About the School
Current Students
Prospective Students
Research
Facilities
Careers
Mark WalkerProfessor 35.104 +61 2 4221 3439 |
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Research Interests
• Molecular analysis of group A streptococcal virulence determinants.
• Epidemiology of microbial pathogens.
• Development of recombinant oral and intranasal vaccine delivery systems for the stimulation of immunity against pathogens of veterinary and human health significance.
Representative Publications
Wilton J., Jenkins, C., Cordwell, Falconer, L., S.J., Minion, F.C., Oneal, D.C., Djordjevic, M.A., Connolley, A., Barchia, I., Walker, M.J., Djordjevic, S.P. (2009) Mhp493 (P216) is a proteolytically processed, cilium and heparin binding protein of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Molecular Microbiology 71: 566-582.
McArthur, J.D., McKay, F.C., Ramachandran, V., Shyam, P., Cork, A.J., Sanderson-Smith, M.L., Cole, J.N., Ringdahl, U., Sjobring, U., Ranson, M., Walker, M.J. (2008) Allelic variants of streptokinase from Streptococcus pyogenes display functional differences in plasminogen activation. FASEB Journal 22: 3146-3153.
Morris, A., Treweek, T., Aquilina, J.A., Carver, J.A., Walker, M.J. (2008) Glutamic acid residues in the C-terminal extension of Hsp25 are critical for structural and functional integrity. FEBS Journal 275: 5885-5898.
Cole, J.N., Henningham, A., Gillen, C.M., Ramachandran, V., Walker, M.J. (2008) Human pathogenic streptococcal proteomics and vaccine development. Proteomics Clinical Applications 2: 387-410.
Sanderson-Smith, M.L., Dinkla, K., Cole, J.N., Cork, A.J., Maamary, P.G., McArthur, J.D., Chhatwal, G.S., Walker, M.J. (2008) M protein mediated plasminogen binding is essential for the virulence of an invasive Streptococcus pyogenes isolate. FASEB Journal 22:2715-2722.
Gillen, C.M., Courtney, H.S., Schultze, K., Rohde, M., Wilson, M.R., Timmer, A.M., Guzman, C.A., Nizet, V., Chhatwal, G.S., Walker, M.J. (2008) Opacity factor activity and epithelial cell binding by the serum opacity factor protein of Streptococcus pyogenes are functionally discrete. Journal of Biological Chemistry 283: 6359-6366.
Walker, M.J., Hollands, H., Sanderson-Smith, M., Cole, J.N., Kirk, J.K., Henningham, A., McArthur, J.D., Dinkla, K., Aziz, R.K., Kansal, R.G., Buchanan, J.T., Simpson, A.J., Chhatwal, G.S., Kotb, M., Nizet, V. (2007) Selection pressure by the innate immune system switches Streptococcus pyogenes M1T1 into a hyperinvasive pathogen. Nature Medicine 13: 981-985.
Tart, A.H., Walker, M.J., Musser, J.M. (2007) New understanding of the group A streptococcus pathogenesis cycle. Trends in Microbiology 15: 318-325.
Cole, J.N., McArthur, J.D., McKay, F.C., Sanderson-Smith, M.L., Cork, A.J., Ranson, M., Rohde, M., Itzek, A., Sun, H., Ginsburg, D., Kotb, M., Nizet, V., Chhatwal, G.S., Walker, M.J. (2006) Trigger for group A streptococcal M1T1 invasive disease. FASEB Journal 20: 1745-1747.
Sanderson-Smith, M., Walker, M.J., Ranson, M. (2006) The maintenance of high affinity plasminogen binding by group A streptococcal plasminogen-binding M-like protein (PAM) is mediated by arginine and histidine residues within the a1 and a2 repeat domains. Journal of Biological Chemistry 281: 25965-25971.
Sanderson-Smith, M., Batzloff, M., Sriprakash, K.S., Dowton, M., Ranson, M., Walker, M.J. (2006) Divergence in the plasminogen-binding group A streptococcal M protein family - functional conservation of binding site and potential role for immune selection of variants.. Journal of Biological Chemistry 281: 3217-3226.
Timmer, A.M., Kristian, S.A., Datta, V., Jeng, A., Gillen, C.M., Walker, M.J., Beall, B., Nizet, V. (2006) Serum opacity factor promotes group A streptococcal epithelial cell invasion and virulence. Molecular Microbiology 62: 15-25.
Burnett, T.A., Dinkla, K., Rohde, M., Chhatwal, G.S., Srivasta, M., Cordwell, S.J., Geary, S., Liao, X., Minion, F.C., Walker, M.J., Djordjevic, S.P. (2006) P159 is a proteolytically processed, surface adhesin of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae: defined domains of P159 bind heparin and promote adherence to eukaryote cells. Molecular Microbiology 60: 669-686.
