Translation of Orofacial Science
Professor Mike Hubbard
|
Translational Research Initiatives
|
Contact E-mail: mike.hubbard@unimelb.edu.au Office Address: Tel: +61 3 9345 5028 / 9345 5161(message) Lab Address: Tel: +61 3 8344 8623 |
Websites: |
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Otago
- Certificate of Proficiency (Biochemistry), University of Otago
- PhD (Biochemistry), University of Otago
Current Position:
- Professorial Fellow in Oral and Facial Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne
- Honorary Professorial Fellow, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and the Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne
Current Roles:
- Research Director, Melbourne Research Unit for Facial Disorders
- Co-Director, The D3 Group for Developmental Dental Defects
- Strategist and Treasurer, Proteomics and Metabolomics Victoria
Short History:
Following graduation from the University of Otago (New Zealand) as a dentist, Mike did a PhD in Biochemistry (Otago), spent a year in private dental practice, then undertook postdoctoral positions investigating calcium signalling with Claude Klee (National Cancer Institute, NIH, USA) and protein phosphorylation with Sir Philip Cohen (University of Dundee, Scotland). On return to Otago in 1990, he established his independent research career focusing on the cells that form dental enamel. In 2003, Mike shifted camp to Melbourne where he currently works in the Paediatrics and Pharmacology Departments under auspice of the Melbourne Research Unit for Facial Disorders. His overall mission is to promote translational research in the oral and facial sciences, with a focus on prevalent tooth and bone problems.
New Translational Research Initiatives:
Since 2003, Mike has spear-headed development of the Melbourne Research Unit for Facial Disorders (MRUFD) into an effective translational research unit with active fronts in oral health and biomedical technology. First, he instigated a cross-sector technology network, now known as Proteomics & Metabolomics Victoria. This initiative has strengthened the sector through several key improvements (unity, technology access, communication, education, strategy & advocacy). Second, he instigated The D3 Group, a cross-sector network focused on Developmental Dental Defects (DDD=D3). This Australia-NZ network brings together a broad community (researchers, clinicians, public health, trade & affected families) with the common goal to improve the understanding and care of people with D3s. Much potential exists to expand these two initiatives alongside the ToothPrint proteomics database, a bioinformatics translational resource developed by Mike's group earlier. Having established these three key building blocks (clinical, technology, bioinformatics), unprecedented opportunities now exist for translating orofacial science through to public benefit. For further information, see the Melbourne Research Unit for Facial Disorders.
Core Research Interests:
An interest in calcium sparked during Mike's dental training led to research-career interests in several biochemical topics that have broad biomedical significance.
- Calcium biology and pathology
- Cell signalling (calcium & phosphorylation)
- Enamel cell biology and dental defects
- Endoplasmic Reticulum biology and pathology
- Protein biochemistry and proteomics
Recent Publications and Further Details:
- See Hubbard Lab website.