Professor David Kennaway

Biography/ Background

Current Appointments

• NHMRC Senior Research Fellow

• School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health Postgraduate Coordinator

• Scientific Director, The Adelaide Research Assay and Services Facility

• Committee member, Research Centre for Reproductive Health Operations Committee

• Research Program Leader of  Circadian Physiology group

Circadian Physiology Group Members

Professor David Kennaway	NHMRC Senior Research Fellow
Dr Tamara Varcoe	Research Fellow
Dr Michael Boden	Research Fellow
Ms Athena Voultsios	Research Assistant
Mr Mark Salkeld	Research Assistant
Dr Leewen Rattanatray	Research Assistant

 

Qualifications

• 1978  PhD, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide (Dr RF Seamark, supervisor).

• 1973  Hons (First class), Disciplines of Physiology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide.

• 1972  BSc, University of Adelaide.

Awards & Achievements

Awards

• 2006 Most Outstanding Contribution to the Discipline (Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

• 2006 Most Outstanding Research Training and Mentorship Award (Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

• 1980 Australian JC "Five Outstanding Young Australians" Award

• 1977 Organon Award - Endocrine Society of Australia (best presentation at the annual scientific meeting)

Professional Associations

Leadership

• Member (non-European Union representative) Board of of the European Biological Rhythms Society

• Foundation Chair Australasian Chronobiology Society

Society Membership

European Biological Rhythms Society
Society for Research on Biological Rhythms
International Neuroendocrinology Federation
Society for Reproductive Biology
Endocrine Society of Australia
Australasian Society for the Study of Obesity
Australasian Chronobiology Society
Australian Neuroendocrinology Group
Australian Society for Medical Research

 

Research Interests

My research program is aimed at gaining an understanding of biological rhythms and how they are related to our well being. It has been known for many years that a wide range of physiological systems exhibit daily rhythms, for example, hormone secretion, body temperature and sleep/activity. The major site of rhythm generation and entrainment to the environment is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus. The discovery of the suite of clock gene transcription factors and the recognition that they are rhythmically expressed in a wide range of tissues and organs has led to a broadening of research on the potential roles of circadian rhythms in health and disease.

The Circadian Physiology Group is actively working in several areas ranging from the control of SCN function to the consequences of rhythm disruption on systems.

1. The role of clock genes in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. It has been found that the genes for many key proteins involved in cellular metabolism are rhythmically expressed through direct influences of the clock genes, Clock and Bmal1. We are utilising Bmal1 knockout mice as well as our unique melatonin proficient Clock delta 19+MEL mutant mice in studies on glucose metabolism and insulin function. In addition we have established a rapid phase shift model that allows us to investigate the impact of simulated shiftwork on metabolic homeostasis.

2. The role of clock genes in the development and progression of breast cancer. Recent epidemiological evidence has emerged suggesting that prolonged shiftwork may increase the risk of certain cancers including breast cancer. These are provocative findings and demand confirmation or rebuttal by further study. We are investigating the role of clock genes in normal mammary tissue.

3. The role of clock genes in reproduction. It has been known for many decades that many reproductive processes are strongly influenced by daylength and time of day, especially in rodents and domestic ruminants. We are utilising the Bmal1 knockout mouse to study the role of clock genes in ovulation and early pregnancy.

4. The effects of neurotransmitters on gene expression in brain regions. We have conducted a series of experiments over the last 10 years on the effects of serotonin receptor agonists on SCN function. We are continuing this line of research by investigating the effects in the brain of an atypical antidepressant drug which has both serotonin and melatonin receptor binding activity.

Publications

Files

• Kennaway_DJ_Publication_List.pdf [81.2K] (application/pdf)

Entry last updated: Friday, 16 Nov 2012