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Our research
The Faulkner lab focus on uncovering how retrotransposons shape the genome during early mammalian embryonic development and in neurons of the human brain.
Their work explores how these genetic elements contribute to genetic mosaicism, a process where cells within the same organism carry slight genetic differences. This diversity may play a fundamental role in healthy brain function, particularly in neuronal development and plasticity.
The lab's research shows that changes in retrotransposon activity are linked to neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Rett syndrome, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting their potential impact on brain health and disease progression.
A global leader in the field, Professor Faulkner published a landmark study in Nature demonstrating somatic retrotransposition in the human brain. This discovery was recognised by the US National Institute of Mental Health as the joint No. 1 research advance of 2011. He has since led multiple high-impact publications in Cell and Molecular Cell, advancing understanding of genome dynamics in neuroscience. His contributions to molecular biology and neuroscience have been recognised with numerous prestigious awards, including:
- ASMR Queensland Premier’s Award (2009)
- FEBS Anniversary Prize (2011)
- Lorne Genome Millennium Science Award (2014)
- Centenary Institute Lawrence Creative Prize (2014)
- Australian Academy of Science Ruth Stephens Gani Medal (2016)
Latest news
- Dr Gabriela-Oana Bodea in the Faulkner lab has been investigating a specific type of mobile genes, called retrotransposons, linked to several neurological diseases, including schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.
- QBI researchers are refuting claims that COVID-19 can enter a person’s DNA.
- Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt MP visited The University of Queensland today to announce more than $440 million in NHMRC funding for Australian researchers.
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