McArthur, J.D., Walker, M.J. (2006) Domains of group A streptococcal M protein that confer resistance to phagocytosis, opsonisation and protection: implications for vaccine development. Molecular Microbiology 59:1-4.
Current Students
PhD
F. Dawes Ph.D. 2003-present, Project title: Molecular analysis of antibiotic resistance genes associated with integrons in Escherichia coli. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong. (Co-supervision with Dr. S. Djordjevic).
J. Liu Ph.D. 2004-present, Project title: Molecular analysis of non-integron associated antibiotic resistance genes associated in Salmonella typhimurium. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong. (Co-supervision with Dr. S. Djordjevic).
C. Venturini Ph.D. 2004-present, Project title: Molecular analysis of non-integron associated antibiotic resistance genes associated in Escherichia coli. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong. (Co-supervision with Dr. S. Djordjevic).
A. Cork Ph.D. 2004-present, Project title: Molecular analysis of group A streptococcal SEN and GAPDH: contribution to virulence. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong.
D. Bogema Ph.D. 2005-present, Project title: Molecular and proteomic analysis of Mycoplasma hyopneumonie. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong. (Co-supervision with Dr. S. Djordjevic).
A. Deutscher Ph.D. 2005-present, Project title: Molecular analysis of a Mycoplasma hyopneumonie heparin binding protein. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong. (Co-supervision with Dr. S. Djordjevic).
A. Henningham Ph.D. 2005-present, Project title: Group A streptococcal vaccine development. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong.
A. Hollands Ph.D. 2006-present, Project title: Molecular analysis of a Streptococcus pyogenes M1T invasive diseasse. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong. (Co-supervision with Prof. V. Nizet).
L. Seymour Ph.D. 2007-present, Project title: Molecular analysis of a Mycoplasma hyopneumonie ECM binding proteins. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong. (Co-supervision with Dr. S. Djordjevic and Dr. T. Burnett).
P. Maamary Ph.D. 2008-present, Project title: Invasive disease initiation by non-M1T1 group A streptococci. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong.
L. Wooley Ph.D. 2008-present, Project title: Development of intranasal and DNA vaccines against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Currently enrolled at the University of Wollongong. (Co-supervision with Dr. S. Djordjevic).
Honours
J. Tsatsaronis BBiotech. 2009, Project title: TBA (Co-supervision with Dr Martina Sanderson-Smith).
Suggested Topics for Future Students
Molecular analysis of group A streptococcal virulence determinants.
Epidemiology of microbial pathogens.
Development of recombinant oral and intranasal vaccine delivery systems for the stimulation of immunity against pathogens of veterinary and human health significance.
Abbreviated CV
EDUCATION
Doctoral Degree 1984-1987
Department of Microbiology
University of Queensland
Brisbane, Australia
Dissertation Title: Genetic and Molecular Analysis of a Klebsiella oxytoca Clinical Isolate
Bachelor of Science Honours Degree 1983
First class, Major: Microbiology
Department of Microbiology
University of Queensland
Brisbane, Australia
Research topic: Isolation and Characterisation of bacteriophages infecting Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides
Bachelor of Science Degree 1980-1982
Major: Microbiology
Department of Microbiology
University of Queensland
Brisbane, Australia
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
1984 to 1988 Student member of the Australian Society for Microbiology
1989 to 1992 Associate member of the Australian Society for Microbiology
1990 to present Member of the American Society for Microbiology
1993 to present Member of the Australian Society for Microbiology
1993 to 2001 Member of the Australian Biotechnology Association
HONORARY APPOINTMENTS AND INVITATIONS
1991 to 1993 Member of the editorial board of the Journal of Bacteriology
1996 to 1997 Australian Genomic Information Centre board member (responsible for ANGIS)
2001 to 2002 NHMRC grant review panel 2b (microbiology) member
2003 to 2007 Asian Institute of Nanobioscience and Technology (Pusan National University, Korea) international advisory committee
2003 to 2004 NHMRC grant review panel 2d (microbiology) deputy chairperson
2004 to 2005 Scientific committee member of the XVI Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases, Cairns, Australia
2007 NHMRC grant review panel 2d (microbiology) deputy chairperson
2008 NHMRC assessor assigner panel (microbiology) member
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
1991 Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung research prize for outstanding scientific contribution (Division Microbiology)
1998 Alexander Von Humboldt fellowship
2000 Australian College of Education (Illawarra/South Coast NSW Chapter) excellence in tertiary teaching award
2003 Vice Chancellor's award for outstanding contribution to teaching and learning in science
2003 Australian Society of Microbiology David White excellence in teaching award
2005 – 2006 Fulbright Senior Scholar fellowship (UCSD and University of Tennessee)
GRANTS
2006 to 2008 National Health and Medical Research Council research grant for the investigation of the surface of group A streptococci and vaccine development. (Dr. M. Walker, Dr. A. Aquilina, Dr. M. Kotb and Dr. V. Nizet), $495,000
2007 to 2009 National Health and Medical Research Council research grant for development of a unified model for group A streptococcal invasive disease. (M. Walker, V. Nizet, G.S. Chhatwal and M. Kotb), $581,750
2007 to 2010 DEST International Science Linkages grant for defining the mechanism of group A streptococcal flesh-eating invasive disease. (M. Walker, V. Nizet and M. Kotb), $446,250
2007 to 2010 ARC linkage grant for development of an Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae anti-adhesion vaccine. (Dr. S. Djordjevic and Dr. M. Walker), $324,000
2009 to 2013 NIH grant for defining the mechanism of group A streptococcal switching to invasive disease. (V. Nizet PI and M. Walker Co-I), US$1,797,740
2009 to 2012 ID573401 NHMRC project grant, Role of bacteriophage-encoded streptodornase in invasive disease caused by diverse group A streptococcal M serotypes (M.J. Walker, V. Nizet), $792,500.
