Frank Clarke is a Professor of Biochemistry in the School of Natural Sciences. He is a biochemist with over 30 years of academic and research experience. Member of the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), AusBiotech, and the Australiasian Society for Free Radical Research.

Early research interest focused on macromolecular organisation of enzyme systems and cytoskeletal organisation and function. Another major research interest has been in reproductive biology/immunology concerned with the detection of very early pregnancy and understanding of the molecular events that allow for successful implantation of the embryo. The discovery of the involvement of the redox control protein thioredoxin in these systems has led to broader studies on the thioredoxin system and redox control of cellular and physiological processes. Together with Dr Kathryn Tonissen the Redox Control Group’s work encompasses research projects on redox control and oxidative stress in reproductive biology, immunology and cancer biology and the application of natural antioxidants systems in the brewing industry.

Osborne, S.A., Hawkes, H.J., Baldwin, B.L., Alexander, K.A., Svingen, T., Clarke, F.M. and Tonissen, K.F. (2006) The tert-butylhydroquinone mediated activation of the human thioredoxin gene reveals a novel promoter arrangement. Biochem. J. 398, 269-277. Vanderlie, J., Venardos, K., Clifton, V., Gude, N.M., Clarke, F.M. and Perkins, A.V. (2005) Increased biological oxidation and reduced anti-oxidant enzyme activity in pre-eclamptic placentae. Placenta 26: 53-58 Bloomfield, K.L., Osborne, S.A., Kennedy, D.D., Clarke, F.M. and Tonissen, K.F. (2003) Thioredoxin mediated redox control of the transcription factor Sp1 and regulation of the thioredoxin gene promoter. Gene 319, 107-116. Lincoln. D.T., Eli Emadi, E.M., Tonissen, K.F., and Clarke, F.M. (2003) The thioredoxin thioredoxin reductase system: over-expression in human cancer. Anticancer Res. 23, 2425-2434. Angelini, G., Gurdello, S., Ardy, M., Ciriolo, M., Di Trapani, G., Clarke, F., Sitia, R. and Rubatelli,A. (2002) Antigen presenting dendritic cells provide the reducing extracellular microenvironment required for T lymphocyte activation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 99: 1491-1496. Lopata, A., Sibson, M.C., Enders, A.C., Bloomfield, K.L., Gregory, M.S. DiTrapani, G., Perkins,A.V., Tonissen, K.F. and Clarke, F.M. (2001) Expression and localisation of thioredoxin during early implantation in the marmoset monkey. Mol Hum Reprod. 7: 1159-1165 Osborne, L.J., Tonissen, K.F., Tang, V.H.M. and Clarke, F.M. (2001) Expression of thioredoxin in mouse reproductive tissues during the oestrus cycle. Mol Reprod Dev. 58: 359 –367