Brett Collins

Professor Brett Collins is a Group Leader at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) and Director of the Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease at the University of Queensland. His research focuses on membrane trafficking mechanisms, particularly protein structures and their roles in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryoEM, and NMR, his lab investigates endosomal sorting, caveola formation, and Retromer/Commander complexes. Key projects include developing synthetic nanobodies for structural studies and exploring therapeutic targets for diseases linked to membrane trafficking defects.

Collins holds an NHMRC Leadership Fellowship and leads a collaborative team of researchers and students. His work bridges structural biology with cellular validation, emphasizing translational applications for drug design. Recent studies highlight discoveries in lipid regulation of caveolae, RAB GTPase interactions with Retromer, and molecular mechanisms underlying oculocutaneous albinism. His lab also investigates SNARE proteins’ roles in neurosecretion and cavin proteins’ roles in muscle T-tubule stability.

Scientific awards include the NHMRC Leadership Fellowship. Students under his supervision explore topics like endosomal homeostasis, caveola biogenesis, and neurodegenerative pathways. Collaborations span global cell biology labs to integrate experimental and structural approaches, driving insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.