2010 to 2014 ID 565526 NHMRC Program grant, Pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of bacterial infectious diseases (J.C. Paton, M.P. Jennings, B. Kobe, A.G. McEwan, R. Morona, A.W. Paton, M.J. Walker), $9,070,000.
2009 to 2011 ARC discovery grant, Investigation of the surface of Gram-positive bacteria. (M.J. Walker, J.A. Aquilina), $170,000.
2009 ARC LIEF grant, Regional facility for real time analysis of molecular interactions (N.E. Dixon, G. Otting, P.M. Curmi, M.J. Walker, J.L. Beck, M. Ranson, J.A. Aquilina, M.R. Wilson, M.G. Casarotto, C. Freeman, C.R. Parish), $225,600. I helped write this facilities grant.
2009 ARC LIEF grant, Microbial and cellular imaging and analysis facility, (C.E. Whitchurch, E.J. Harry, M.R. Phillips, M.J. Ford, J.P. Dalton, P.J. Ralph, D.A. Doblin, N.C. Smith, N. Firth, J. Trewhella, G.C. Cox, F.C. Braet, D.A. Carter, T.P. Newsome, N.E. Dixon, M.J. Walker, J.M. Mackenzie, E. Hanssen, L. Tilley, J. Mak, R.M. Murphy, M.T. Ryan, D.G. Stephenson, D.L. Vaux, C. Tang, P.R. Fisher, A.R. Gendall, S.G. Crewther, T.A. Smith, R.M. Robins-Browne, E.L. Hartland), $750,000.
PATENTS
1991 High level expression of unfused Bordetella pertussis filamentous haemagglutinin for production of acellular and live oral vaccines against whooping cough (D4111531 A1 German patent application filed, PCT/EP92/00814 international patent filed, inventors Dr. M.J. Walker, Dr. C.A. Guzman and Prof. K.N. Timmis).
1991 High level expression of Bordetella pertussis pertussis holotoxin in Bvg-negative Bordetella bronchiseptica for production of acellular vaccines against whooping cough (D4113385 A1 German patent application filed, PCT/EP92/00910 international patent filed, inventors Dr. M.J. Walker, Prof. K.N. Timmis).
1992 Antigen-containing liposomes for oral immunization (D4136553 A1 German patent application filed, PCT/2729/59 international patent application filed, inventors Dr. M.J. Walker, Dr. H. Brahmbhatt, Dr. R.M. Brownlie, Prof. D.C. White, Dr. J. Wehland, M.W. Fountain, Dr. C. Guzman and Prof. K.N. Timmis).
1995 Vaccine for porcine enzootic pneumonia (Australian provisional patent application filed with F.B. Rice & Co., inventors Dr. M.J. Walker, P. Fagan, J. Wilton, Dr. S. Djordjevic, Dr. G. Eamens and Dr. J. Chin).
2000 Live vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica (28727AUP00 Australian provisional patent application filed with Baldwin Shelston Waters, inventors Dr. M.J. Walker, J. McArthur). Full patent not sought.
2007 Group A streptococcal pharmaceutical compositions and methods thereof. 2007904592 Australian Provisional Patent (filed 24th August 2007) Inventors: M.J. Walker, A. Henningham, J. Cole
2008 Group A streptococcal pharmaceutical compositions and methods thereof. 2008903129 Australian Provisional Patent (filed 19th June 2008) Inventors: M.J. Walker, A. Henningham, J. Cole
2008 Gram positive cocci pharmaceutical compositions and methods thereof. 2008903130 Australian Provisional Patent (filed 19th June 2008) Inventors: M.J. Walker, A. Henningham, J. Cole, A.D. Ogunniyi, V. Nizet, J.C. Paton
2008 Group A streptococcal pharmaceutical compositions and methods thereof. PCT/AU2008/0011236 Australian Patent (filed 22nd August 2008) Inventors: M.J. Walker, A. Henningham, J. Cole