Molecular impact of extreme heat on lung disease

• PhD

Climate change has enhanced the number and duration of heatwaves globally, causing acute challenges to human health. We are interested in the long-term impacts of extreme heat upon respiratory disease, which are epidemiologically linked with worsened asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and increased respiratory infections.

The cell types in the lung that are impacted and the molecular mechanisms driving their dysfunction are unknown.

This project addresses how a period of extreme heat alters the composition and function of lung cells, using techniques such as in vivo modeling, 3D organoid assays and flow cytometry.

The Weeden lab is located with the Personalised Oncology Division and is dedicated to understanding the cellular and molecular impact of a changing climate upon respiratory health.

We have used multi-disciplinary techniques to make fundamental discoveries revealing how the inhaled environment reprograms lung epithelial cells for cancerous fates (Weeden, PLOS Biology 2017, Weeden, Cancer Cell 2023), with the overarching goal of translating these findings to predict risk of respiratory disease and novel prevention strategies (Weeden*, Hill*, Cell 2023).

We collaborate throughout WEHI, ensuring a diverse range of expertise to support our team’s growth. We are a newly established laboratory group seeking curious, collaborative and thoughtful team members, and encourage students of all backgrounds to apply.