Stefan Broer

Stefan Broer is a Professor in the Division of Biomedical Science & Biochemistry at The Australian National University (ANU). He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Düsseldorf and has held academic positions at the University of Tübingen (Germany), including Senior Lecturer in Physiology, before joining ANU in 2000. His research focuses on nutrient transport mechanisms, metabolic disorders, and cancer metabolism, with particular expertise in amino acid transporters and their roles in health and disease.

Education:

• Biochemistry studies at University of Tübingen (1981–1986)
• Masters in 1987
• PhD in 1991 (University of Düsseldorf)

Research interests include:

• Amino acid transport regulation in cells and tissues
• Metabolic pathways in diabetes and obesity
• Role of transporters in cancer cell survival
• Mechanisms of nutrient absorption in the gut

Recent work highlights include structural studies of amino acid transporters (e.g., Cryo-EM analysis of ACE2-SIT1 complexes), drug discovery targeting B0AT1 transporters, and studies on B0AT1-deficient mice models revealing improved glycaemic control. His research has been supported by 49 funded projects, including studies on hepatic amino acid transport and islet beta-cell function in diabetes.

Key collaborations involve structural biology (e.g., with Prof. Yan’s group), metabolic disease modeling, and drug development. Broer has contributed to international initiatives like the Concise Guide to Pharmacology and led ANU’s efforts in amino acid transport research.