A scientist from the University of WA says he is humbled to be awarded the Prime Minister’s prize for life science.
Professor Ryan Lister researches epigenomes – the chemical compounds surrounding DNA – and is one of six people to receive a prize for science from Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Canberra.
Professor Lister has mapped how genes are turned on and off, revealing why a leaf cell is different to a root cell or a stem cell different from a skin cell.
He said he hoped his research could be used to improve the understanding of the human brain, transform stem-cell medicine and advance agriculture.
“We need to be able to understand how the different cell types of our bodies form and how they form in healthy states, so that we can understand why they might be disturbed in various disease states,” Professor Lister said.
He said the epigenome played a pivotal role in normal development and disease or stress states in humans, animals and plants.
“What we’ve been able to do is create the first maps of how the brain epigenome changes during development,” he said.
“What this will allow us to do in the future is to look at a range of neurological disorders to see whether these chemical signposts added to the DNA are changed or disturbed or altered within these various disease states.
“We’re also researching how the epigenome might affect plant development and the growth and health of crops.
“What we’re looking at is whether environmental stresses or challenges such as drought, high temperature or salinity might be remembered by a plant so that they subsequently respond differently when they perceive that stress a second time.”
Professor Lister said he was honoured to win the award.
“It’s a great honour to win the prize,” he said.
“I think it’s really humbling to be named alongside the other recipients of this award.
“It’s really nice to be recognised for the work we’ve done, that includes the work of my colleagues.
“What it also provides is an opportunity to reach out and show some of the exciting work and science that’s going on these days.”