Dr Mark Douglas
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Senior Lecturer
C24 |
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On this page
Themes | Biographical details | Research interests | Grants | PhD & Masters' project opportunities | Keywords | International links
Themes
Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease; Infection and Immunological Conditions; Healthy Ageing
Biographical details
After completing a PhD in virology Dr Douglas undertook a NHMRC CJ Martin Postdoctoral Fellowship on hepatitis C virus (HCV) at the prestigious MRC Virology Unit in the UK, working with Dr John McLauchlan. While there he developed novel cellular models for HCV-induced steatosis and insulin resistance and published in the international journal Traffic. Since returning to Australia at the end of 2007 he has continued his research using these models at the Storr Liver Unit, Westmead Millennium Institute. Dr Douglas also lectures in virology and treats patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Research interests
Dr Douglas undertakes basic research on hepatitis C virus (HCV) pathogenesis. His research investigates interactions between HCV and its host, focusing on the effects on metabolic pathways. He uses novel cellular models of HCV to study the mechanisms of HCV-induced insulin resistance, steatosis (fatty liver) and how these complications affect viral replication and interferon treatment response. The aims of his research are to develop new treatments for metabolic complications of HCV infection and to improve treatment response to current antiviral therapies.
Current national competitive grants*
2011
The role of endocannabinoids in chronic hepatitis C
George J, Douglas M
National Health and Medical Research Council Project Grant ($543,390 over 3 years)
* Grants administered through the University of Sydney
PhD and Masters' project opportunities
Hepatitis C Virus and Steatosis
How does Hepatitis C virus Cause Insulin Resistance?
International links
United Kingdom. (Glasgow University) Dr Douglas has an ongoing collaboration with Dr Ian Salt, measuring insulin signalling in cellular models of HCV.
United Kingdom. (MRC Virology Unit, Glasgow) Dr Douglas worked as a Postdoc here from 2005-2007 and has an ongoing collaboration on hepatitis C and cellular lipids with Dr John McLauchlan.
Indonesia. (Eijkman Institute, Jakarta
Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Sulawesi) Professor David Muljono. We are establishing collaborative projects on the pathogenesis of Hepatitis C virus and clinical studies on Hepatitis B virus, under the Tripartite Collaboration established with the University of Sydney through the Sydney Emerging Infections and Biosecurity Institute (SEIB)..