Claire Allan

Claire Allan is a Research Fellow in Microbiology at La Trobe University's School of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology. She is a cell molecular biologist specializing in mitochondrial function, calcium signaling, and cellular stress in neurodegenerative and chronic diseases, with particular focus on Parkinson's Disease, FXTAS, and ME/CFS.

Her research interests center on identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these conditions. Dr. Allan's work has contributed to key discoveries including mitochondrial hyperactivity in Parkinson's Disease and metabolic dysfunction in ME/CFS. She has secured major funding from the MJ Fox Foundation and The Mason Foundation for her research on diagnostic blood tests for ME/CFS.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on mitochondrial dysfunction across multiple disease models, particularly using lymphoblasts as cellular models for studying ME/CFS, Parkinson's Disease, and FXTAS. Her work consistently explores the intersection of cellular metabolism, signaling pathways (particularly AMPK and TORC1), and disease pathology.

Scientific Recognition:

• Major funding from the MJ Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research
• The Mason Foundation ME/CFS Research Grant (2023-2027) for developing diagnostic blood tests

Dr. Allan is actively involved in developing a potential blood-based biomarker for ME/CFS which could transform diagnosis and treatment for thousands of patients. Her current funded research project 'Diagnostic blood tests for ME/CFS (and Long COVID)' runs from January 2024 to January 2027. She utilizes various model systems including Dictyostelium discoideum to investigate cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative and chronic diseases.