Our Molecular Medicine research team aims to understand and improve the treatment for common chronic diseases. We focus on conditions that affect all ages and explore how the metabolic, immune and musculoskeletal systems interact to shape health outcomes.
Our research
We study the biology behind chronic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, asthma, heart disease, immune disorders and musculoskeletal injuries. We work with both laboratory models and large clinical studies to identify new treatment opportunities.
Research areas
Early life origins of immune disorders
Working through the Barwon Infant Study, we explore how early life exposures such as environment, diet and the microbiome shape immune health and contribute to asthma, allergies and other conditions.
Metabolism and metabolic diseases
Our research examines how the body’s organs interact in metabolic diseases. We study how issues in the heart, muscles, liver, gut and pancreas lead to conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. We also explore how these conditions increase the risk of serious complications, including heart and kidney disease.
Musculoskeletal health
We study what causes shoulder injuries at a molecular level and look for ways to improve surgery, recovery after joint replacement and prevent sports injuries.
Vision and eye health
Our research explores how environmental, developmental and systemic factors influence eye health across the lifespan. Our researchers study the causes of conditions like myopia, investigate the eye’s potential to reveal broader health issues, and develop tools for clinical education and practice.
Our approach
We collaborate with leading national and international research partners to expand the reach and impact of our research. Our clinician-researchers are also actively engaged in translating research into practical outcomes for patients and stakeholder groups.
This approach not only generates new knowledge, but also delivers real-world benefits for the community. Our research has contributed to the development of new drugs, the repurposing of existing treatments and the creation of more effective approaches to prevention and care.
Our research in action
Breakthroughs from our team have helped launch the biotechnology companies Prevetex, Imitex and Ambetex. These companies are developing novel therapies for food allergies and asthma, muscle and metabolic diseases and obesity related heart disease. Our researchers hold key scientific rolesin these companies, with much of their development work taking place in our laboratories at Deakin University and Barwon Health.
Our team
We are led by Professor Sean McGee and Associate Professor Kathryn Aston-Mourney. We work closely with Barwon Health and leading collaborators across Australia and internationally to ensure our research drives real-world impact.
Theme Leader
Professor Sean McGee is a leading expert in metabolic disease and the link between diet and chronic illness. He leads the theme’s focus on understanding how nutrition-related changes in metabolism drive conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Deputy Theme leader
Associate Professor Kathryn Aston-Mourney, a specialist in diabetes research and treatment. She plays a key leadership role in advancing the theme’s work on preventing and treating metabolic disorders.
