JCU > Research Portfolio > A/Prof Patrick Schaeffer

About

Research Overview

The study of macromolecular interactions

The group combines expertise in the functional and structural characterization of proteins and is particularly interested in the study of essential protein–ligand interactions. Proteins of interest to the group include: essential DNA replication proteins, transcription factors and metabolic enzymes of bacteria causing melioidosis and tuberculosis; and the nucleoproteins and replication proteins from influenza, Ebola and dengue viruses.

Drug discovery

This program is in full swing and builds on recent successes in the development of innovative high-throughput assays using the principle of high-throughput differential scanning fluorimetry of GFP-tagged proteins. The group is interested in the identification of drug leads and their mechanisms of action. Diseases of particular interest to the group include: dengue, melioidosis, Ebola and influenza.

Development of ultrasensitive immunodiagnostics

This program involves the discovery of new biomarkers and the development of innovative diagnostic platforms. The group’s successes include the development of the TT-lock Immuno-PCR platform and its application for the diagnosis of melioidosis as well as a sensitive assay to detect the presence of the influenza nucleoprotein. Diseases of particular interest to the group include malaria, dengue, melioidosis, Ebola and allergies.

Development of bio- and nanotechnologies

The group has a long-standing interest and track-record in developing innovative technologies with a focus on biomolecular recognition and self-assembly, and their applications.

Expertise

Protein Biochemistry; DNA replication; Protein-ligand interactions; Immuno-PCR diagnostics; Surface Plasmon Resonance; Protein unfolding and aggregation; Drug targets; High-throughput biotechnologies: GFP

Teaching

BC2023: Molecular Genetics (Level 2; TSV)
BC3102: Molecular Basis of Disease (Level 3; TSV)
BC3201: Bioengineering (Level 3; TSV)
BC3202: Special Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Level 3; TSV)
BC5102: Advanced Molecular Basis of Disease (Level 5; TSV)
BC5201: Advanced Bioengineering (Level 5; TSV)
BC5202: Advanced Laboratory Practice in Molecular and Cell Biology (Level 5; TSV)
BC5312: Research and Dissertation in Molecular and Cell Biology (Level 5; TSV)

Research Disciplines

Socio-Economic Objectives

Publications

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles

Askin S, Bond T and Schaeffer P (2016) Green fluorescent protein-based assays for high-throughput functional characterization and ligand-binding studies of biotin protein ligase. Analytical Methods, 8 (2). pp. 418-424
Sorenson A, Askin S and Schaeffer P (2015) In-gel detection of biotin–protein conjugates with a green fluorescent streptavidin probe. Analytical Methods, 7. pp. 2087-2092
Johnston E, Kamath S, Lopata A and Schaeffer P (2014) Tus-Ter-lock immuno-PCR assays for the sensitive detection of tropomyosin-specific IgE antibodies. Bioanalysis, 6 (4). pp. 465-476
Antony H and Schaeffer P (2013) A GFP-tagged nucleoprotein-based aggregation assay for anti-influenza drug discovery and antibody development. The Analyst, 138 (20). pp. 6073-6080
Cooper A, Williams N, Morris J, Norton R, Ketheesan N and Schaeffer P (2013) ELISA and immuno–polymerase chain reaction assays for the sensitive detection of melioidosis. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 75 (2). pp. 135-138
Moreau M and Schaeffer P (2013) Dissecting the salt dependence of the Tus-Ter protein-DNA complexes by high-throughput differential scanning fluorimetry of a GFP-tagged Tus. Molecular BioSystems, 9 (12). pp. 3146-3154
Sorenson A, Williams N, Morris J, Ketheesan N, Norton R and Schaeffer P (2013) Improved diagnosis of melioidosis using a 2-dimensional immunoarray. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 77 (3). pp. 209-215
Askin S and Schaeffer P (2012) A universal immuno-PCR platform for comparative and ultrasensitive quantification of dual affinity-tagged proteins in complex matrices. Analyst, 137 (22). pp. 5193-5196
Moreau M, Morin I, Askin S, Cooper A, Moreland N, Vasudevan S and Schaeffer P (2012) Rapid determination of protein stability and ligand binding by differential scanning fluorimetry of GFP-tagged proteins. RSC Advances, 2 (31). pp. 11892-11900
Moreau M and Schaeffer P (2012) Differential Tus–Ter binding and lock formation: implications for DNA replication termination in Escherichia coli. Molecular BioSystems, 8 (10). pp. 2783-2791
Moreau M and Schaeffer P (2012) A polyplex qPCR-based binding assay for protein–DNA interactions. Analyst, 137. pp. 4111-4113
Morin I and Schaeffer P (2012) Combining RNA-DNA swapping and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the detection of influenza A nucleoprotein. Analytical Biochemistry, 420 (2). pp. 121-126

More: ResearchOnline@JCU stores 30+ research outputs authored by A/Prof Patrick Schaeffer from 2005 onwards.

Current Funding

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.

Australian Research Council - Linkage - Infrastructure (L-IEF)

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance facility for Northern Australia

Indicative Funding: $270,000 , in partnership with the Charles Darwin University ($35,000)
Summary: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a fundamentally and critically important technique in the characterisation of organic, inorganic and biological compounds. The purchase of a state-of-the-art instrument at James Cook University and a lower resolution instrument at Charles Darwin University are required to support productive existing research projects, and nurture future projects, in organometallic chemistry and the development of new materials and analytical sensors; organic photochemistry as applied in synthesis and degradation; natural products, pharmaceutical, inorganic chemistry, where multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance is most important and applicable in drug design, development and delivery.
Investigators: Peter Junk, Michael Oelgemoeller, George Vamvounis, Rosalie Hocking, Patrick Schaeffer, Martin Boland, Vinuthaa Murthy, Yean Yeow Tan, Hao Wang and Yasmin Antwertinger (College of Science & Engineering, College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences and Charles Darwin University)
Keywords: NMR Spectroscopy; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry

Supervision

Advisory Accreditation: I can be on your Advisory Panel as a Primary or Secondary Advisor.

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Current

Studies in the Ecology and Biocontrol of Burkholderia Pseudomallei (PhD , Associate Advisor)
Ectoine Gene Cassette Transformation into Cyanobacteria/Microalgae for the Improvement of Salinity and Temperature Resilience. (PhD , Secondary Advisor)

Completed