David Bersten

Dr. David Bersten is a Grant-Funded Researcher (B) in the School of Biomedicine at the University of Adelaide, part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. His research focuses on transcription factor regulation, particularly bHLH-PAS proteins, and their roles in the central nervous system (CNS), metabolism, and genetic disorders. Key areas include defining target gene selection rules for transcription factors, neuronal activity control via NPAS proteins, hypothalamic regulation of appetite, and GABA receptor function. He employs molecular techniques and mouse models to study gene regulation in response to hypoxia, neuronal activity, and metabolic stimuli.

Research Interests:

• Transcription factor mechanisms (e.g., NPAS1, NPAS3, NPAS4, SIM1, OTP)
• CNS development and function, including excitatory/inhibitory neuron balance
• Metabolic disorders and hypothalamic control of appetite
• GABAergic signaling and miRNA roles in neuronal subtypes

Advising & Supervision: Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD students in molecular biology, neuroscience, and genetics.