Craig Harrison

Biography

An internationally respected molecular biologist and expert in reproductive endocrinology, Professor Craig Harrison’s research focuses on the structural and functional characterisation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) proteins to understand their role in reproduction and human disease. After completing his PhD at the University of New South Wales, Prof Harrison joined Prince Henry’s Institute, now Hudson Institute of Medical Research, in 1999 as a TM Ramsey Fellow. He then continued his postdoctoral training at the Salk Institute (La Jolla, CA, USA) as a NHMRC CJ Martin Training Fellow. Upon returning to Australia, Prof Harrison returned to the at Prince Henry’s Institute and established the Growth Factor Signalling Research Group . Prof Harrison’s research is based on the concept that modulating the activity of TGF-β proteins is an effective strategy for restoring homeostasis in disease-affected tissues. Recently, he has developed long-acting agonists and specific antagonists of TGF-β proteins, which will be used to restore tissue homeostasis in conditions associated with a major burden of disease, including cancer cachexia, obesity and postmenopausal osteoporosis. This research program builds on the momentum his group has developed studying the synthesis and activation of TGF-β proteins.

Research Interest

rofessor Craig Harrison’s research focuses on the structural and functional characterisation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) proteins to understand their role in reproduction and human disease.