Alex Combes

Dr. Alex Combes is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology at Monash University's Biomedicine Discovery Institute. He leads the Combes Laboratory, which focuses on kidney development and disease, and is actively accepting PhD students for research projects in bioinformatics, bioengineering, developmental biology, single cell genomics, advanced imaging, and stem cell differentiation.

Dr. Combes' educational background includes:

• PhD in Molecular Genetics and Development from the University of Queensland
• BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Queensland

Dr. Combes' research focuses on understanding kidney development and disease through innovative approaches. His laboratory employs single cell sequencing, 3D imaging, and molecular genetics to investigate tissue formation during development and how disruptions in developmental programs can cause or contribute to disease. Key research areas include kidney organoid development, progenitor cell maintenance and differentiation, and the impact of cell migration on cell fate decisions. This work has significant implications for diagnostics, disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine applications.

Analysis of Dr. Combes' publication history reveals a strong focus on kidney development and disease mechanisms. His research increasingly incorporates single-cell genomic approaches to understand cellular heterogeneity and signaling pathways during organogenesis. There's a clear trajectory toward translational applications, particularly in using stem cell-derived kidney organoids for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.

Scientific recognition includes:

• ARC DECRA fellowship (2015)

Dr. Combes serves as Primary Chief Investigator for multiple active research projects, including 'Scalable lentiviral screening of variants associated with kidney disease' and 'Imaging mammalian organogenesis with adaptive optics.' He also contributes as an Associate Investigator on collaborative projects related to nephron development and cardiovascular disease. His laboratory provides mentorship for postgraduate research students working on projects spanning bioinformatics, bioengineering, developmental biology, single cell genomics, advanced imaging, and stem cell differentiation.

The Combes Laboratory is part of the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology at Monash University, collaborating extensively with researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute and other international institutions. The lab maintains strong connections with the broader kidney research community and participates in multi-institutional projects addressing congenital kidney diseases and regenerative medicine approaches.