Brett Johnson

Dr Brett Johnson

Research Officer

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences


My research aim is to further develop our understanding of how the brain forms and functions. My research is facilitated by investigating the control of neuro-development by a range of molecular processes (transcriptional, epigenetic and post-translational) in several systems, including patient derived iPS cells.

A further interest is the molecular basis of learning and memory, particularly in post-mitotic neurons.

My broad primary research aim is to unravel  the fascinating role of transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation and epigenetics in neuro-development and cognition (employing, for example, both CRISPR and iPS cells).

a sphere of cultured neural cells

Over an extensive research career I have also investigated and retain interest in:

Homeobox gene and other transcription factor function in mouse and human development.

The transcriptional control of early cell fate decisions in the mouse and human.

Maintenance of the stem cell state.

Dissection of promoter regulation of several distinct promoters (for example Oct4 and BCR (BCR-ABL)), and development of drug based strategies to manipulate promoter function.

The detailed study of the IL3/GM-CSF locus using a transgenic mouse model to investigate enhancer and promoter function in distinct immunological states.

2010 Cancer Council SA Project Grant

2011 Research Project Grant, Haematologist's committee RAH

I have a graduate diploma in science education and have taught science at all levels of education. I have supervised Honours and laboratory placement students both in Australia and the United Kingdom.

I have graded and assessed Honours thesis in both Biochemistry and Genetics. I have also assigned essay topics and assessed third year biochemistry students.

  • Position: Research Officer
  • Phone: 83136121
  • Email: brett.johnson@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences, floor 8
  • Org Unit: Women's and Children's Health

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