Alastair Mcewan

Biography

After completing my PhD at Monash University I spent two years in the University Chemical Laboratories in Cambridge, UK, working with Professor Andrew Holmes. On returning to Australia I worked at the Centre for Drug Design and Development (now part of the IMB at UQ) and then in the School of Pharmacy (UQ). In late 2002 I took up joint positions in the School of Pharmacy (Health Faculty) and the School of Molecular and Microbial Science. In 2006 I was promoted to Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences (Science Faculty) and in 2010 was promoted to Associate Professor.

Research Interest

My research interests are in the role of transition metal ions and redox processes in biology. The main focus of our research is bacterial pathogens, principally Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae and enteric bacteria. This research also involves investigation of the interaction between bacterial pathogens and the host innate immune system. Current research projects include: the biochemical mechanism of action of the novel thiol-based sensor NmlR and its role in the regulation of the response to nitrosative and carbonyl stress in bacterial pathogens interplay between manganese, iron and zinc in the control of the virulence of pneumococcus trafficking of copper and iron in macrophages in response to bacterial pathogens adaptation of the respiratory chains of bacterial pathogens in response to metal ion and carbon source availability.