About
Biography
Scott’s research interests are focused on the molecular basis for chemical communication in various experimental organisms, with applications in the fields of ecology, aquaculture and health. Scott was awarded his PhD from Deakin University in Molecular Biology, then undertook postdoctoral research at The University of Texas Medical Branch and The University of Queensland. From 2012, Scott established the USC Molecular Communication group, who utilise various multi-omics approaches towards elucidation of:
- Neuropeptides that regulate changes in an animal’s physiology, including development, reproduction and regeneration;
- Protein toxins used for defence and prey capture;
- Protein pheromones used for conspecific communication, including attraction and aversion;
- Water-borne protein kairomones used for parasite host detection;
- Enzymes involved in small molecular natural product biosynthesis.
The research often integrates genomics, transcriptomics, proteomic and metabolomics through the latest next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry approaches. Organisms under investigation include marine sponges, jellyfish, myxozoans, flatworms, molluscs (e.g. abalone, oyster, land snail, freshwater snail, giant triton snail), crustaceans, starfish, sea cucumber, marine macroalgae and plants.
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Organisational Affiliations
Highlights - Outputs
Journal article
The crown-of-thorns starfish genome as a guide for biocontrol of this coral reef pest
Published 2017
Nature, 544, 7649, 231 - 234
The crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS, the Acanthaster planci species group) is a highly fecund predator of reef-building corals throughout the Indo-Pacific region1. COTS population outbreaks cause substantial loss of coral cover, diminishing the integrity and resilience of reef ecosystems2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Here we sequenced genomes of COTS from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia and Okinawa, Japan to identify gene products that underlie species-specific communication and could potentially be used in biocontrol strategies. We focused on water-borne chemical plumes released from aggregating COTS, which make the normally sedentary starfish become highly active. Peptide sequences detected in these plumes by mass spectrometry are encoded in the COTS genome and expressed in external tissues. The exoproteome released by aggregating COTS consists largely of signalling factors and hydrolytic enzymes, and includes an expanded and rapidly evolving set of starfish-specific ependymin-related proteins. These secreted proteins may be detected by members of a large family of olfactory-receptor-like G-protein-coupled receptors that are expressed externally, sometimes in a sex-specific manner. This study provides insights into COTS-specific communication that may guide the generation of peptide mimetics for use on reefs with COTS outbreaks.
Journal article
Whole genome analysis of a schistosomiasis-transmitting freshwater snail
Published 2017
Nature Communications, 8, 1 - 11
Biomphalaria snails are instrumental in transmission of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. With the World Health Organization's goal to eliminate schistosomiasis as a global health problem by 2025, there is now renewed emphasis on snail control. Here, we characterize the genome of Biomphalaria glabrata, a lophotrochozoan protostome, and provide timely and important information on snail biology. We describe aspects of phero-perception, stress responses, immune function and regulation of gene expression that support the persistence of B. glabrata in the field and may define this species as a suitable snail host for S. mansoni. We identify several potential targets for developing novel control measures aimed at reducing snail-mediated transmission of schistosomiasis.
Highlights - Grants
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