Microbiome, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation | Drug Discovery |
Our research focuses on uncovering causes and developing treatments for gut and bladder diseases. For gut research, we study diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease using human specimens, supported by a unique tissue bank from colorectal surgery collaborations. This enables us to explore disease mechanisms and test new drugs. In bladder research, we use porcine models to study cystitis, highlighting the role of P2X7 receptors in inflammation and their therapeutic potential. With urinary tract infections (UTIs) becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant, we aim to discover non-antibiotic treatments to manage and prevent these highly prevalent infections.
Current projects
Non-antibiotic Management of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Non-antibiotic management of UTIs is essential due to antibiotic resistance. Alternatives like cranberry, D-mannose, and intravesical glycosaminoglycans may reduce symptoms and recurrence. Using MDCK cells and porcine bladder models, we will study their effects on E. coli-induced damage, cytokine production, cell viability, oxidative stress, and PD-L1/PD-L2 expression.
Mas-related G Protein-coupled Receptors in the Human Colon and Bladder
Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors (MRGPRs) are a newly discovered family of GPCRs involved in pain and inflammation. We found MRGPR subfamilies D, F, and X2 in the human colon, with distinct profiles in inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and slow transit constipation, suggesting roles in inflammation and motility. Further research is needed on MRGPR expression in neuronal and immune cells and their role in colonic motor functions. Profiling MRGPRs in the bladder will address the knowledge gap in the urinary tract.
Highlighted publications
- Hawker P; Zhang L; Liu L,Ìý2023,Ìý'Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors in gastrointestinal dysfunction and inflammatory bowel disease: A review',ÌýBritish Journal of Pharmacology,Ìý
- Konesan J; Wang J; Moore KH; Mansfield KJ; Liu L, 2023, 'Cranberry, but not D-mannose and ibuprofen, prevents against uropathogenic Escherichia coli-induced cell damage and cell death in MDCK cells', Frontiers in Microbiology, 14,
- Diezmos EF; Bertrand PP; Liu L, 2016, 'Purinergic signaling in gut inflammation: The role of connexins and pannexins', Frontiers in Neuroscience, 10,
- Liu L; Mansfield KJ; Kristiana I; Vaux K; Millard RJ; Burcher EF,Ìý2007,Ìý'The molecular basis of urgency: Regional difference of vanilloid receptor expression in the human urinary bladder',ÌýNeurourology and Urodynamics,Ìý26,Ìýpp. 433 – 438.
- Mansfield KJ; Liu L; Mitchelson F; Moore CH; Millard RJ; Burcher EF,Ìý2005,Ìý'Muscarinic receptor subtypes in human bladder detrusor and mucosa, studied by radioligand binding and quantitative competitive RT-PCR: changes in ageing',ÌýBritish Journal of Pharmacology,Ìý144,Ìýpp. 1089 – 1099.
Our experts
Associate Professor Lu Liu - Group Leader
A/Professor Liu's research focuses on gastrointestinal and urinary bladder diseases, with 25 years of experience in inflammatory bowel disease, slow transit constipation, and diverticular disease. Her interests now include bladder urothelium function, overactive bladder, and urinary tract infections. Dr. Liu completed her PhD in Pharmacology at Monash University in 1998, earning the Mollie Holman Medal. She worked as a postdoc at UNSW from 1998 to 2005, receiving multiple research awards. Since 2006, she has held academic positions at UNSW, continuing her research and being actively involved in science and medicine teaching. She has secured over $3 million in research funding and has numerous collaborations and publications.
Team members
- Ms Irit MarkusÂ
- Prof Elizabeth Burcher (conjoint)
Collaborators
- Prof Kylie Mansfield (University of Wollongong)
- Prof Kate Moore (St George Hospital)
- Dr Zhuoran Chen (St George Hospital)
Students
- Jenane Konesan (PhD)
- Christopher Yuwono (PhD, co-supervision)
- Sarah Chong (PhD, co-supervision)
- Samuel Bang (PhD, co-supervision)
Research Theme