Mr.john Silke

Biography

 Professor John Silke is the Joint Division Head of Cell Signalling and Cell Death at the Walter Eliza Hall Institute.  His lab investigates proteins that can regulate both inflammation and cell death and how these proteins contribute to inflammatory diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, as well as cancer. Professor Silke’s research focuses on cell death mechanisms and in particular the role of Inhibitor of Apoptosis proteins (IAPs) in regulating cell death. His laboratory at WEHI has made major contributions to understanding the apoptosis and necroptosis programmed cell death pathways, and their intersection with cancer and inflammation.  In this capacity he has also contributed to dissecting how IAP antagonist drugs (Smac-mimetics) kill cancer cells and was involved in the development of a well-tolerated Smac-mimetic (Birinapant). Professor Silke collaborates closely with the Chemical Biology division at WEHI to generate novel small molecule drug like compounds to investigate the basic biology but also to treat human diseases. Professor Silke completed a law degree in King’s College, London, before obtaining a second degree in Biochemistry at Churchill College, Cambridge.  This was followed by a PhD in Zürich, Switzerland, with Prof. Walter Schaffner, looking at the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of transcription.  He received a Swiss post-doctoral fellowship enabling him to work with Prof. David Vaux at the WEHI.

Research Interest

 Clinical Research