterford, L., Holsinger, R., Cappai, R., Beyreuther, K., Masters, C. (2003). Gamma-secretase processing of APP transmembravpmne domain. 6th International Conference AD/PD, Seville, Spain: 6th International Conference AD/PD.
2002
- Evin, G., Holsinger, R., Canterford, L., Hoke, D., Masters, C., Eggert, S., Weidemann, A., Beyreuther, K. (2002). APP C-terminal fragments in Alzheimer's disease brain. Neurobiology of Aging, 23(1), 656.
- Holsinger, R., McLean, C., Masters, C., Evin, G., Beyreuther, K. (2002). BACE and beta-secretase product CTF beta are increased in sporadic Alzheimer's disease brain. Neurobiology of Aging, 23(1), 663.
- Evin, G., Holsinger, R., Eggert, S., Weidmann, A., Canterford, L., Hoke, D., Gandy, S., McLean, C., Beyreuther, K., Masters, C. (2002). Carboxyl-terminal fragments of the amyloid precursor protein in Alzheimer's disease brain: detection of γ-secretase products. Brain Aging International Journal, 29(3), 61-66.
2001
- Evin, G., Sharples, R., Weidemann, A., Reinhard, F., Carbone, V., Culvenor, J., Holsinger, D., Sernee, M., Beyreuther, K., Masters, C. (2001). Aspartyl protease inhibitor pepstatin binds to the presenilins of Alzheimer's disease. Biochemistry, 62, 239-250.
- Holsinger, R., McLean, C., Beyreuther, K., Masters, C., Evin, G. (2001). Increased BACE Immunoreactivity in Alzheimer’s Disease Brain. Society for Neuroscience Abstract 2001, San Diego, USA: Society for Neuroscience Abstract 2001.
2000
- Holsinger, R., Schnarr, J., Henry, P., Castelo, V., Fahnestock, M. (2000). Quantitation of BDNF mRNA in human parietal cortex by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction: decreased levels in Alzheimer's disease. Molecular Brain Research, 76(2), 347-354.
- Holsinger, R., Cappai, R., McLean, C., Smith, M., Reinhard, F., Multhaup, G., Weidemann, A., Beyreuther, K., Masters, C., Evin, G. (2000). Quantitative analysis of BACE1 in normal and Alzheimer’s disease brain. Society for Neuroscience Abstract 2000, New Orleans USA: Society for Neuroscience Abstract 2000.
Selected Grants
2011
- Bruker Daltonics autoflex speed MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometer, Baxter R, Halliday G, Marsh D, Gill A, Clarke S, Smith R, Little C, Jackson C, O'Neill C, Murphy C, Sharland A, Chadban S, Mason R, Assinder S, Verdurand M, Richardson D, Machaalani R, Hambly B, Chan-Ling T, Dos Remedios C, Holsinger D, Lay P, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)/Equipment Grant
2008
- Hidex Chameleon V Multi-Technology plate reader;, Ittner L, Goetz J, MacDonald C, Kassiou M, Connor M, Holsinger D, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)/Equipment Grant
- Development of a system for the delivery of therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier, Holsinger D, Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation/Equipment Grant
- in vivo regulation of the Alzheimers disease beta-secretase, BACE1, Holsinger D, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)/Project Grants
In the media
ABC News - Slip-ups like Joe Biden's misnaming of Trump and Harris are common, and usually caused by lack of sleep or stress, experts say - 14 July 2024
What happens in Vagus stays in Vagus with Andrea Gibbs - ABC Radio Perth - August 2022 (Interview starts around the 1 hour 20 minute mark)
The part of your body that will help most with pandemic stress – August 2021
Drive - ABC Radio - 23 August 2021 (Interview starts around the 20 minute mark)
Pandemic Stress - 1 September 2021