Pranesh Padmanabhan

Dr. Pranesh Padmanabhan, a Senior Research Fellow and NHMRC Emerging Leadership (Level 2) Fellow at the University of Queensland, leads the Molecular and Systems Medicine Group within the School of Biomedical Sciences and Queensland Brain Institute. His interdisciplinary research combines computational modeling with advanced molecular imaging to investigate mechanisms underlying infectious and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer's and hepatitis C virus (HCV) pathogenesis.

His research spans:

• Development of mathematical models for viral kinetics and host-pathogen interactions
• Single-molecule imaging of synaptic vesicle recycling and Tau protein dynamics
• Ultrasound neuromodulation strategies for neurodegenerative disease treatment
• Systems medicine approaches to proteostasis in dementia

Since 2015, his work has resulted in 35+ journal articles across top-tier journals like Nature Communications, PNAS, and eLife, alongside 3 book chapters. His publications reveal expertise in computational virology, synaptic nanoscience, and ultrasound-based therapeutics. Current research focuses on the Fyn-STEP-Tau axis in synaptic plasticity (ARC Discovery Grant 2024-2027) and Alzheimer's pathomechanisms (NHMRC Investigator Grant 2024-2029).

Notable contributions include:

• 2011 Kuloor Memorial Medal for HCV research
• 2020 book chapter on viral bistability mechanisms
• 2024 leadership in Alzheimer's ultrasound therapy studies

He supervises PhD students investigating ultrasound bioeffects and Alzheimer's pathogenesis, with past trainees including Dr. Gerhard Leinenga and Dr. Juan Polanco. Collaborations span Profs. Jürgen Götz, Geoffrey Goodhill, and Frédéric Meunier's laboratories.